Silica Complex
NOW
Score 80
This silica complex combines Horsetail extract with several chelated minerals like Calcium, Zinc, Manganese, and Boron to support hair, nail, bone, and joint health in a convenient multi-ingredient supplement.
Score 80
This silica complex combines Horsetail extract with several chelated minerals like Calcium, Zinc, Manganese, and Boron to support hair, nail, bone, and joint health in a convenient multi-ingredient supplement.
Analysis
The NOW Silica Complex is designed to provide comprehensive mineral support, primarily focusing on silica sourced from Horsetail extract. Silica is an important trace mineral often associated with the structural integrity of connective tissues, hair, skin, and nails. This product delivers a substantial 575mg of Horsetail extract, which serves as its main silica component.
Beyond silica, the complex includes several complementary minerals like Calcium (as Citrate), Zinc (as Amino Acid Chelate), Manganese (as Amino Acid Chelate), and Boron (as Amino Acid Chelate). These chelated forms are generally considered beneficial for absorption. This blend aims to work synergistically, supporting various aspects of general health, including bone density, joint flexibility, and hormonal balance.
The inclusion of multiple minerals alongside the primary silica source makes this a multi-faceted supplement for those looking for broad-spectrum support. It can be a convenient option for individuals seeking to bolster their intake of these specific trace minerals and silica within a single tablet form.
Pros
- Offers a multi-mineral and botanical blend for broad support.
- Uses generally well-regarded forms for minerals like calcium citrate and amino acid chelates.
- Provides a high quantity of 180 servings per bottle, offering good longevity.
- Specifically targets multiple health goals including hair, nails, bones, and joints.
Cons
- The calcium dosage (50mg) is relatively low for individuals seeking primary bone density support.
- The specific silica content or standardization of the horsetail extract is not explicitly stated.
- Bentonite mineral powder is included, which may not be a common or clear ingredient for all users.
Warnings
- Horsetail contains naturally occurring thiaminase, which may affect thiamine (Vitamin B1) levels, especially with long-term, consistent use.
- Individuals taking medications or with existing health conditions should consult a healthcare professional before use.
- Some people may experience mild digestive upset when first introducing new mineral supplements.
$18.99($0.10 per serving)
 Vitacost | $ 18.99 | |
 Daily Vita | $ 19.10 | |
 Pure Formulas | $ 19.63 |
Goals
Impact
Highest effect
Silica, derived from horsetail, is a key component often sought after for its potential to support hair strength and shine. Zinc also contributes to healthy hair follicles, making this a good blend for hair support.
Impact
Highest effect
Similar to hair, silica is frequently chosen to help support the strength and appearance of nails, potentially reducing brittleness. Zinc is also a beneficial mineral for nail integrity and growth.
Impact
High effect
This complex offers several minerals like calcium, manganese, boron, and zinc, alongside silica from horsetail, which can contribute to bone mineral density and strength. While it contains calcium, the dosage is supplementary rather than a primary source for significant bone building on its own.
Impact
High effect
This complex provides several essential trace minerals and a good source of silica, which can contribute to various metabolic processes and overall well-being. It aims to fill common dietary gaps in mineral intake for general bodily functions.
Impact
High effect
The inclusion of silica and manganese may help support the structural integrity of connective tissues found in joints. These ingredients are often considered for their potential role in maintaining joint flexibility and comfort.
Impact
High effect
By supporting the health of skin, hair, and nails, and contributing to bone and joint maintenance, this product offers broad support for age-related bodily functions. The combined minerals and silica can contribute to overall cellular health and appearance.
Impact
High effect
Zinc and boron are included, both of which are minerals that may play a role in hormone balance, including testosterone production. However, it's not primarily formulated as a dedicated testosterone support product, and the dosages are supportive rather than high-dose.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
Calcium | 50 mg |
Zinc | 5 mg |
Manganese | 2 mg |
Horsetail extract | 575 mg |
Bentonite mineral powder | 10 mg |
Boron | 1 mg |
Horsetail 85
Horsetail extract is included as a primary source of naturally occurring silica, an important trace mineral for connective tissues. The 575mg dose is a significant amount to provide this botanical benefit.
Manganese 80
The product includes manganese in an amino acid chelate form, which is generally considered to be well-absorbed by the body. The 2mg dose is a useful supplementary amount for many individuals.
Boron 80
Boron is provided as an amino acid chelate, a form often chosen for its bioavailability. The 1mg dose is a typical amount found in supplements aiming to support mineral metabolism and bone health.
Alternative products
88 Value 
Chelated Manganese
Solgar
This supplement offers an exceptionally high score for manganese at a lower price per serving than your current product. Manganese is vital for bone development, joint health, and a range of metabolic processes, making this a focused and efficient choice for those specific needs.
83 Value 
Chelated Manganese 20 mg
Carlson
For the same price per serving as your current Silica Complex, this alternative provides a significantly higher dose of manganese (20mg vs 2mg) in a well-regarded chelated form. It's a great value if you're looking to boost your manganese intake for bone and joint support.
85 Value 
Triple Boron 3 mg
Source Naturals
Offering a comprehensive boron complex at a much lower cost per serving and a higher overall score, this is an excellent value if you're looking to support bone health, testosterone levels, and mineral balance. It provides boron in multiple forms for broad support.
88 Performance 
Extreme Joint Care
NutraBio
For a more comprehensive approach to joint health, this product offers a robust blend that includes not only manganese and boron but also horsetail (for silica), along with other well-known joint support ingredients. It may contribute to overall joint comfort and function, as well as supporting bone health and general well-being.
85 Performance 
Calcium & Magnesium Orange Cream Flavor
Liquid Health
If bone health is a significant focus, this liquid formula delivers a powerful combination of highly absorbable calcium and magnesium, enhanced with vitamin D3, boron, manganese, and a natural silica blend. This blend can contribute to stronger bones and also supports overall mineral balance.
85 Performance 
Osteo-Nutrients (with Vitamin K2-7)
Vital Nutrients
This alternative provides an excellent foundation for bone health, featuring ample calcium and magnesium, along with vitamins D3 and K2-7 which are often considered important for calcium metabolism. It also includes horsetail, which supports silica intake for bone and connective tissue.
84 Budget 
Manganese 10 mg
Source Naturals
If your primary goal is to support bone and joint health with manganese, this alternative offers a higher dose (10mg vs 2mg) in a well-absorbed chelated form, at a significantly lower cost per serving than your current Silica Complex.
85 Budget 
Boron 6 mg
Swanson Ultra
For those looking to focus on boron's contributions to bone health and testosterone support, this product provides a substantial 6mg dose of well-regarded chelated boron at a very economical price per serving, making it a great focused alternative.
76 Budget 
Horsetail Grass 440 mg
Nature's Way
To specifically support hair, nail, and bone health through silica from horsetail, this option offers a good amount of horsetail extract for a lower cost per serving compared to your current complex. It's a straightforward way to get your horsetail.
88 Value
Chelated Manganese
Solgar
This supplement offers an exceptionally high score for manganese at a lower price per serving than your current product. Manganese is vital for bone development, joint health, and a range of metabolic processes, making this a focused and efficient choice for those specific needs.
83 Value
Chelated Manganese 20 mg
Carlson
For the same price per serving as your current Silica Complex, this alternative provides a significantly higher dose of manganese (20mg vs 2mg) in a well-regarded chelated form. It's a great value if you're looking to boost your manganese intake for bone and joint support.
85 Value
Triple Boron 3 mg
Source Naturals
Offering a comprehensive boron complex at a much lower cost per serving and a higher overall score, this is an excellent value if you're looking to support bone health, testosterone levels, and mineral balance. It provides boron in multiple forms for broad support.
88 Performance
Extreme Joint Care
NutraBio
For a more comprehensive approach to joint health, this product offers a robust blend that includes not only manganese and boron but also horsetail (for silica), along with other well-known joint support ingredients. It may contribute to overall joint comfort and function, as well as supporting bone health and general well-being.
85 Performance
Calcium & Magnesium Orange Cream Flavor
Liquid Health
If bone health is a significant focus, this liquid formula delivers a powerful combination of highly absorbable calcium and magnesium, enhanced with vitamin D3, boron, manganese, and a natural silica blend. This blend can contribute to stronger bones and also supports overall mineral balance.
85 Performance
Osteo-Nutrients (with Vitamin K2-7)
Vital Nutrients
This alternative provides an excellent foundation for bone health, featuring ample calcium and magnesium, along with vitamins D3 and K2-7 which are often considered important for calcium metabolism. It also includes horsetail, which supports silica intake for bone and connective tissue.