Silica is a mineral. A high concentration of silica in drinking water seems to protect against Alzheimer's disease. For more research in this area, consider signing up to a free email Newsletter. Silica gel is found in simethicone.

Silica (silicon dioxide) occurs in crystalline and amorphous forms. Of the several crystalline polymorphs of silica found in nature, quartz is by far the most common, being abundant in most rock types. Silica occurs commonly in nature as sandstone, silica sand or quartzite. It is the starting material for the production of silicate glasses and ceramics. Silica is one of the most abundant oxide materials in the earth's crust.

Silica disease
More than one million U.S. workers are exposed to inhaled crystalline silica in a variety of industries and occupations, including construction, sandblasting, and mining. Silicosis, an irreversible but preventable disease, is the illness most closely associated with occupational exposure to the material, which also is known as silica dust. Occupational exposures to inhaled crystalline silica are associated with the development of silicosis, lung cancer, pulmonary tuberculosis, and airways diseases. These exposures may also be related to the development of autoimmune disorders, chronic renal disease, and other adverse health effects.

Silica Exposure and Lupus
Epidemiologic studies have demonstrated moderate to strong associations between occupational silica exposure and SLE. Recent experimental studies of silica in lupus-prone mice provide support for the idea that, in addition to its known adjuvant effect, silica exposure increases the generation of apoptotic material, an important source of self-antigen.

Silica hydride
Silica hydride appears to have good antioxidant properties, but so do hundreds of other nutrients and herbs. The role of silica hydride in terms of adding to one's supplementation program is not clear since there are already so many other antioxidants to choose from.

Effects of microhydrin supplementation on endurance performance and metabolism in well-trained cyclists.
Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab. 2004 Oct;14(5):560-73. Dept of Human Biology and Nutritional Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada N1G 2W1.
This study investigated whether the supplement Microhydrin contains silica hydride bonds (Si-H) and if Microhydrin supplementation increased performance or altered metabolism compared to placebo during prolonged endurance cycling. Seven endurance-trained male cyclists consumed 9.6 g of Microhydrin or placebo over 48 h in a randomized, double-blind, crossover design. The results indicate that oral Microhydrin supplementation does not enhance cycling time trial performance or alter metabolism during prolonged submaximal exercise in endurance-trained cyclists.

Evaluation of hydroxyl radical-scavenging abilities of silica hydride, an antioxidant compound, by a Fe2+-EDTA-induced 2-hydroxyterephthalate fluorometric analysis.
J Med Food. 2003 Fall;6(3):249-53. Stephanson CJ, Stephanson AM, Flanagan GP. Flantech Group, Watsonville, California 95076, USA.
The hydroxyl radical scavenging capacity and efficacy of a novel organosiliceous anionic hydride compound, silica hydride, were quantified by a recently developed method. The method measures a direct relationship between the hydroxyl radical scavenging capability of the silica hydride antioxidant compound and the linear decrease in signal from a fluorescent 2-hydroxyterephthalate product created by reacting an Fe(2+)-EDTA complex in the presence of a potential radical scavenger.

Antioxidant capability and efficacy of Mega-H silica hydride, an antioxidant dietary supplement, by in vitro cellular analysis using photosensitization and fluorescence detection.
J Med Food. 2002 Spring;5(1):9-16. Stephanson CJ, Stephanson AM, Flanagan GP. Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA.
Treatment of Chinese hamster ovary and mouse hybridoma cells with Mega-H brand silica hydride, a marketed antioxidant, after photosensitization with singlet oxygen and hydroxyl/superoxide reactive oxygen species through the use of rose bengal diacetate and malachite green resulted in an effective method of reducing free radical activity by more than 96% against singlet oxygen species and more than 86% for hydroxyl and superoxide free radicals with the dosage recommended by the manufacturer. The reduction of the introduced free radicals and singlet oxygen species and the consequent high levels of cell viability may be the result of effective and efficient antioxidant and radical scavenging properties of silica hydride.

Silica hydride emails
Q. Please tell me if silica hydride is really the magic formula they are saying it is.
   A. Little human research is available with silica hydride, it appears to have antioxidant properties but so do a lot of other supplements. At this time it is better to stick with the true and tested antioxidants such as lipoic acid and others.