Silica in Drinking Water: Benefits & Recommended Levels
Natural mineral, aids skin health
Optimal Min in Water
10
Optimal Max in Water
30
Unit
mg/L
Symbol
SiO2
Who Limit
None
5 min read
Overview of Silica in Drinking Water
What it is: Silica (SiO₂) is silicon dioxide dissolved in water. It's the second most abundant element in Earth's crust and an emerging area of interest for its potential health benefits.
Why it matters: Silica supports collagen production, benefiting skin elasticity, hair strength, nail health, and bone density. Some research suggests it may help the body excrete aluminum, potentially reducing Alzheimer's risk.
Natural sources: Dissolves from quartz, sand, and silicate minerals. Volcanic and geothermal waters are particularly silica-rich—famous examples include Fiji Water (93 mg/L) and Icelandic glacial sources.
Optimal range (10–30 mg/L): Provides potential health benefits while maintaining pleasant taste. Most natural spring waters contain some silica. Higher levels are not harmful and may offer additional benefits.
Too high (>100 mg/L): No health concerns even at high levels—silica is not toxic. However, very high concentrations can cause scaling in pipes and water heaters. Industrial concern rather than health issue.
Beauty water trend: High-silica waters are marketed for skin and hair benefits. While more research is needed, silica-rich water from volcanic regions has been consumed safely for centuries.
