Supplementation of calves with stabilized orthosilicic acid

The bioavailability of silicon in stabilized orthosilicic acid was investigated in a double blind, placebo controlled supplementation study of calves maintained on a normal diet. The total dietary Si intake was increased by 4.9% in the form of stabilized orthosilicic acid. After 23 wk of Si supplementation, the serum Si concentration increased (p=0.0001,n=29) by 70% compared to control animals in spite of the low Si dose administered and the Si adequate diet. The individually administered Si dose was significantly associated with the serum Si concentration (r=0.44,p=0.016,n=29). The collagen concentration in dermis was significantly higher (p=0.019,n=4) in the Si group and a positive correlation (r=0.72,p=0.018,n=9) was found between the Si concentration in serum and the collagen concentration in cartilage. The calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) concentrations in serum were marginally higher for animals supplemented with Si compared to control animals. In serum, a significant linear relationship was found between the Si and the Ca concentration (r=0.31,p=0.019,n=59), whereas the magnesium concentration correlated marginally with the Si concentration (r=0.25,p=0.068,n=59). In summary, increasing the total dietary Si intake by 4.9% in the form of stabilized orthosilicic acid resulted in a 70% higher Si concentration in serum indicating a high bioavailability of Si in this supplement. The positive correlation between the serum Si concentration and the collagen concentration in cartilage and the serum Ca concentration, respectively, suggest the involvement of Si both in the formation of extracellular matrix components and in Ca metabolism.