Silicium dioxide colloidal. What is it, instructions for use, harm, benefit, where to buy, price

Among the chemicals, which are used in completely different industrial areas, it is worth noting silicon dioxide. This compound comes in several forms. For example, colloidal silica is used in the manufacture of medicines, cosmetics and food products.

Chemical name and properties

Silicon dioxide (dioxide) has many names. These are plastic compounds composed of transparent crystals. In their natural environment, they are represented by such minerals as agate, rock crystal, pure quartz, chalcedony, amethyst, topaz.

At elevated temperatures, crystalline substances transform into coesites and stishovites - compounds that are part of the chemical composition of the earth's crust and mantle. Silicon oxides are present in the lithosphere and human blood plasma with a concentration of about 0.001%.

The most famous type of silicon dioxide is quartz glass, which melts at a temperature of at least 1610 ° C. In addition to colloidal and crystalline, a group of amorphous silicon compounds is often found in nature. We are talking about sediments from the remains of the simplest fauna and flora of the seabed (ciliates, diatoms, radiolarians).

Colloidal silicon dioxide is a complex structure of increased hardness, resistant to the influence of most simple acids and oxygen atoms. Silicas do not dissolve in water and have dielectric properties, but they can change their density when interacting with alkalis. These are refractory and solid colorless crystals that are not conductors of electric charge.

Unlike other forms, colloidal silicon dioxide belongs to the hydroxyl group of substances. This element attracts microscopic pathogenic organisms and their waste products, allergens, toxins. When using silicon dioxide as an oral medicine, natural digestive processes are not disturbed, the intestinal flora remains unchanged.

This substance is included in the composition of various medicines due to a whole range of physical and chemical properties:

• insoluble in water;
• interacts with hydrofluoric acid;
• is an adsorbent.

Silicon dioxide is not able to be absorbed into the bloodstream. This element leaves the body with feces and urine in the same form in which it originally entered the gastrointestinal tract.

Selling features

In the pharmaceutical industry, colloidal silicon dioxide is produced as an enterosorbent.

The substance has different release forms and trade names:

Trade name of the drug	Release form	average cost
Polysorb	Powder for suspension preparation, in vials with a volume of 12 g, 25 g and in sachets with a volume of 3 g.	From 71 for 1 sachet
Novosorb	Powder for suspension preparation, in vials of 25 g.	RUB 250-270
Alesorb	Powder for suspension preparation, in vials of 25 g.	RUB 180-210
Alfasorb	Powder for suspension preparation, in vials of 25 g.	From 259 rub.
Sorboxane	Powder for suspension preparation, in vials of 25 g.	From 230 rub.
Whitesorb	Tablets, 10 or 30 pcs. packaged.	From 150 to 400 rubles.

In addition to silicon dioxide, succinic acid is used in the composition of these sorbents. The drugs are prescribed to patients for internal use or external use. These dietary supplements are sold without prescriptions in stationary pharmacies or in online pharmacies.

Features of human exposure

According to the studies, silicon dioxide passes through all parts of the gastrointestinal tract and does not undergo acid-base deformation. The substance is excreted from the body without residue in its original form.

Interestingly, the sorbing properties of colloidal dioxide were not immediately identified by scientists. The main advantage of the compound was considered to be its ability to prevent the development of Alzheimer's disease.

For this, according to the researchers, the elderly had enough to regularly drink water with a high content of this trace element. Later, high sorption qualities of silicon dioxide were revealed in relation to toxins, poisons, medicinal substances, protein products, enzymes, antibodies, pathogenic microorganisms.

In therapeutic practice, silicon dioxide is used to reduce gas production in the intestines. Its external use allows you to prevent the development of necrotic processes, reject non-viable tissues and start the healing process in the affected areas of the epidermis.

And although the substance is generally considered safe for the body, its ability to irritate the respiratory tract should be taken into account. With individual insensitivity, silicon can cause constipation.

Areas of use

Colloidal silicon dioxide is a substance that, upon oxidation, acquires additional properties, which allows it to be used as an emulsifier. This substance prevents food ingredients and non-food materials with a crumbly structure from clumping.

The chemical compound is used today in numerous areas and industries, including:

• chemical industry (for example, the production of cosmetics, household chemicals);
• food industry;
• manufacture of medicines;
• production of ceramic, glass, concrete products.

Amorphous and crystalline silicon often serves as a filler in the manufacture of rubber, refractories, and the oxidation product colloidal substances are dioxides, which have found their application in microelectronics, chromatography, radio engineering, ultrasonic installations. The same substance is used in the production of fiber-optic equipment.

For cosmetic purposes

First of all, the component has found application in the production of oral hygiene products. They are often replaced by cheap, unsafe abrasives for enamel whitening. In contrast, colloidal silicon does not harm the surface of the teeth and effectively copes with the change in its shade.

In the production of toothpastes, silicon compounds began to be used about 50 years ago as safe abrasive systems. Such chemical complexes have high compatibility with fluorides, calcium dihydrates, phosphate, which is especially important for creating a product with a wide range of cosmetic properties.

Silicon dioxide ensures a normal pH level in the oral cavity, therefore toothpastes containing this substance are recommended for people with acid-base balance disorders.

It is easy to explain the presence of silicon compounds in cosmetics for face and body skin care by their following properties:

• visually even out the tone of the epidermis, smoothing out minor defects;
• absorb moisture and retain it;
• control the secretion of sebum, giving the epidermis a matte finish;
• give tonal products, talcum powder glide;
• contribute to the long-term preservation of makeup on the face due to its absorbent properties;
• act as an abrasive, cleansing tissue from dead particles.

The matting and toning effect of silicon dioxide allows manufacturers to include this substance in the compositions of various creams, lotions, powders for owners of oily skin. Thanks to such cosmetics, small relief defects are smoothed out, shallow wrinkles are eliminated.

In addition, it is worth noting the pronounced peeling effect produced by cosmetics based on this component - it is evidenced by many user reviews.

Eating

Colloidal silicon dioxide is an E551 emulsifier, often used in the food industry to enhance aroma and taste. The presence of this substance in the composition of products does not affect their color characteristics. Silicon dioxide provides free flowing and fluidity of powders, preventing the formation of lumps and foam.

E551 additive is often found in products such as:

• crystal sugar;
• dry cream;
• corn or potato starch;
• dry egg powder;
• pasteurized milk;
• table salt;
• Wheat flour;
• spices.

Colloidal type of silicon is present in chips and other snacks, instant coffee. The substance helps to increase the flowability of products, prevents the formation of lumps.

Silicon dioxide is also added to some alcoholic beverages to reduce the intensity foaming (sparkling wines, champagne, beer), stabilize the acidity level and neutralize excess alkalis. In addition, in the composition of E551 beer it is used as an absorbent, which helps to clarify and better aging of the intoxicated drink.

E551 additive is found in product formulations that require the use of additional anticoagulants and thickeners. These include dairy and fermented milk products, hard cheeses. Silicon dioxide allows you to achieve an ideal structure and maintain it throughout the entire shelf life.

Confectionery production rarely does without colloidal silicon compounds. Emulsifier E551 is used in glazes, mastics and creams, with the exception of chocolate. Silicon food additives play an important role in extending the shelf life of these products. As a stabilizer, it ensures freshness and optimal consistency of the product.

For medical purposes

Colloidal silica, which is present in drug formulations, is sold under the above names in pharmacies and online pharmacies.

Indications for the use of medicines based on silicon dioxide are:

• food poisoning;
• intestinal infections;
• inflammatory diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissues, accompanied by a purulent process;
• intoxication with toxic chemicals;
• alcohol withdrawal.

In medical practice, colloidal non-porous dioxide is used, which is a loose, friable, bluish, odorless powder. When combined with water, silicon turns into a suspension and is subsequently used as an enterosorbent. The drug is taken orally with water.

Colloidal silicon dioxide is often used in another way - externally. This type of treatment is effective for phlegmons, abscesses, mastitis, purulent wounds, since it is carried out with the aim of disinfecting the affected areas, absorption from damaged tissues of toxic and allergic substances, pathogenic microflora and dangerous products of its metabolism.

It is also worth noting that silicon dioxide promotes the speedy elimination of salts of heavy metals, radionuclides, excess and harmful cholesterol, ethanol decay products from the body. At the same time, the substance does not change the composition of the intestinal microflora, does not interfere with the ongoing processes of digestion in the gastrointestinal tract.

Pros and cons

Silicon dioxide is used not only for treatment, but also for the prevention of various pathologies. Periodic intake of an absorbent for prophylactic purposes allows you to strengthen the immune system by increasing the concentration of B- and T-lymphocytes in the plasma.

In turn, improving the quality of blood leads to a host of other positive changes in the body:

• any damage to soft tissues heals faster (scratches, burns, bruises, cuts, diabetic ulcers, dermatological diseases);
• the work of the digestive system is stabilized;
• the outflow of bile improves;
• blood sugar and cholesterol levels are normalized;
• the rhythm and intensity of metabolic processes is restored;
• increases the strength and elasticity of blood vessels;
• improves the functionality of the thyroid gland and kidneys;
• blood pressure indicators become stable.

According to some experts, colloidal silicon dioxide has bactericidal properties. After some time, the patients who took the absorbent in agreement with the attending physician improved the condition of the skin, hair, nails, and oral cavity.

At the same time, it is not recommended for patients to resort to methods of cleansing the body using preparations based on silicon dioxide:

• with confirmed neoplasms;
• with cardiovascular diseases;
• with an allergic reaction to silicon or its derivatives.

Colloidal silicon dioxide is the chemical element that brings great benefits to the body. human, but if used improperly can cause serious complications in the work of the respiratory systems.

Is there a danger?

To date, there is no exact data on the effects of silicon dioxide on the human body, but scientists have repeatedly come to the conclusion about the relative safety of this substance.

When used correctly, silica is not capable of harming health. This fact is confirmed by the lack of its ability to be absorbed into the bloodstream, despite the fact that pure silicon dioxide is present in the blood plasma and lymphatic tissue.

A useful property of silicon is its ability to extinguish foam, so it is often used in preparations designed to combat bloating. If you use the colloidal version of this component together with water, its absorbing properties become more pronounced.

In this regard, absorbent preparations based on silicon dioxide are used in the form of suspensions, for the preparation of which ordinary drinking water is required.

German physiologists were able to prove that colloidal silicas are useful for humans, since they prevent and prevent the deposition of atherosclerotic plaques on the vessels, strengthen and cleanse them, give them more elasticity.

Also, the benefits of silicon are as follows: periodic intake of drugs based on this trace element helps to minimize the risks of developing Alzheimer's disease. At the same time, this statement is only a partially substantiated hypothesis, which does not yet have scientific evidence.

Colloidal silicon dioxide in combination with other chemical elements can be hazardous to the body. This substance can cause serious damage to the respiratory organs and provoke severe allergic reactions, accompanied by edema and bronchospasm.

Thus, silicon dioxide can only harm health when it enters the lungs, for example by inhaling dust crystals. This harmful factor is present exclusively in the industrial sector for the extraction of quartz and the processing of amorphous or crystalline silica.

Chronic respiratory disease such as silicosis can be a consequence of prolonged exposure to the chemical. With the reasonable use of the food additive E551 and the use of preparations based on silicon dioxide, there are no health risks.

Instructions for use

Despite the fact that it is possible to purchase preparations based on silicon dioxide without a prescription, it is undesirable to use them without first consulting a specialist.

The doctor must determine whether there is really a need to take absorbents and whether there are no contraindications for a particular patient. Also, the doctor must calculate the optimal dosage for the patient, based on his condition, age, weight, and the presence of additional diseases.

Silicon dioxide is used for external and oral treatment. In the first case, the prepared suspension-suspension is spread on the damaged areas of the skin (the layer thickness should not exceed 5 mm).

Before using the absorbent externally, it is imperative to disinfect the surface, and after application, close the wound with a dry bandage. The procedure must be carried out regularly for 7-10 days, changing the dressings every day.

It is advisable to take silica internally before meals, at least 1 hour before meals.

Depending on the indications for use, the doctor will determine the dosage and course of treatment with an absorbent:

Disease	Single dose of silicon dioxide	Maximum daily dosage	Frequency receptions per day, duration of the course
Severe diarrhea	4-6 g	12 g	2-3 times a day for 3-5 days.
Intestinal infections	2-3 g	9 g	3 times a day for 3 days.
Alcohol withdrawal syndrome	2-4 g	12-15 g	3-4 times a day, no more than 4 days in a row.
Food poisoning	3-5 g	24 g	No more than 3 doses per day for 3 days.
Allergic reactions	2-3 g	10 g	At least 2-3 times a day for 2 weeks.

In case of poisoning, the patient must necessarily rinse the stomach before using the absorbent. In severe cases, preparations with silicon can be administered to the patient through a probe every 4-5 hours.

Medicines and dietary supplements based on colloidal silicon dioxide are used for various diseases. However, drugs based on this substance should not be abused. Silicon can be hazardous to the respiratory system and provoke allergies.

Substance video

Detoxification with colloidal silicon dioxide: