Is Silicon Dioxide Safe in Food? A Dietitian Explains

Silicon dioxideAlso known as silica, it is a naturally occurring chemical compound found in minerals, some plants, and some grains. Its chemical formula is SiO2, which is composed of silicon and oxygen.

There are two types of silicon dioxide: amorphous And crystalline. Amorphous silicon dioxide is most commonly found in food products. However, crystalline silicon dioxide is most common in nature. Some amorphous silicon dioxides are synthetic.

The food industry commonly uses silicon dioxide as an anti-caking agent in processed foods. Coffee creamers, spices, and powdered products often contain silicon dioxide to prevent caking.

Some evidence suggests that silicon dioxide aids in collagen synthesis and bone mineralization. Therefore, there is interest in using silicon dioxide for bone, hair, skin, and nail health. However, research on the potential benefits of silicon dioxide for human health is insufficient and outdated.

Apart from the interest in the health benefits of silicon dioxide, some concerns have also arisen about its safety.

Silicon Dioxide Safety

Silicon dioxide is generally considered safe in food products. Like other food additives, it is regulated and considered safe for consumption when produced correctly and in approved amounts.

Below are details about the health effects of silicon dioxide and how agencies regulate it to ensure safety.

• FDA Approval: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) suggests that amorphous silicon dioxide is safe in foods as long as it is properly manufactured and used as an anti-caking agent, stabilizer in beer, or adsorbent in tableted foods (e.g., supplements, concentrated foods). The FDA also requires that silicon dioxide not exceed 2% of the weight of a food.
• Absorption and Toxicity: An assessment by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) found that amorphous silicon dioxide is poorly absorbed, meaning very little of it enters your body. EFSA also found that silicon dioxide in foods is easily excreted and has low toxicity, even when consumed in large quantities.
• Respiratory Risk: Crystalline silicon dioxide is common in industrial and concrete manufacturing. Long-term inhalation of crystalline silicon dioxide particles can be hazardous. There is no convincing evidence that amorphous (non-crystalline) silicon dioxide, most commonly found in foods, is unsafe.
• Research on Health EffectsSilicon dioxide may provide certain health benefits when consumed, but research in this area is limited. Some advocates believe that silicon from silicon dioxide in foods and supplements may benefit bone, hair, nail and skin health. Silicon may also aid in collagen synthesis and support bone mineralization. But overall, more research is needed to prove the potential health benefits of silicon dioxide.

Common Uses of Silicon Dioxide

Silicon dioxide is used in foods, dietary supplements, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and industrial materials.

The primary purpose of silicon dioxide is to improve the quality and stability of these products by preventing caking and caking and improving product flow.

• Foods: Silicon dioxide is used to ensure even distribution and flow in certain foods. The FDA allows silicon dioxide to be used as an anti-caking agent to prevent clumping in foods and allow them to flow freely. The FDA also allows silicon dioxide to be used as a stabilizer in beers. Silicon dioxide is often used in powdered foods such as spices, dried soups, protein powders, baking powders and instant coffee. It can also be found in processed cheese, vegetable shortening, dry cereals, gum and syrup. Some plant foods such as barley, oats, wheat, rice, herbaceous plants, carrots, potatoes, green beans, apples and bananas naturally contain silicon dioxide.
• Supplements:Dietary supplements account for more than half of the products containing silicon dioxide. Similar to food uses, silicon dioxide is included in dietary supplements to improve their stability and consistency. EFSA-approved silicon dioxide in dietary supplements is an anti-caking and anti-foaming agent that allows for fluidity. The agency also noted that up to 1,500 milligrams (mg) of silicon dioxide in supplement form per day does not pose a safety concern. Supplements in capsule, tablet, liquid, chewable and syrup forms may contain silicon dioxide.
• Industrial Uses: Silicon dioxide is also used in industrial production. Found naturally in quartz, sand and rocks, manufacturers use it to make glass and concrete, making it an important part of the construction industry. Crystalline silicon dioxide is the type most commonly associated with industrial uses. People working in mining, steelmaking, metal casting, oil production, and furnace cleaning are at higher risk of long-term exposure to crystalline silicon dioxide. This can lead to autoimmune diseases or problems with the lungs and/or kidneys.

How Much Silicon Dioxide Is Safe?

The FDA and other regulatory agencies around the world have set standards for the amount of silicon dioxide that is safe to add to foods and other products.

According to the FDA, food products may contain up to 2% silicon dioxide by weight. The FDA also requires silicon dioxide to be listed as an ingredient on product labels.

Based on animal studies, some researchers think humans can safely consume up to 1,500 mg per day. However, more research is needed to prove these findings.

Measures

While some forms of silicon dioxide may pose health risks, others are generally considered safe.

• Ingested and Inhaled Silicon DioxideAccording to the FDA, food grade silicon dioxide is considered safe when consumed in appropriate amounts not exceeding 2% by weight of food. Crystalline silicon dioxide is different from amorphous silicon dioxide and requires more precautions. If inhaled, crystalline silicon dioxide particles may increase the risk of certain diseases and health problems, including: silicosislung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and kidney disease. You may be exposed to crystalline silicon dioxide particles when grinding mortar, cutting or drilling concrete, or fabricating brick, concrete, stone or ceramics.
• Long Term ExposureThere are some concerns about the potential long-term effects of silicon dioxide in foods and supplements. Research in this area is limited. Some laboratory and animal studies suggest that long-term consumption of silicon dioxide may lead to silicon accumulation in organs and gastrointestinal problems. However, researchers are not certain that these effects seen in animals are due to long-term use of silicon dioxide. The effects may also be due to dosage and route of administration.

Tips for Identifying and Using Silicon Dioxide

If you’re curious about the use of silicon dioxide, it’s important to know how to identify it in foods and supplements. It’s also important to make informed decisions when choosing silicon dioxide products.

• Reading LabelsThe FDA requires silicon dioxide to be listed on any food or supplement label as an ingredient to improve the product (for example, as an anti-caking agent). Silicon dioxide may be listed on the food label as silicon dioxide, silica, synthetic amorphous silica (SAS), or E551. Often, the food label does not provide information about how much silicon dioxide is in a product. Instead, silicon dioxide is listed as an ingredient.
• Making Conscious Choices: Standards are in place to ensure that silicon dioxide in your food and supplements is safe. As a reminder, the FDA requires food manufacturers to use silicon dioxide only in small amounts that do not exceed 2% of the weight of the food. If you’re concerned about consuming silicon dioxide, look for minimally processed or unprocessed foods that don’t contain it. Silicon dioxide is primarily found in processed foods, including dried foods, powders, cheese, certain cereals, and more. Silicon dioxide supplements are often marketed as silica. When considering a silicon dioxide supplement, look for third-party tested products from reputable brands. Also, be sure to talk to a healthcare professional before using silicon dioxide supplements to make sure they are right for you.

Summary

Silicon dioxide is a substance added to some foods to improve their quality.

Silicon dioxide acts as an anti-caking agent, preventing foods from sticking together and providing fluidity.

The FDA and other regulatory agencies around the world regulate the use of silicon dioxide in foods, supplements and other products to ensure its safety.

Amorphous silicon dioxide is commonly found in foods and supplements, while crystalline silicon dioxide is commonly found in industrial settings. Unlike amorphous silicon dioxide in foods, industrial crystalline silicon dioxide may pose certain health risks to those who regularly inhale it.

If you are still unsure about the safe use of silicon dioxide, talk to a healthcare professional.