Discussion
Silicon and Choline-Stabilized Orthosilicic Acid
Silicon is a ubiquitous element present in various tissues of the human
body. It performs an important role in connective tissue health, especially in
the formation of the organic matrix (e.g., collagen and glycosaminoglycan
formation). [1] Cereal/grain-based products and vegetables are the main dietary
sources of silicon, but modern processing is likely to reduce intake from
these sources. Soluble silicon is found as orthosilicic acid (OSA) in beverages
and water. [2] Because regular orthosilicic acid is highly unstable, leading it
to form polymers, and because the polymers are too large for the human body to absorb, Beauty Complex features patented “choline stabilization” technology. This stabilization prevents polymers from forming, ensuring optimal absorption of orthosilicic acid. Choline-stabilized orthosilicic acid (ch-OSA) is a bioavailable form of silicon that has been found to increase the hydroxyproline concentration in the dermis of animals.[2] Furthermore, the ch-OSA in Beauty Complex is clinically proven for your assurance.*
 
“Beauty Proteins” and Orthosilicic Acidch-OSA helps naturally nourish the body’s beauty proteins: collagen, elastin, andkeratin. Collagen is the body’s main structural protein. It makes up 70% of skinand gives skin its strength and elasticity. It forms 30% of bone to give bones theflexibility they need to withstand impact. Additionally, the collagen fibers in boneare the binding sites for calcium and other bone minerals.[5]Collagen is also themajor component of fascia, cartilage, ligaments, and tendons. Unfortunately,collagen production begins decreasing at age 18. By the age of 40, the decreaseis about 1% per year.[6]For women, the decline equates to a loss of 7% ofskin thickness every 10 years. Following menopause, the decline in thicknessaccelerates to as much as 1.13% annually, while skin elasticity degrades 0.55%per year.[7]Adequate collagen production correlates with healthy bones andstrong hair and nails.*[6-8]
For years, OSA was the focus of intense research because it was viewed as a potential collagen generator. As a result of that research, the molecular complex known ch-OSA was created. Choline not only has the positively charged nitrogen atom that forms the vital bond with OSA, but according to leading collagen researchers, choline transports the orthosilicic acid into target cells where it activates the pathways involved in collagen production. Clinical trials also suggest that beyond its ability to generate collagen, ch-OSA promotes keratin and elastin formation—two proteins that assist in skin elasticity and hair tensile strength.*[2-4]
ch-OSA Clinical StudiesIn a 20-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of 50 womenwith photo-damaged facial skin, oral intake of 10 mg/d silicon as ch-OSA
DIRECTIONS:Take one capsule two times per day, or as directed by yourhealthcare professional.Consult your healthcare professional prior to use. Individuals taking medicationshould discuss potential interactions with their healthcare professional. Do notuse if tamper seal is damaged.STORAGE:Store in a cool,dry place out of reach from children.FORMULATED TO EXCLUDE:Wheat,gluten,corn,yeast,soy, animal and dairyproducts,fish, shellfish, peanuts, tree nuts, egg, ingredients derived fromgenetically modified organisms (GMOs), artificial colors, artificial sweeteners, andpreservatives.
 
Clinical Applications
» Reduces Fine Lines and Wrinkles*
» Thickens and Strengthens Hair*
» Strengthens Nails*
» Supports Healthy Bone Mineral Density*
» Supports Bone Flexibility*
» Promotes Connective Tissue Formation for Healthy Joints*
 
Beauty Complexfeatures clinically tested ch-OSA®(choline-stabilizedorthosilicic acid) complemented with biotin. ch-OSA naturally helps nourish yourbody’s beauty proteins by supporting and activating enzymes used by collagen-generating cells to make collagen. Regular orthosilicic acid (OSA) has to bestabilized to avoid polymerization, a process that decreases bioavailability. ch-OSA’s patented choline-stabilization technology prevents polymers from formingand ensures OSA’s optimal absorption. By combining ch-OSA with biotin,Beauty Complexoffers an even greater level of beauty support.*

BiotinBiotin, as an essential component of carboxylase enzymes, has diverse rolesin maintaining health. While overt biotin deficiency is known to result in skinirritation and hair loss, anecdotal evidence suggests that biotin supplementationsupports healthy hair growth, and supplementing with biotin is a commonmethod for enhancing skin health and hair and nail strength. Studies testing theeffects of biotin on nail health suggest that biotin supplementation improvesnail thickness and reduces splitting.[13-15]In one study, 91% of subjects showeddefinite improvement with firmer and harder finger nails after 5.5+/-2.3 monthsof 2.5 mg/d biotin.[16]Higher doses of biotin (9 mg to 16 mg/d) are used tosupport healthy lipid and glucose metabolism; and more recently, doses upto 300 mg/d have been used to support muscle function related to neurologichealth.*[17,18]
resulted in significantly improved skin visco-elastic properties and a 19%reduction in roughness with a 30% reduction in micro-wrinkle depth (measuredas maximum roughness) compared to placebo.[2]In the same clinical trial,the women’s hair and nails showed significant improvements in strength.Furthermore, serum silicon was significantly higher (+72%) in subjects after 20weeks of supplementation with ch-OSA compared to the placebo group. In anine-month, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial with 48 healthyCaucasian women with fine hair (average age 43.3 years), 10 mg/d of silicon asch-OSA for nine months improved hair tensile strength including elasticity andbreak load and resulted in thicker hair.*[3]In a 12-month clinical trial conducted at St. Thomas’ Hospital in London,women already taking 1000 mg of calcium and 800 IU of vitamin D, to whichthey added ch-OSA, saw thighbone mineral density at the hip (i.e., femoralneck) increase by 2.00% compared to placebo. This was as a result of anincrease in actual bone formation, not just a decrease in loss.[4]Furthermore,the procollagen marker P1NP (procollagen type-1 N-terminal propeptide)increased significantly after 12 months in women who took ch-OSA comparedto women in the placebo group. P1NP is known as the most sensitive markerfor bone collagen formation and an early marker of bone formation.[4]Animalstudies support the human clinical findings for ch-OSA with respect to collagenformation and bone mineral density.*[9-11]In an open clinical study, 18 subjects were given five drops of ch-OSA twicedaily for six months. Hair growth and hair loss assessments were performedusing a semi-quantitative rating scale, and scores were analyzed using theFriedman test. At the end of the six months, 94% of respondents had improvedhair growth with 58% in the categories of moderate to marked hair growth. Allrespondents noted improvement in the body and texture of their hair.*[1]
References
1.Carlisle EM. Silicon as a trace nutrient. Sci Total Environ.1988 Jul1;73(1-2):95-106. [PMID: 3212453]
2.Barel A, Calomme M, Timchenko A, et al. Effect of oral intake of choline-stabilized orthosilicic acid on skin, nails and hair in women with photodamagedskin.Arch Dermatol Res.2005 Oct;297(4):147-153. [PMID: 16205932]