FAQ Silicon Dioxide as Excipient in Supplements

Why does NOW use silicon dioxide (silica) in supplements?

Silica, one of the most abundant elements on earth, is a component of the diet as well as an excipient that is approved for use in foods, including dietary supplements. Food grade silica is added to the powder mix inside certain formulas in capsule or tablet form (not softgels) at a very low percentage of the formula. Silica (as silicon dioxide) is used as an excipient to aid in flowing materials into tablets or two-piece capsules without gumming up and keeping supplements drier for better stability. Silica normally comprises less than 2% of a dry formula it is added to. Our silica is obtained by a mechanical milling process that does not alter the naturally occurring structure of silica; it is not processed in a way that would generate artificially designed nanoparticles. Its safety and value in human biology has been demonstrated, and it is especially needed for bone health and the production of collagen and elastin in our bodies.