📅 February 2026 · ⏱ 5 min read · BSiO₂ Pty Ltd
Amorphous silica (the primary component of BSiO₂ product at 80.2%) is classified by IARC as Group 3. BSiO₂ product contains less than 0.5% respirable quartz and is not classified as hazardous under Australian WHS regulations.
Silicon is the second most abundant element in the Earth's crust, but its role in human biology has only been seriously studied in recent decades. Research now suggests that silicon — in its bioavailable form as orthosilicic acid (Si(OH)₄) — plays important roles in several aspects of human health:
DE is used in a unique range Australian medicines, functional foods, superfoods, pet and equine products. The uniqueness of the Australian health and wellness products includes plant-based nutrients and plant compounds derived from plants grown in some of the most nutrient rich soils in the world.
Silicon is essential for the synthesis of collagen in bone matrix and the calcification process. Research has shown associations between dietary silicon intake and bone mineral density, particularly in pre-menopausal women. Silicon works synergistically with calcium and vitamin D in bone metabolism.
Silicon is a structural component of collagen and elastin — the proteins that give skin its elasticity and hair its strength. Orthosilicic acid supplementation has been studied in relation to skin hydration, hair tensile strength, and nail brittleness, with some positive findings in clinical settings.
Some research has investigated the role of silicon in arterial wall integrity and the possible protective effect against atherosclerosis. Silicon is found in significant concentrations in aortic tissue, and lower silicon levels have been observed in atherosclerotic arteries compared to healthy tissue.
Research has shown that orthosilicic acid in drinking water binds aluminium in the gut, reducing aluminium absorption. Some researchers have investigated whether higher dietary silicon intake may reduce aluminium accumulation — potentially relevant to neurological health research.
This is one of the most practically significant — and least well-known — properties of food-grade DE for the health supplement industry. BSiO₂ product has a specific surface area of 494.4 m²/kg (confirmed by HRL Technology). To put this in perspective, that is approximately 494 square metres of surface area in every kilogram of product — enough to cover a typical house block.
This enormous surface area creates a physical carrier matrix with several implications for supplement formulation:
One of the most widely cited traditional uses of food-grade DE is detoxification support — specifically the binding and removal of heavy metals, mycotoxins, and other unwanted compounds from the digestive tract.
The mechanism is physical rather than chemical. DE's porous, highly absorptive silica structure binds positively charged metal ions and large organic molecules (like mycotoxins from mould-contaminated grain) in the gut before they are absorbed through the intestinal wall. The bound compound is then excreted with the DE carrier through normal bowel function.
This binding capacity has been well-documented for mycotoxins in animal feed science, where DE and other silica minerals are routinely added to feeds to reduce mycotoxin bioavailability and protect livestock from the effects of contaminated grain. The same principle applies in human supplement applications, though clinical evidence in humans is more limited.
BSiO₂ Pty Ltd supplies food-grade diatomaceous earth wholesale to health supplement manufacturers and distributors across East Coast Australia. Our 400 Micron grade is the most suitable for supplement applications, providing:
| Property | BSiO₂ Certified Result | Supplement Relevance |
|---|---|---|
| Amorphous Silica Content | 80.2% (Agon Environmental XRD) | High natural silica — primary active component |
| Specific Surface Area | 494.4 m²/kg (HRL Technology) | Exceptional carrier capacity for active ingredients |
| Particle Size D50 | 156 µm (HRL Technology) | Fine powder — suitable for capsule, sachet, and tablet |
| Cristobalite | Not detected | No crystalline silica — clean label ingredient |
| Supply format | 1 tonne FIBC bulka bags | Wholesale manufacturing quantities |
BSiO₂ Pty Ltd is Australia's only known domestic producer of naturally occurring, non-calcined food-grade amorphous silica. For supplement manufacturers seeking an Australian-sourced, independently certified, clean label silica ingredient — BSiO₂ is the only domestic option. No import lead times, no currency risk, full traceability from ground to bag, and three independent laboratory certifications on file.
For use as a food additive or supplement ingredient in Australia, end-user manufacturers are responsible for ensuring compliance with applicable FSANZ, TGA, and APVMA requirements for their specific product formulation. BSiO₂ Pty Ltd supplies the raw mineral ingredient. Consult BSiO₂ for grade suitability and documentation support for your specific application.
Contact Richard West for pricing on food-grade 400 Micron diatomaceous earth for supplement manufacturing applications.
