Silicon yeast is a type of nutritional yeast enriched with silicon (also known as silica), a trace mineral that has been studied for its potential role in supporting nail, skin, and hair health. The scientific rationale for using silicon yeast to support the nail body system comes from research indicating that silicon is involved in the synthesis of collagen and glycosaminoglycans, both of which are important structural components of nails. Several studies have shown that supplementation with bioavailable forms of silicon, such as orthosilicic acid, can improve nail strength and reduce brittleness. For example, a few small clinical trials have demonstrated that silicon supplementation leads to measurable improvements in nail quality over a period of several months.

However, while there is a plausible biological mechanism and some human data, the evidence base is not large or robust. Most studies are small, and not all forms of silicon are equally bioavailable. The use of yeast as a delivery system may help with bioavailability, but specific trials on "silicon yeast" itself are limited. Nevertheless, the connection between silicon intake and improved nail health is supported by moderate scientific evidence, though more research is warranted to establish optimal dosages and forms.