[chrishoney]

There is a raft-load of clinical research validating the effects choline stabilized orthosilicic acid, sold under the trade name of Biosil. Basically it is one of the few relatively easily absorbable forms of silicate (yes silicon) and promotes the health and production of collagen in the body, and thus connective tissue (the linea alba is connective tissue.) It is frequently prescribed to help with skin, hair and nail problems, bone mineral density, and has a better track record with respect to OA joint pain than chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine. Biosil is relatively expensive in that a month's supply of drops costs about US$25 to 30. Fortunately you can now purchase other brands as well, some being less expensive. Not sure about comparative quality.

Here's a good review of orthosilicic acid and it's therapeutic effects to get you started: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3546016/

Hope this helps