Boron

Interest in the trace mineral boron as a nutritional topic is steadily increasing. Researchers at the US Department of Agriculture recognized boron as an essential mineral in the mid-1980s. Their research indicated boron is a major player in calcium and magnesium metabolism, and subsequently bone and joint function. Because of boron's association with calcium and magnesium, deficiency in this mineral poses risks for osteoporosis. Boron is also needed for converting Vitamin D to its active form, further supporting this connection to alleviating osteoporosis.1 Research is constantly revealing new roles for boron. A 1992 study revealed boron is needed for the activation of estrogen.2 Others examined its use of boron in the treatment of arthritis. These researchers found boron relieved symptoms associated with osteoarthritis, juvenile arthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis. Other recent studies have explored boron's relationship with phosphorus in the context of osteoporosis.

1. Nielsen FH, Hunt CD, Mullen LM, and Hunt JR, Effect of dietary boron on mineral, estrogen, and testosterone metabolism in postmenopausal women. FASEB J 1, 394-397, 1987. 2 Nielsen FH, Gallagher SK, Johnson LK, and Nielsen EJ, Boron enhances and mimics some of the effects of estrogen therapy in postmenopausal women. J Trace Elem Exp Med 5, 237-246, 1992.

(content depends on level of boron in soil)

• Almonds
• Beer
• Cider
• Dates
• Peanuts
• Prunes
• Raisins
• Rosehips
• Soybeans
• Unprocessed honey
• Vegetables
• Wine

Available as:

• Sodium borate and boron chelates (used for osteoporosis and general health)
• Sodium tetraborate decahydrate (used for arthritis)1

1 From Newstrom H, Nutrients Catalog.

PROVEN BENEFITS:

• Supplies biochemicals necessary for active steroid hormones
• Necessary for vitamin D and calcium function
• Helps maintain healthy bones and joints.
• Plays an important role in calcium and magnesium metabolism.

What this mineral does:

• Boron is thought to be necessary for bone and cell maintenance and for normal cell function.1

1 From Newstrom H, Nutrients Catalog.

SPECULATED UNPROVED BENEFITS:

• Increases estrogen levels
• May treat postmenopausal symptoms
• May treat arthritis
• May help prevent osteoporosis1

1 From Newstrom H, Nutrients Catalog.

• None known at this time.

Miscellaneous information:

• Boron is essential to the growth of most plants.
• Boron is sold to athletes as anabolic (up to 10mg).1

1 From Newstrom H, Nutrients Catalog.

• Calcium decreased
• Magnesium decreased
• Phosphorous decreased
• Bone deterioration
• Decreased estrogen synthesis
• Decreased vitamin D synthesis
• Decreased steroid synthesis
• Breakdown of hormone function
• Bone demineralization
• In animals boron deficiency leads to stunted growth 1

1 From Newstrom H, Nutrients Catalog.

UNPROVED SPECULATED SYMPTOMS

• Drowsiness
• Impaired motor function (slow reaction time)
• Postmenopausal bone loss 1

1 From Newstrom H, Nutrients Catalog.

Optimal Levels

• Up to 3 mg. per day.

Minimum Dosage

• No RDA has been established. It is estimated that the average American gets between 1.7-7 mg of boron a day without supplements.

• No warnings known at this time.

OVERDOSE/TOXICITY

Considered to have low toxicity by some, but some research says dosages over 50 mg per day may interfere with phosphorous and calcium metabolism. There is no general agreement among researchers and authors on what a safe level of daily intake is. At amounts greater than 500 mg. a day, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea may occur.

ADVERSE REACTIONS OR SIDE EFFECTS

INTERACTION WITH OTHER SUBSTANCES

• None known at this time.

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