BORON [1] is needed for a variety of metabolic functions including healthy bones and for the metabolism of calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium to increase reabsorption of minerals back into the bones. Boron is found throughout the body with the highest concentrations found in bones and dental enamel.

It enhances brain function, promotes alertness, plays a role in converting vitamin D to its more active form, increases male sex hormone levels and appears to influence the cell membranes and the transmission of signals across the membrane.

Elderly people usually benefit from supplementing with 2-3 milligrams daily. Boron helps prevent post-menopausal osteoporosis by assisting in the utilization and uptake of calcium as does copper, zinc, manganese, and helps build muscle by helping in the production of natural steroids as well as playing a significant role in the utilization of energy from sugars and fats. A USDA study indicated that within 8 days of supplementing with 3 milligrams of boron, the test group lost 40% less calcium, 33% less magnesium and slightly less phosphorus through their urine.

The most common form of boron in supplements is sodium borate and if used in a calcium-magnesium formula may prevent kidney stones. Since boron has a demonstrated effect on sex hormones, it may help in the prevention of atherosclerosis.[2] Supplementation with boron may enhance and mimic some of the effects of estrogen in postmenopausal women suggesting estrogenic effects in either boron depleted women or with women also taking estrogen therapy.[3] 

FOOD SOURCES include almost all fruits and vegetables, but especially dark green leafy vegetables, pears, whole grains, apples, grapes, carrots and raw nuts. This trace mineral is important for maintaining healthy bones. The absorption of calcium relies on boron.

Dosage/Toxicity: Although boron is still being research, it has been found that it is beneficial to take 2-3mg a day, especially for the elderly since they have a tendency to experience more difficulties with calcium absorption. Do not take more than 3 milligrams without consulting with a nutritionally intelligent physician, even though the literature is clear that 3-10 mg is safe. The toxic effects of boron are skin rash, diarrhea, vomiting, convulsions and coma. Borax and boric acid are forms of boron that are very toxic and should never be consumed.

Deficiency: A boron deficiency is very uncommon. Deficiencies of boron appear to affect both calcium and magnesium metabolism adversely influencing the structure, strength, composition of bone similar to changes found in osteoporosis. In countries where boron intake is high the incidence of osteoarthritis is about 20%, whereas in countries where the intake is low the incidence is 50-70%.

One study demonstrated that decreased boron intake is directly related to all forms of arthritis, including rheumatoid arthritis. If the dietary intake is less than 1 mg per day the incidence of all forms of arthritis is 20 to 70% while areas where the daily intake is 3 to 10 mgs a day, the estimated incidence is 0 to 10%.[4] Boron deficiencies have been shown to enhance vitamin D deficiencies.

Common Uses: Boron works in the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis. Estrogen and testosterone production also increase when supplementing with boron. Magnesium excretion is hindered aiding those taking diuretics.

Precautions: Do not take more than 3 milligrams without consulting with a nutritionally intelligent physician, even though the literature is clear that 3-10 mg is safe. The toxic effects of boron are skin rash, diarrhea, vomiting, convulsions and coma. Borax and boric acid are forms of boron that are very toxic and should never be consumed.

Consult a physician if pregnant, symptoms of nausea, diarrhea, or dizziness last more than a week, or if new symptoms appear.

Scientific References: 
[1] PA, Balch, CNC and JF, Balch, MD. Prescription for Nutritional Healing, 3^rd edition. pp. 25-26. Avery Publishing. New York 2000

Subcommittee on the Tenth Edition of the RDA’s. Recommended Dietary Allowances 10^th edition. p. 176 Nation Academy Press Washington, D.C. 1989

N. Reavley The New Encyclopedia of Vitamins, Minerals, Supplements and Herbs pp. 183-187 M. Evans & Company, Inc. New York 1998

[2] MR Naghii & S Samman The effect of boron supplementation on its urinary excretion and selected cardiovascular risk factors in healthy male subjects. Biol Trace Elem Res, 1997 March, 56:3, 273-286

[3] FH Nielson et al. Boron enhances and mimics some effects of estrogen therapy in postmenopausal women J Trace Elem Exp Med 5:237-46, 1992

[4] RE Newman. Essentiality of boron for healthy bones and joints. Environ Health Perspect 102 Suppl 7:83-85, 1994

Additional Scientific References:
Groff, J., Gropper, S., and Hunt, S. (1995). Advanced Nutrition and Human Metabolism. St. Paul Minnesota: West Publishing Company. Gropper and Hamilton. (1987). The Biochemistry of Human Nutrition. St. Paul, Minnesota: West Publishing Company. Kirschmann, G. and Kirschmann, J. (1996). Nutrition Almanac. New York, New York: McGraw Hill. Murray, M., (1996) Encyclopedia of Nutritional Supplements. Unites States of America: Prima Publishing. Murray, M. and Pizzorno, J., (1998) Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine. United States of America: Prima Publishing. National Research Council. (1989). Recommended Dietary Allowance. Washington D.C.: National Academy Press. Null, G., (1998) The Complete Encyclopedia of Natural Healing. New York, New York: Kensington Publishing Corp.