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Boron: I have not found a cell receptor for Boron (B) to date, and at this time, boron has not been
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officially designated to be essential to human health, but it is an essential macronutrient for higher plant
forms, and there are some indications that it could be classified as essential for humans in the future.
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A number of research studies have come to the conclusion that boron can be an effective addition in
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the treatment of osteoporosis, and that it promotes healthy bone metabolism, including efficient use of
calcium and magnesium and proper function of the endocrine system (ovaries, testes and adrenals).
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There is also some evidence that parts of the world with low levels of boron in the soil have a higher
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percentage of people suffering from arthritis in comparison to regions with higher soil levels of boron.
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Some researchers believe boron to have estrogen-like properties (by raising plasma estradiol), while
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other researchers claim boron to have testosterone-like properties, referring to reports of hair loss in
males following its supplementation.
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However, since boron does not seem to offer any benefits with menopausal symptoms, it appears that
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the estrogen / testosterone ratio may be in favor of a testosterone dominance. With boron now being
found in many multi-mineral brands, some individuals may feel that the hormonal effect (i.e. hair loss) is
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a concern, so they should look for a formulation containing a lesser amount of boron, or none at all.
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The trials I have run with boron showed clearly that it increases calcium and magnesium retention, but
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at the expense of lowering manganese. Now manganese does have proven estrogen-like attributes,
and it is one of the co-factors crucial to help calcium uptake --- unless manganese levels are too high,
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which can result in calcium and magnesium loss. So realistically, the only circumstances which would
justify the use of boron for osteoporosis - or any other condition - are situations where patients suffer
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from any type of liver disease that results in high manganese levels, which would otherwise have the
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potential to cause calcium (and magnesium) depletion. ¤
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Dietary Reference Intake (DRI) is a collective term replacing all other reference values such as
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Adequate Intake (AI), Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL), Estimated Average Requirements (EAR),
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Nutrient Reference Value (NRV), and Recommended Dietary Allowance / Intake (RDA / RDI).
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Boron: DRI (RDA): noneTherapeutic Range:1mg - 15mg
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Estimated median daily intake of boron worldwide from food and water is 0.5mg - 2.5mg per day.
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Boron Synergists: Copper,
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Boron Antagonists: Manganese, calcium,
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Low Levels / Therapeutic Indications for Boron:
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Claims of decreased mental alertness in men women and men past the age of 45, increased
magnesium and calcium requirements, decreased bone density, greater risk for prostate cancer,
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High levels / Overdose / Toxicity / Negative Side Effects - Symptoms and/or Risk Factors:
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Vitamin B6 / Pyridoxine deficiency, Vitamin B2 / Riboflavin-like deficiencies (skeletal abnormalities),
diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, anemia, dermatitis, ovarian / testicular abnormalities, edema, seizures,
gastrointestinal disturbances, fatigue, cold-like symptoms,
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Toxicity is somewhat dependent on an individual's kidney functions and may cause boron accumulation
in kidneys, lungs, bone, liver, heart, brain, fatty tissue, parathyroid and reproductive glands,
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Boron Sources: Apples, pears, grapes, non-citrus fruit, legumes, nuts, wine, vegetables, avocado. ¤
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General recommendations for nutritional supplementation: To avoid stomach problems and promote
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better tolerance, supplements should always be taken earlier, or in the middle of a larger meal. When
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taken on an empty stomach or after a meal, there is a greater risk of some tablets causing irritation, or
eventually erosion of the esophageal sphincter, resulting in Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD).
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It is also advisable not to lie down immediately after taking any pills.
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When taking a very large daily amount of a single nutrient, it is better to split it up into smaller doses to
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not interfere with the absorption of other nutrients in food, or nutrients supplemented at lower amounts.
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Copyright © 2000-2008 Ronald RothAcu-Cell Nutrition: Boron
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