Boron
The information presented is based on Cellular trace mineral analysis - not Serum / Blood measurements.
RDA/DRI, synergists, antagonists, deficiency/overdose/toxicity symptoms are listed at the bottom of the page.
I have not found a cell receptor for Boron (B) to date, and at this time, it has not been officially designated
to be essential to human health, but boron 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.
A number of research studies have shown that boron increases cognitive performance,29 and that it can be an
effective addition in the treatment of osteoporosis by promoting healthy bone metabolism, including efficient
use of calcium and magnesium, and proper function of the endocrine system (ovaries, testes and adrenals).
There is also some evidence that parts of the world with low levels of boron in the soil have a higher
percentage of people suffering from arthritis in comparison to regions with higher soil levels of boron.
Some researchers believe boron to have estrogen-like properties (by raising plasma estradiol), while other
researchers claim boron to have testosterone-like properties, referring to reports of hair loss in males after
its supplementation. While most studies present evidence of both, boron does not seem to offer any benefits
with menopausal symptoms, so it appears that the estrogen / testosterone ratio would be in favor of a
testosterone dominance, which is also supported by the fact that boron lowers manganese, which does
have proven estrogen-like attributes.
With boron now being found in many multi-mineral formulations, some individuals may feel that the hormonal
effect (i.e. hair loss) is a concern, so they should look for a brand that contains a lesser amount of boron, or
none at all.
The trials I have run with boron showed that it increases calcium & magnesium retention, but at the expense
of lowering manganese, which is one of the co-factors that helps calcium uptake (high manganese 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 from congestive liver disease,
resulting in high manganese levels, which would subsequently cause calcium (and magnesium) depletion. ¤
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2012 Dietary Reference Intake (DRI) - Adequate Intake (AI) - Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL)
Estimated Average Requirements (EAR) - Recommended Dietary Allowance / Intake (RDA / RDI)
Boron:
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Cellular / Intracellular Attributes and Interactions:
Boron Synergists: Copper.
Boron Antagonists / Inhibitors: Manganese, calcium.
Low Levels / Therapeutic (Deficiency) Indications for Boron:
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.
High levels / Overdose / Toxicity / Negative Side Effects - Symptoms and/or Risk Factors:
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.
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 improve tolerance,
supplements should be taken earlier, or in the middle of a larger meal. When 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). It is also advisable not to lie down right after
taking pills. When taking a large daily amount of a single nutrient, it is better to split it up into smaller doses
to not interfere with the absorption of other nutrients in food, or nutrients supplemented at lower amounts.
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Copyright © 2000-2012 Acu-Cell Nutrition - Boron
NOTE: A Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) is the highest level
of daily nutrient intake that is likely to pose no risk of adverse
health effects to almost all individuals in the general population.
Unless otherwise specified, the UL represents total intake from
food, water, and supplements.
Estimated daily intake of Boron from food and water
(exluding cosmetics and supplements) is 2mg - 4mg / day.
Therapeutic Range: 3mg - 20mg +
Best time to take Boron: Any time during the day, with food.