Boron’s Role in Hormones, Inflammation, Bones, Teeth, Memory, Immune function and Cancer Reduction
Boron is a bioactive and beneficial element for humans. It is involved in many human biochemical processes. Reported beneficial actions of boron include arthritis alleviation or risk reduction, bone growth and maintenance, central nervous system function, cancer risk reduction, hormone facilitation, and immune response, inflammation, and oxidative stress modulation. Both animal and human data suggest that boron intakes should be >1.0 mg/d. Many people consume less than this amount. Thus, a low boron intake should be considered a health concern.
Supplementation is important as well as the inclusion of boron-rich fruits, vegetables and nuts, however even the best food sources may not contain enough boron. Meat, fish, and dairy products are poor sources of boron.
Low Carb Foods with Boron
Most foods with boron can be too high in carbs (dried fruit, nuts, legumes), making supplementation the best way to raise boron levels for those following a real food, low carb way of eating.
Boron content in a typical serving of food [source]:
| Food | mg in a Typical Serving |
|---|---|
| Avocado | 2.06 |
| Grapes (red) | 0.50 |
| Peach | 0.57 |
| Hazelnuts | 0.68 |
| Brazil nuts | 0.34 |
| Almonds | 0.42 |
| Almonds | 0.42 |
| Cashew nuts | 0.17 |
| Pistachio nuts | 0.18 |
| Walnuts (California) | 0.24 |
Nothing Boring About Boron Lara Pizzorno
- PMID: 26770156 PMCID: PMC4712861
The trace mineral boron has been proven to be an important trace mineral because it
(1) is essential for the growth and maintenance of bone.
(2) greatly improves wound healing
(3) beneficially impacts the body’s use of estrogen, testosterone, and vitamin D
(4) significantly improves magnesium absorption and deposition in bone
(5) reduces levels of inflammatory biomarkers, such as high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α)
(6) raises levels of antioxidant enzymes, such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, and glutathione peroxidase
(7) protects against pesticide-induced oxidative stress and heavy-metal toxicity
(8) improves the brain’s electrical activity, cognitive performance, and short-term memory for elders
(9) influences the formation and activity of key biomolecules, such as S-adenosyl methionine (SAM-e) and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD(+))
(10) has demonstrated preventive and therapeutic effects in a number of cancers, such as prostate, cervical, and lung cancers, and multiple and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
(11) may help ameliorate the adverse effects of traditional chemotherapeutic agents
“In none of the numerous studies conducted to date, however, do boron’s beneficial effects appear at intakes < 3 mg/d. No estimated average requirements (EARs) or dietary reference intakes (DRIs) have been set for boron—only an upper intake level (UL) of 20 mg/d for individuals aged ≥ 18 y.” [source]
Supplementation Recommendation – 3mg/day
The absence of studies showing harm in conjunction with the substantial number of articles showing benefits support the consideration of boron supplementation of 3 mg/d for any individual who is consuming a diet lacking in fruits and vegetables or who is at risk for or has osteopenia, osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, or breast, prostate, or lung cancer. [source]
Liquid Ionic Boron. 1/8 tsp = 3mg Boron. 1/4 tsp = 6mg Boron.
See more supplement options at the end of this article.
Boron is a micromineral found in the body in trace amounts. The body REQUIRES boron to trigger many important bodily functions. [source][source]
Function of boron in your body
In addition to the benefits listed above, boron:
- Enhances cartilage formation
- Fights tooth decay
- Improves levels of HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triglycerides
- Increases absorption of and regulates levels of calcium, magnesium, copper and phosphorus
- Aids vitamin D in increasing the mineral content of your bones
- Helps balance hormones
- Increases estrogen production in women
- Increases testosterone production in both men and women
- Promotes immune function in its role as an antioxidant
- Reduces risk of prostate cancer
- Helps maintain memory and improve other brain functions
Boron helps elevate free testosterone
It is well known that approximately 98% of testosterone molecules are bound to proteins in the blood, principally to sex hormone–binding globulin (SHBG), and are not bioavailable because bound hormones cannot exit capillaries. [source] Thus, the elevation of unbound free testosterone seen with boron supplementation may have significant beneficial ramifications, particularly in aging men in whom, typically, levels of SHBG increase and levels of free testosterone decrease. [source]
Boron helps decrease men’s plasma estrogen after 1 week of boron supplementation suggesting a higher rate of conversion of total testosterone (T) to free testosterone (FT) in the testosterone metabolic pathway. [source]
Boron and cancer
Boron-containing compounds interfere with the physiology and reproduction of cancer cells.
Boron inhibits the growth of prostate-cancer cells both by decreasing expression of A-E cyclin and through boron’s influence on estrogen and testosterone. [source]
Boron inhibits tumor-induced angiogenesis.
Angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels sprouting from existing host capillaries, must occur for tumors to grow beyond a certain critical size. Inhibition of tumor-induced angiogenesis prevents growth of many types of solid tumors and provides a novel approach for cancer treatment. [source]
Increased boron levels leads to inhibition of cancer growth and increases apoptosis (cancer cell death). [source]
Testimonies
Boron is the best supplement you can take to promote bone structure and muscle. ~G. Wright
I have been taking boron for years. 3 daily. For those who don’t know its the cheapest way to get a testosterone bump without taking those EXPENSIVE pills. It does this by utilizing your body’s FREE FLOATING testosterone. ~D. H.
I started taking boron about 5-6 years ago. At the time, I had been suffering from severe hand arthritis. For a few months, I had not been able to use the fingers on my right hand at all. My thumb joint was bright red and swollen. On the advice of a friend (and doing my own reading), I took a 3mg dose of boron. The next day, I noticed a slight improvement in my pain. I continue to take boron almost daily and my arthritis is MUCH BETTER. If I miss several days, my hand pain starts to return. ~C.L.
75 year old male with no hair on the legs. I read that boron was the preferred testosterone booster back in the 1980s for weightlifters. It was safe with no side effects. Taking the 3 caps x 3 mg= 9 mg is the right dose. Within 2 months hair did come back on my legs. I feel better energy with boron 3 mg. I also take D3, 10,000 IU with K2-MK7 to push calcium into my bones. ~S. Pierce
Symptoms of boron deficiency
- Arthritis
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Decreased focus and memory
- Depression
- Hormonal imbalance
- Impaired levels of HDL, LDL and triglycerides
- Muscle pain or weakness
- Osteopenia/osteoporosis
- Receding gumlines
- Tooth decay
- Weak or brittle bones
Causes of boron deficiency
- Diet
- Incorrect calcium-magnesium balance
- Disordered eating (anorexia or bulimia)
- Malabsorption disorders
- Persistent vomiting
- Kidney disease
- Severe diarrhea
- Severe malnutrition
What about taking a pinch of borax?
Some natural websites recommend taking 1/8 teaspoon of Borax. “Borax powder is about 11.3% boron, meaning a ¼ teaspoon contains approximately 113 mg of boron. Ted from Earth Clinic recommends a daily dose of ¼ teaspoon of borax in 1 liter of water for men and 1/8 teaspoon of borax in 1 liter for women. This equates to men consuming about 113 mg of boron daily while women consume around 56 mg daily.” [source]
Caution using commercial Borax
I am not recommending that people consume Borax as it is not a food grade product and I do not know how it is handled or what contaminants it may contain. Commercial borax products contain surfactants and detergents.
Borax powder as cosmetic grade sodium borate from Mountain Rose Herbs.
“Borax naturally occurs from the repeated evaporation of seasonal lakes. It is an emulsifier, preservative, cleansing agent, and a buffering agent. Commonly used in bath salts, borax has the ability to soften the water and suspend soap particles in the bathwater. The result is soft, clean, and healthy skin, which is not clogged by the residue of soap particles. When used in combination with citric acid in bath bomb or bath salt recipes, the product will produce a fizzing action. It also forms bath or body gel when mixed with water and guar gum. Stores well under any condition, but extreme moisture is to be avoided. Avoid contact with the eyes and mouth, and do not expose directly to the skin. Can be used directly for cleaning purposes, and is suitable for both cosmetic and cleaning formulations. Manufactured according to USP standards.” [source]
Recommended Dosage
There is no established Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for boron. However, the World Health Organization suggests an acceptable safe intake range of 1 to 13 mg per day for adults. [source]
Starting dosage: 1mg to 3mg
Upper Limit (maximum dosage for adults at which there are no side effects): 20mg
If you are taking certain drugs (anticoagulants, diuretics) speak with your medical practitioner. Yes, it is regarded as safe for pregnant and nursing women but speak with your doctor before beginning boron supplementation.
Here is a common daily dosage used by many:
- Week 1-2: 3 mg/Boron (morning)
- Week 3-4: 6 mg/Boron (3 mg in the morning & 3mg in the evening)
- Week 5-6: 9 mg/Boron (3 mg in the morning, 3 mg midday, 3 mg in the evening)
- From week 7-12 mg/Boron (6 mg in the morning and 6 mg in the evening)
This dosage works well for many. But you must find out for yourself. Listen to your body. [source]
Options for Supplementation
Liquid Boron
Liquid Ionic Boron is a rich concentrated liquid dietary supplement that provides boron, a trace element, in ionic form – the form most widely recognized gy the body. Recent clinical studies indicate that boron interacts with calcium and magnesium to promote optimal bone metabolism. This supplement: 48-day supply, 6 mg/serving of a Boron Complex per 1/4 tsp.
Boron Capsules – 2mg per capsule. Take 1–3 capsules per day, in divided doses, with meals.
Boron Capsules – 0.5 mg per capsule. Take 2–6 capsules per day, in divided doses, with meals. Molybdenum … 0.5mg (as TRAACS® Molybdenum Glycinate Chelate)
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