The trace element boron is important for healthy bones and joints. In addition, boron is involved in energy metabolism, fat metabolism, defense, and brain function and boron supports the production of steroid hormones (sex hormones, vitamin D). Boron improves the calcium and magnesium status and lowers the phosphorus level.
So how can we obtain boron?
The main Sources of Boron are pears, dried plums, raisins, legumes, apples, tomatoes.
These are of course a low count per food. So if you need to fix a depletion taking a higher dosage trough supplements are necessary.
Signs of a possible shortage
Signs of a possible deficiency are known as bone disorders, growth problems, arthritis, fungal and bacterial infections, increased homocysteine levels.
Indications
It has been used as a prevention against osteoporosis and osteoarthritis.
In addition to that, there have been cases where it would work as a relief for Rheumatic diseases (Still’s disease, rheumatoid arthritis).
Also for improvement/protection of cognitive function and fine motor skills in the elderly.
It could relief Menopause/postmenopause pains and help Anemia (associated with a reduced boron status).
Contraindications
When not to use Boron as a supplement: If you have a reduced kidney function, allergy/hypersensitivity to boron or estrogen-prone cancer (breast, ovary).
Use advice
Maintenance dose: 3 mg / day
Therapeutic dose: 6-9 mg / day
Interaction
Boron has a favorable influence on magnesium, calcium, copper and vitamin D status.
Boron can increase the plasma level of different hormones (thyroxine (T4), 17ß-estradiol and testosterone).
N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) increases the excretion of boron and can increase the boron requirement.
Boron is safe when the maximum permissible daily dose (UL or upper limit) is not exceeded; the established UL for boron is much higher in America than in Europe (see tables). Side effects are unlikely in a dose lower than 10-20 mg per day (adults). It is possible that boron lowers the insulin level (this has been reported a few times); diabetics should take this into account.
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