Description
Boron
Boron is a mineral for humans that is found in plant and animal sources. It has several important functions in the body, including the metabolism of vitamins and minerals, bone health, and hormone balance (1). This element has a significant impact on human health and is effective in counteracting fluoride poisoning by helping the body to flush out any fluoride that might have built up (1). Additionally, boron is toxic to bacteria, parasites, protozoa, and insects, thus making it an effective fungicide- both internally and externally (2). Boron also helps to normalise hormone levels and stimulates the body to produce hormones, such as testosterone and oestrogen. Likewise, it may be an aphrodisiac to both men and women as it can raise testosterone levels and helps balance oestrogen (1). It helps with insulin use, blood glucose control and the production of reactive oxygen. Boron is a fantastic immune system booster, promoting would healing and lowering inflammation levels. Furthermore, boron is a powerful heavy metal chelator, and it has been shown to improve mental performance, enhancing attention, memory, and hand-eye coordination, among other things (1).
Boron can mostly be found in plant food sources such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, and legumes. Almonds, avocados, and prunes are all good sources of boron. It can also be present in many beverages including beer, wine, and coffee (3). Once consumed, boron gets converted into boric acid in the gastrointestinal tract where about 85-90% gets absorbed. Boron can be found in bones, hair and nails and excess boron gets excreted in the urine, faeces, breath, sweat and bile (3).
There is no current recommended amount for boron.
Boron deficiency in humans is rare, but deficiency can still occur. It has been suggested that boron deficiency might reduce mental alertness and impair executive brain functioning. Likewise, research suggests that a low boron diet might raise calcium and magnesium excretion and lower oestrogen levels in postmenopausal women. It may result in weakened bones as low boron levels can reduce calcium and vitamin D status, raising calcitonin and osteocalcin levels which may affect bone mineral density (3). Symptoms of boron deficiency in humans are not fully known however are likely to include joint pain, weakened bones, weakened immune system, and impaired mental function.
If pregnant or breast-feeding, please consult your health care practitioner before using this product.
Epigenetics Boron is produced in a convenient, vegan friendly capsule. Recommended daily dose is 1 serving per day taken with a meal, or as directed by a healthcare practitioner. This product is not intended to be used as an alternative to a varied diet.
Ingredients
| Ingredient |
Amount per serving |
ECRDA* |
%DV* |
| Boron (from Sodium borate) |
1 mg |
† |
† |
† Percent Daily Reference Intakes (RI) not established.
INGREDIENTS: Microcrystalline cellulose, Vegetable capsule
(Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose), Sodium borate.
Suitable for vegans
Read More
Boron is a trace element found naturally in many foods and available as a dietary supplement. It is an essential component of plant cell walls and is necessary for plant growth and pollination. Though it is not yet classified as an essential nutrient for humans, studies suggest that it may have beneficial effects on reproduction and development, calcium metabolism, bone formation, brain functioning, insulin and energy metabolism, immunity, and the functioning of steroid hormones. Boron is absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract and is excreted mainly in the urine. Though boron status is not routinely measured in clinical practice, its presence in the body is determined by measuring urinary boron levels which correlate to boron intake (3).
Osteoarthritis
Boron is believed to have beneficial effects on osteoarthritis in humans. Studies have shown that boron has anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce the swelling and pain associated with arthritis (5). A review conducted in 2015 revealed that boron intake between 3-10mg per day can help reduce the number of cases of osteoarthritis by up to 60%. Additionally, a comparison of people with and without osteoarthritis showed that those with the condition have lower concentrations of boron in their system (6). Furthermore, boron affects calcium metabolism, which has been linked to the development of osteoarthritis and the results of clinical studies suggest that boron supplementation can help reduce the symptoms of osteoarthritis in humans (7). This indicates that sufficient boron intake can be beneficial in preventing and managing osteoarthritis. What’s more, boron may be effective with other forms of arthritis, such as Rheumatoid Arthritis, Juvenile Arthritis, and Lupus (Systematic Lupus Erythematosus) (1).
Bone Health
Studies have shown that boron is effective in promoting bone health in humans through controlling calcium, vitamin D and sex hormones (8). This mineral helps to extend the half-life of vitamin D, which is an essential hormone for the absorption of calcium and other minerals essential for bone health (9). Boron also helps to increase bone mineral density which is important for improving bone mass and reducing the risk of fractures. Research has found that boron deprivation can affect both bone and brain, and that restoring boron levels through supplementation can enhance the response to withdrawal (10). Furthermore, boron has been found to play a role in the synthesis of collagen which is the most abundant protein in the human body and is an important component of bone tissue (11).
Cancer
Boron has been studied for its potential role in cancer therapy. It has been observed in several observational studies that boron consumption may have an effect on cancer risk. The data suggests that when boron intake is higher, it can reduce the risk of prostate cancer in men and lung and cervical cancer in women. A case control study of 763 women with lung cancer and 838 healthy women showed that those in the lowest quartile of boron intake had almost double the risk of lung cancer than those who had the highest boron intake (3). Likewise, studies have shown that boric acid can inhibit the growth of human prostate cancer cells in vitro (1), however more research is needed to understand the role boron plays on cancer.
Although the exact symptoms are unclear, inadequate amounts of boron can have a negative effect on the body. Brain function could be impaired due to decreased mental alertness and decreased ability to focus. Likewise, a reduction in oestrogen levels has been seen in postmenopausal women due to higher magnesium and calcium excretion, which in turn can result in bone pain and risk of osteoarthritis. Boron also plays a role in the metabolism of vitamin D and studies suggest that a deficiency in boron may cause a decrease in 25-hydroxy vitamin D in the blood, leading to issues with vitamin D deficiency. Studies have suggested that people with proper boron intake have a lower risk of developing cancer and women that have an increased risk of cervical cancer, also had lower boron levels. In men, boron is involved in the production of testosterone, and a boron deficiency can cause a decrease in serum testosterone levels and other side effects such as problems with fertility and libido. Additionally, studies have shown that a higher intake of boron is related to a smaller prostate size in men, reducing the risk of conditions such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (4).
Boron is not known to interact with any medications.
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