Boron is a trace mineral that plays a critical role in various physiological processes in humans. Here are some key points regarding boron supplements based on the information obtained from authoritative sources:

1. Physiological Role and Health Benefits:

   • Boron is involved in bone and joint health, enhancing bone density, and improving conditions like osteoarthritis¹². It influences the metabolism and utilization of minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus, which are essential for bone health³.
   • It has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties³. Boron supplementation can help reduce levels of inflammatory biomarkers and oxidative stress⁴.
   • Boron plays a role in cognitive function, improving mental alertness, attention, short-term memory, and motor skills².

2. Metabolic and Biochemical Effects:

   • Boron affects the metabolism of various enzymes and hormones, including sex steroids like estrogen and testosterone, and vitamin D³⁴. It enhances the absorption and retention of magnesium and calcium in the body³.
   • It has a role in modulating the immune system and improving hepatic metabolism¹.

3. Therapeutic Uses:

   • Boron has been studied for its potential benefits in cancer therapy, cardiovascular health, and wound healing³.
   • Studies suggest that adequate boron intake can be beneficial in managing osteoporosis, osteopenia, and osteoarthritis due to its positive effects on bone mineral density⁵.

4. Safety and Toxicity:

   • While boron is beneficial in appropriate amounts, high levels can be toxic¹. The upper intake level for boron is set at 20 mg per day for adults³.
   • Common dietary sources of boron include fruits (especially prunes, raisins, and dried apricots), nuts, vegetables, and legumes³.

5. Supplementation and Dosage:

   • Most studies indicate supplemental usage ranges from 1 to 3 mg per day, although specific conditions may require more³.
   • Boron supplements are often available in the form of boron citrate, boron glycinate, or boric acid⁴.

For more detailed information about boron supplementation and specific health conditions, it's best to consult with a healthcare provider or a nutrition expert.

Footnotes

1. Haseeb Khaliq, "The Physiological Role of Boron on Health," PubMed, 2018. ↩ ↩² ↩³

2. Office of Dietary Supplements, "Boron," National Institutes of Health, 2021. ↩ ↩²

3. Charles T Price, "Essential Nutrients for Bone Health and a Review of their Availability in the Average North American Diet," NCBI, 2012. ↩ ↩² ↩³ ↩⁴ ↩⁵ ↩⁶ ↩⁷ ↩⁸

4. Lara Pizzorno, "Nothing Boring About Boron," NCBI, 2015. ↩ ↩² ↩³

5. R E Newnham, "Essentiality of boron for healthy bones and joints," PubMed, 1994. ↩

Boron supplements come in various forms, each with specific attributes and potential benefits. Here are some of the main types of boron supplements:

1. Boron Citrate

   • Description: A chelated form of boron combined with citric acid.
   • Absorption: Known for high bioavailability, meaning it is easily absorbed by the body when taken orally.
   • Benefits: Commonly used to support bone health and improve joint functionality. It may also aid in reducing inflammation and enhancing cognitive function¹.

2. Boron Glycinate

   • Description: A chelated form of boron bound to glycine, an amino acid.
   • Absorption: Also renowned for good bioavailability.
   • Benefits: Often used to enhance the absorption of other minerals like magnesium and calcium, which are critical for bone health. It may also support hormonal balance and brain function²³.

3. Boric Acid

   • Description: An inorganic form of boron.
   • Usage Caution: It is generally used topically (e.g., in eye washes or antiseptics) rather than orally due to potential toxicity at high doses.
   • Benefits: Effective for antimicrobial and antifungal purposes⁴.

4. Calcium Fructoborate

   • Description: A naturally occurring boron complex commonly found in plants and fruits.
   • Absorption: Known for good bioavailability and is marketed as a more natural form of boron supplement.
   • Benefits: Studies suggest it supports bone and joint health and may have anti-inflammatory effects².

5. Sodium Borate (Borax)

   • Description: Another inorganic form of boron, typically found in laundry boosters and cleaning products.
   • Usage Caution: Not recommended as a dietary supplement due to potential toxic effects.
   • Benefits: Primarily used in non-dietary contexts due to toxicity at higher doses⁴.

Key Considerations When Choosing a Boron Supplement:

• Bioavailability: Opting for chelated forms like boron citrate or boron glycinate can offer better absorption and efficacy.
• Safety: Forms like boric acid and sodium borate are not recommended for oral consumption due to potential toxicity. It's best to use these in accordance with product guidelines for non-dietary uses.
• Purpose: Depending on your specific health goals (e.g., bone health, hormonal balance, inflammation reduction), choose a form that aligns with your needs. Boron citrate and boron glycinate are versatile and commonly used for general health benefits.

Always consult with a healthcare professional to determine the appropriate form and dosage of boron for your individual health needs.

Footnotes

1. Forrest H. Nielsen, "Boron," NCBI, 2020. ↩

2. Lara Pizzorno, "Nothing Boring About Boron," NCBI, 2015. ↩ ↩²

3. R E Newnham, "Essentiality of boron for healthy bones and joints," PubMed, 1994. ↩

4. Office of Dietary Supplements, "Boron," National Institutes of Health, 2021. ↩ ↩²

Here are some boron supplements:

• Swanson Triple Boron Complex - $11.99

  • Ingredients: Tri-boron complex
  • Serving Size: 1 pill, 250 servings per container

• Nutricost Boron - $16.95

  • Ingredients: Boron citrate
  • Serving Size: 1 pill, 240 servings per container
  • Gluten Free, Vegetarian

• NOW Foods Boron - $11.39

  • Ingredients: Boron with bororganic glycine
  • Serving Size: 1 pill, 250 servings per container
  • Kosher, Organic, Vegan, Vegetarian

• Vibrant Health Boron - $14.40

  • Ingredients: Broccoli powder, Calcium fructoborate
  • Serving Size: 2 pills, 30 servings per container
  • Gluten Free, Organic, Soy Free

• Nature's Truth Triple Action Boron Complex - $8.46

  • Ingredients: Boron citrate, glycinate, aspartate
  • Serving Size: 2 pills, 90 servings per container
  • Gluten Free, Non GMO, Vegetarian

Boron supplements are generally safe and are not known to interact with most medications and dietary supplements¹². However, it's always a good practice to consult with healthcare providers before starting any new supplement regimen, especially if you are taking other medications or have underlying health conditions. Here are some specific interactions and considerations to be aware of:

Potential Interactions

1. Calcium and Magnesium: Since boron can affect the metabolism and utilization of calcium and magnesium, taking high doses alongside these minerals might alter their effectiveness. But in recommended amounts, they complement each other well, particularly for bone health³.

2. Vitamin D: Boron enhances the effectiveness of Vitamin D by extending its half-life and aiding its metabolism⁴. This interaction is generally beneficial and can support bone health and immune function.

3. Hormone Supplements: Boron impacts the metabolism of sex steroids like estrogen and testosterone. If you're taking hormone replacement therapies, you may want to monitor these levels with your healthcare provider⁴.

General Safety

• No Known Severe Interactions: Current evidence suggests boron does not have any clinically relevant interactions with medications²⁵.
• Consultation: Always inform your doctor, pharmacist, and other healthcare providers about all dietary supplements and medications you are taking to ensure safe and coordinated care¹.

Additional Considerations

• Overconsumption of Boron: Excessive intake of boron can lead to toxicity¹. The upper intake level for adults is generally set at 20 mg per day⁴.
• Use in Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: As a precaution, pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult with their healthcare provider before using boron supplements¹.

Expert Recommendations

1. Stay Within Recommended Dosages: Stick to the recommended doses of boron, which are typically around 1-3 mg per day for general health benefits⁴.
2. Monitor Combined Supplements: If you are consuming multivitamins or complexes that contain boron along with other minerals and vitamins, ensure you are not exceeding the upper intake limits.

For the latest guidance, it’s always beneficial to check reputable sources such as the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and consult healthcare professionals.

Footnotes

1. Office of Dietary Supplements, "Boron," National Institutes of Health, 2021. ↩ ↩² ↩³ ↩⁴

2. Office of Dietary Supplements, "Boron," NIH Health Professional Fact Sheet, 2022. ↩ ↩²

3. Forrest H. Nielsen, "Boron," NCBI, 2020. ↩

4. Lara Pizzorno, "Nothing Boring About Boron," NCBI, 2015. ↩ ↩² ↩³ ↩⁴

5. Mariangela Rondanelli, "Pivotal role of boron supplementation on bone health," PubMed, 2020. ↩