Boron is a trace mineral that plays several critical roles in human health, despite not being classified as essential for humans. Here are some of the benefits and roles of boron:

1. Bone Health: Boron is crucial for the growth and maintenance of bone. It helps in the stabilization and extension of the half-life of vitamin D and estrogen, which in turn supports bone health¹². Studies suggest that boron supplementation can improve calcium and magnesium retention, which are essential minerals for bone strength².

2. Arthritis: Evidence indicates that boron can be an effective treatment for some forms of arthritis. Lower boron concentrations have been found in the bones and synovial fluid of individuals with arthritis. Supplementing with boron has shown to alleviate arthritic pain and improve the hardness of bones³⁴.

3. Inflammation and Oxidative Stress: Boron has been shown to reduce levels of inflammatory biomarkers and enhance antioxidant status. This includes increasing levels of enzymes like superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase that protect against oxidative damage⁵.

4. Cognitive Function: Boron may improve brain electrical activity, cognitive performance, and short-term memory. This is particularly beneficial in elderly populations where these functions may decline⁵.

5. Hormonal Regulation: Boron positively impacts the body's use of estrogen, testosterone, and vitamin D, making it a valuable supplement for hormonal balance⁵.

6. Cancer Prevention: Some research suggests that boron may have preventive and therapeutic effects in certain types of cancer, including prostate, cervical, and lung cancers⁵.

7. Metabolism and Weight Management: Boron has roles in cardiometabolic health and could aid in weight management by influencing energy metabolism, thermogenesis, and lipolysis⁶.

While there are no established daily recommended intakes for boron, an intake of 1-3 mg/day is considered reasonable and safe for adults²⁵. It's always recommended to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen.

Footnotes

1. "Essential Nutrients for Bone Health and a Review of their Availability in the Average North American Diet", Charles T Price, NCBI ↩

2. "Office of Dietary Supplements - Boron", NIH ↩ ↩² ↩³

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

4. "The Physiological Role of Boron on Health", Haseeb Khaliq, PubMed ↩

5. Lara Pizzorno, "Nothing Boring About Boron", NCBI ↩ ↩² ↩³ ↩⁴ ↩⁵

6. Mohammad Naemi, "Effects of boron citrate supplementation on cardiometabolic factors...", NCBI ↩