Boron is a mineral found in food and the environment, and people take boron supplements as medicine, it is used to build strong bones, treat osteoporosis, and as an aid in building muscle, increasing testosterone levels, and improving thinking skills and muscle coordination.
Women sometimes use capsules containing boric acid, the most common form of boron, and people also use boric acid on the skin as an astringent or to prevent infection, or use it as an eye wash. In all cases, it is preferable not to take it as a supplement or in concentrated doses without consulting your doctor.
Boron is a mineral that is found naturally in foods such as nuts and in the environment. Boron may also be taken in supplement form to enhance athletic performance and improve thinking or coordination. Some women use boron to treat yeast infections, but not all of these uses are supported by scientific evidence.
Where is boron found?
Boron is found in green leafy vegetables, such as kale and spinach. It can also be found in cereals, prunes, raisins, non-citrus fruits and nuts. A person’s daily diet usually contains 1.5 to 3 mg of boron. The most common sources of boron in a person’s daily diet are apples, coffee, dried beans, milk, potatoes, almonds, chickpeas, Brazil nuts, and bananas.
Research indicates that boron metabolizes vitamin D and estrogen, and may affect cognitive function.
In alternative medicine, boron supplementation is sometimes said to help increase BMD and prevent or treat the following health problems: diabetes, hyperlipidemia, menopausal symptoms, spinal disease, osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and psoriasis.
According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), there is not yet enough scientific evidence to support most claims regarding the health benefits of taking boron supplements.
Boron also affects estrogen and testosterone levels, and boron deficiency has not been proven to cause any diseases. The important role of boron is to help your body better absorb magnesium. Magnesium is an important mineral for hundreds of functions in your body. Fortunately, these two minerals work in tandem to make you feel your best. Boron also affects how the body uses calcium and phosphorous, so boron is ineffective in increasing athletic performance. Taking boron by mouth does not appear to improve body mass, muscle mass, or testosterone levels in male bodybuilders.
Boron and wound healing
Boron is useful for accelerating and improving wound healing. A 1990 study, still widely cited today, found that treating 3% boric acid to deep wounds reduced overall healing time by two-thirds.
Boron and gum and dental health
Boron helps keep your teeth and gums healthy by reducing inflammation and improving bone and tissue repair. An interesting 2013 study found that boron would help dental building cells in a way that it was believed that boron could be used to engineer bone and tooth tissue. This is still a long way from becoming a reality, but it is a wonderful possibility nonetheless. A healthy dose of boron can help prevent gum disease naturally.
Can boric acid be taken during pregnancy?
It is not considered safe to take boric acid or boron supplements during pregnancy. One study showed that high levels of boron may be toxic to the fetus.
Is boron good for arthritis?
Boron is believed to be beneficial for osteoarthritis when taken in appropriate amounts. One study concluded that a daily intake of at least 3 mg of boron provides anti-inflammatory effects, which can help treat arthritis.
Are boron supplements safe?
Boron is considered safe for most people, but large amounts of it can be harmful. There is also no data regarding the safe level for children under the age of one year.
