Boron

Boron is a mineral needed in trace amounts for optimal health. It has beneficial effects on supporting bone health and nervous system function.^1,2 It also supports optimal immune function and antioxidant activity.^3,4

Boron encourages healthy bone growth and mineralization. This effect appears to be due in part to activation and stabilization of vitamin D and positive impacts on supporting estrogen metabolism.^5-7 In healthy men, boron was found to encourage free testosterone levels.⁸ Boron supplementation has been shown to help maintain joint comfort and maintain healthy hormone activity.¹

In a randomized controlled trial, boron supplementation was found to inhibit discomfort at the beginning of the menstrual cycle, presumably by helping to promote a healthy inflammatory response.⁹

Research suggests humans require a minimum of 1 mg of boron per day to maintain optimal health, but despite its prevalence in fruits, vegetables, legumes and nuts, it appears many people don’t get this amount on a regular basis.^1,7 A daily intake of 3 mg per day is recommended to support bone health.⁵

Reference

1. J Trace Elem Med Biol. 2014;28(4):383-7.
2. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2003;43(2):219-31.
3. J Trace Elem Med Biol. 2018;50:296-304.
4. J Trace Elem Med Biol. 2016;36:73-9.
5. Physiol Res. 2017;66(3):391-402.
6. J Trace Elem Med Biol. 2017;39:169-175.
7. Open Orthop J. 2012;6:143-9.
8. J Trace Elem Med Biol. 2011;25(1):54-8.
9. Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2015;21(2):79-83.