Why Does My Body Need Boron?

There are many trace elements that the body needs — but only in very small amounts. Boron is one of them.

Boron is easily found in the environment: in soil, the ocean, and plants. Green veggies, fruits, and nuts are excellent food sources of boron, and most people get all the boron they need from diet alone.

This mineral is thought to help the body use glucose (blood sugar), fats, and other minerals like calcium and magnesium.

Boron has been suggested for treating a variety of medical conditions. However, it hasn’t done very well in clinical trials.

• Hormone regulation: boron is thought to increase estrogen levels in women, which may reduce some symptoms of menopause. Early studies, however, have not shown a link between boron and reduced symptoms. Boron is also thought to raise testosterone levels.
• Improved cognitive function: boron has been shown to increase performance on tasks involving coordination, attention, and memory (long term and short term). More studies are needed to explore this connection.
• Arthritis: in boron-rich areas, people tend to have fewer joint disorders. However, this does not mean supplementation with boron would help prevent or treat arthritis.
• Mineral metabolism: boron is thought to help the body metabolize minerals and vitamins, including calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D. It is hoped that boron supplements might help benefit people with osteoporosis, but results so far are inconclusive.

Too much boron may be unsafe for infants and children according to the National Institutes of Health. For adults, intake equal to six milligrams or less per day is thought to be safe. The average adult American eats 1.5 milligrams of boron or less in their daily diet.

Boron, though potentially toxic, does not tend to accumulate in the body in high levels. It is excreted rapidly by the body. However, large doses of boron may cause poisoning. Side effects of acute boron toxicity include: skin rash, nausea and/or vomiting (may be blue-green in color), diarrhea (may be blue-green in color), headache, and abdominal pain.