Boron supplements

Sodium borate is the most common form of supplement. Boron supplements are increasingly
used in calcium and bone-replenishing nutritional formulas. It may be particularly
useful in those whose magnesium intake is low. This effect may be useful in the
prevention of kidney stones.

Because of its effect on testosterone levels, boron supplements have been marketed to athletes on the basis of their ability to increase muscle mass and strength. A 1994 study of the effects on ten male bodybuilders did not find any increases in those with boron supplements.

Therapeutic uses of boron supplements

Boron may be beneficial in the treatment of osteoporosis. Supplements of around
3 mg per day have been shown to enhance the effects of estrogen in
postmenopausal women. This is likely to contribute to its beneficial effects on
bone health.

Studies done in 1994 on athletic college women suggest that boron
supplements decrease blood phosphorus concentration and increase magnesium
concentration. Both of these changes are beneficial to bone-building. Because
of its sex hormone-enhancing effects, boron may help to protect against
atherosclerosis.

Osteoarthritis

Boron supplements of 6 to 9 mg per day have been used to treat osteoarthritis
with some improvement of symptoms. Boron content in arthritic bones may be
lower than that of normal bones and extra boron may increase bone hardness.

Other uses

Boron, in the form of boric acid, has been used as a dusting powder or lotion to
treat bacterial and fungal infections. It is also a component of some commercial
mouthwashes. In borax solution form, boron has been used to treat mouth ulcers,
eye infections and as a nasal douche.

Interactions with other nutrients

Boron works with calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and vitamin D in bone
metabolism, growth and development. Animal studies show that a deficiency of
vitamin D increases the need for boron.

Cautions

The boric acid and borax forms of boron are toxic and should never be consumed.
Boron-containing powders should not be applied to body cavities and mucous
membranes as the body absorbs too much and toxic effects can occur.

Boron
Boron health
Boron deficiency
Boron sources
Boron overdose
Boron supplements

Other Minerals:

Boron
Calcium
Chromium
Cobalt
Copper
Electrolytes
Potassium
Sodium
Chloride
Fluoride
Iodine
Magnesium
Manganese
Molybdenum
Nickel
Phosphorus
Selenium
Silicon
Sulfur
Vanadium
Zinc