Introduction to Boron
Fruits, beans, and other plant-based foods are a good sources of boron which is an essential element. Because it is a micronutrient, your body only requires a small amount daily to function.
Boron is a dark silver metalloid on its own. It is typically found as a component of important biomolecules in food. Your body breaks down these biomolecules, and then it is used in many important processes.
Boron supplements are available, but most people can get enough of it from their diet by eating a diet having adequate fruits and vegetables.
Food Sources
The most common sources of boron in a person’s daily diet are;
- Apples
- Dried beans
- Milk
- Potatoes
- Coffee
Benefits of Boron
It is considered effective for;
- Skin damage caused by radiation therapy (radiation dermatitis). Applying boron gel to the skin might help prevent skin damage caused by radiation therapy.
- Vaginal yeast infections. Applying boric acid ointments, creams, etc., intra-vaginally can help treat yeast infections (candidiasis), including infections that do not seem to get better with other medications and treatments.
- Helps to maintain hormonal levels, especially estrogen levels
- Metabolize key vitamins and minerals
- Plays a role in maintaining strong bones
Is Boron effective for muscles?
Boron oral supplementation DOES NOT appear to increase testosterone levels or body mass especially in male bodybuilders. Neither has it shown to affect muscular performance or strength for bodybuilding and strength training.
Rather, today, it is used for a variety of other things, but there isn’t enough reliable information to conclude if it would be useful.
Boron for Bones and Brain
It can help maintain strong bones and possibly improve brain function.
Boron is known to play a role in increasing estrogen (specifically estradiol) and vitamin D‘s half-life.
The time it takes for a substance to break down to half its initial concentration is known as the half-life. Boron’s exact mechanism of action is a mystery to scientists. However, there may be a number of ways in which it can benefit bone health.
First and foremost, your body’s ability to absorb calcium is enhanced by vitamin D, making it essential for bone health. Calcium is a mineral that helps build strong bones. Boron extends the duration of vitamin D’s action in the body, ultimately leading to improved bone health.
Bone health is strongly tied to estrogen as It stops bone loss (osteoporosis). Osteoporosis can make men’s and especially women’s bones weak and brittle. Boron may aid in bone health maintenance by extending estrogen’s duration in the body.
Daily Recommended Intake
Boron does not have specific dietary recommendations or allowances, but it is estimated that adults (male and female) must consume between 1 and 1.5 mg per day. Adults should not consume more than 20 mg per day from supplements.
While the safe amount for children varies by age.
Deficiency Symptoms
The signs and symptoms of boron deficiency in humans have not been definitively established. Some evidence suggests that its deficiency;
- May impair executive brain function and reduce mental alertness
- Increased urinary calcium and magnesium excretion occurs
- Higher serum calcitonin and osteocalcin levels,
- Lower plasma calcium and serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D levels
- The density of the bone could be affected by these changes.
Toxicity Symptoms
Orally: Boron consumption in quantities that do not exceed 20 mg per day is probably safe. As a result of large doses, following conditions can occur;
- Irritability
- Tremors
- Weakness
- Headaches
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
Topically: When applied to the skin for up to five weeks, the boron-containing sodium pentaborate pentahydrate gel probably won’t cause any problems. However, data regarding longer application durations is not established, thus, caution is advised.
Vaginal Route: When used for up to six months, boric acid, a common form of boron, is likely safe. However, in some cases, it may cause irritation, sensitivity or burning sensation in the vagina.
Can Boron cause hair loss?
It is rather a myth that it causes hair-loss. No scientific evidence is present to blame it for any hair-related issues.
Conclusion
Up till now, boron is not classified as an essential nutrient for humans because authentic research has not yet identified a clear biological function for it. However, it might have beneficial effects on such functions as reproduction and development, calcium metabolism, bone formation, brain function, insulin and energy substrate metabolism.
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