Boron

Description  of Boron   

Boron is an inorganic trace element which is found primarily in non-citrus fruits, legumes and nuts. Understandably, it is an important component in our soils. Populations whose soils are generally depleted and boron-deficient, exhibit high levels of arthritis whereas those whose soils have been cultivated with minerals have significantly lower incidences. Likewise, people who eat more fast-foods which contain little or no Boron or other mineral value, experience more arthritis than those who eat plenty of fruits and veggies.

Boron appears to regulate the minerals involved in bone metabolism. Current research indicates that Boron not only functions as a worker and communicator is getting calcium, magnesium and vitamins K and D where they are needed; in cases where there is a magnesium deficiency, Boron actually steps in and functions in its place. It appears to do this by slowing down its own elimination through urination. This leads to a build-up of Boron in bone tissue so that bone metabolic functions can continue. This has lead researchers to conclude that Boron is vital in the treatment of osteoarthritis and osteoporosis.

Boron seems to also affect the hormones involved in bone metabolism. Specifically, it appears to increase the amount of estrogen in our systems, especially in women on Hormone Replacement Therapy. It is still unclear how much of a concern this is and therefore it's recommended that dosages remain at a nutritional level for women who are on HRP.

Key Uses of Boron

• Osteoporosis
• osteoarthritis
• Improving Cognitive Function

How Boron Works

Boron affects transmembrane signaling or transmembrane movement of regulatory ions such as calcium and magnesium and acts as a back-up system to preserve calcium in the blood. This it does by, among other possible mechanisms, reducing urinary calcium loss. Boron also supports the metabolic use of vitamin D which is vital to the body's ability to gain access and process calcium and, it has also been shown to inhibit COX and LOX which are pivotal to the inflammatory process. It appears that Boron also has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties and studies show that cognitive function improves in those with adequate levels of boron in their diets.

Safety  of Boron   

Most available compounds are: boron citrate, boron aspartate, boron glycinate chelates, or sodium borax and shouldn't be taken at higher than prescribed dosages due to toxicity. Research is inadequate for children or pregnant and nursing mothers.

Precautions for Boron

Although high levels of Boron can be toxic, humans and higher animals  typically do not accumulate it in their systems because it is rapidly excreted. However, Boron should not be administered to children. Case reports exist of death in infants following use of boron (taken by mouth or placed on the skin). For patients on estrogen replacement therapy, it is advised that they not take additional Boron because of its stimulation of estrogen in their systems.

 

Recommended Amounts of Boron

Because herbs also contain active chemical substances which can and will interact with others, no herb or drug should be taken without first consulting with one's physician.

     Dietary intake: The average reported boron intake in the American diet is 1.17 milligrams per day for men, 0.96 milligrams per day for women and 1.29 to 1.47 milligrams per day for vegetarians. High boron content foods include peanut butter, wine, grapes, beans, and peaches.

     Osteoarthritis: 3 to 6 milligrams of elemental boron (as sodium tetraborate decahydrate) taken by mouth daily for up to 8 weeks has been used (4;5).

     Osteoporosis prevention: 3 milligrams of boron taken by mouth per day for individuals with low boron diet (low vegetable, fruit diet) has been studied.