THE FASCINATING SCIENCE OF BORON: EXPLORING THE POWER OF SUPPLEMENTS

WHAT IS BORON?

Boron is a naturally occurring element found in plant-based meals, a trace mineral and is regarded as an unnecessary nutrient for humans. Boron is received from food sources; however, it can also be gained through supplements. Boron supplements are linked to a variety of health advantages, however the scientific evidence supporting these claims is either unclear or restricted. The possible benefits, dosage recommendations, and hazards connected with this element are still being researched and debated.

WHAT ARE THE HEALTH BENEFITS OF BORON?

Boron supplementation has been linked to several potential benefits, but it’s crucial to recognise that the scientific evidence supporting these claims is varied and, at times, inadequate. However, here are some alleged benefits:

• May Relieve Osteoarthritis: Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disorder that causes pain and suffering by gradually wearing away the cartilage that cushions the joints. Some preliminary research suggests that boron supplementation may hold potential in treating OA symptoms. Individuals with OA were administered calcium fructoborate, a specific type of boron, for two weeks in a major double-blind, placebo-controlled research. The findings of this study showed that short-term calcium fructoborate supplementation reduced inflammatory markers like C-reactive protein. These findings suggested that boron may have the capacity to reduce the inflammatory processes associated with OA. Another clinical experiment involving 60 OA patients investigated the effects of boron supplementation. Participants who took 6 milligrams of boron daily for two weeks reported a significant decrease in knee pain. However, it’s worth noting that this study was funded by the business that makes the boron supplement, which raises concerns about the possibility of bias in the conclusions.

  

• May treat Vaginal Yeast infections: Boric acid, a boron derivative, is sometimes used as a vaginal suppository to treat recurrent vaginal yeast infections, also known as candidiasis. While there has been some historical use and research that indicates good results, the quality of the existing studies has been a source of worry. This has made it difficult to definitively confirm the benefits of boron in treating yeast infections. It is critical to emphasise that boric acid should never be used orally, and that its use in this context should be done only under the supervision of a healthcare practitioner.
• May reduce the risk of cancer: There is fascinating evidence linking dietary boron intake to a lower risk of certain types of cancer, including prostate cancer and certain malignancies in women, such as lung and cervical cancer. However, it is important to highlight that these relationships have not been clearly confirmed through clinical studies, and more study is needed to confirm whether boron does, in fact, have a direct affect on cancer risk. Furthermore, it is worth noting that boron is largely present in plant-based foods, which aligns with the general recommendation to include more fruits and vegetables in one’s diet to reduce cancer risk. While these first findings are encouraging, further rigorous and extensive research is required to determine the role of boron in cancer prevention more clearly.

Boron supplementation has been linked to a variety of potential advantages, including relief from arthritic symptoms, potential treatment of vaginal yeast infections, and a possible involvement in lowering the risk of some tumours. The strength of the evidence, however, varies, and more research is needed to establish these possible advantages. Before contemplating boron supplements, it is critical to check with a healthcare expert, especially if you have specific health problems or conditions.

HOW MUCH BORON SHOULD YOU TAKE A DAY?

Determining the optimum boron dosage for an individual should be accomplished with carefully and, ideally, under the supervision of a healthcare expert. Any supplement, including boron, must be appropriate for an individual’s specific health needs and circumstances. While there is no recognised RDA for boron, a Tolerable Upper Limit (TUL) of 20 milligrams per day has been established. The average person in the United States consumes about 1 milligrams of boron each day through their diet. Vegetarians, in particular, have increased dietary boron consumption due to their plant-based diet.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) defines a “acceptable safe range” for boron intake as 1 to 13 milligrams per day, reflecting differences in boron consumption reported across different populations. The recommended upper limit of boron intake for kids varies depending on their age. Boron intake should be limited to 3 milligrams per day for children aged 1 to 3 years. The suggested upper limit for boron intake in children aged 4 to 8 years old is 6 milligrams per day. Boron consumption should not exceed 11 milligrams per day in children aged 9 to 13 years old. Boron intake should be limited to 17 milligrams per day for adolescents aged 14 to 18.

These recommendations assist in tailoring boron intake to the unique needs of developing children and teenagers, considering age-related requirements and potential health concerns. It is critical to emphasise the importance of speaking with a healthcare practitioner before contemplating boron supplementation, particularly for persons who have specific health issues or diseases, to ensure safety and appropriateness based on individual health variables.

WHAT BORON WORK IN THE HUMAN BODY?

Boron enters the human body by a variety of processes, while the precise details of its biological roles are unknown. It is classified as a trace mineral, and while it is not regarded essential in the same way as vitamins and minerals are, it appears to play various roles in overall health. Boron’s possible role in bone health is one of its principal functions.

According to research, boron may improve the absorption and utilisation of key minerals like calcium and magnesium, which are necessary for bone formation and maintenance. This effect on mineral metabolism could lead to increased bone density and strength. Furthermore, boron may promote the activity of certain enzymes involved in bone health, lending validity to its potential in promoting skeletal wellness.

Boron’s connection with many metabolic processes is another part of its activity. Boron may alter the metabolism of steroid hormones like oestrogen and testosterone, while the specific mechanisms are unknown. Because of this connection with hormonal pathways, some people have speculated about boron’s potential impact on muscle development and cognitive function. More research is needed, however, to completely understand these effects and determine the precise pathways by which boron functions within the human body.

WHAT ARE THE VARIATIONS OF BORON SUPPLEMENTS?

Note that BORON is also available as:

• Boron 1% Food State On Yeast (~1% B)
• Boron Citrate Nutrition Grade (~5.4% B) – Export
• Disodium Tetraborate Decahydrate Nutrition Grade (Borax) (Boron) (~11% B)

BORON is commonly available in:

• Boron tablets
• Boron capsules
• Boron powders

Glentworth Formulations is here to suit your every need. Everything from Tablets, Capsules and Powder blends.

If you are wanting to know more information, please get in contact with us. Either using the contact form or contacting us directly on: enquiries@glentworthformulations.com.