Boron's therapeutic uses
Boron is a trace mineral that, while not essential for human health, may offer therapeutic benefits in specific health contexts. It is believed to help with the absorption and retention of important minerals like calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus, which play key roles in bone health. Boron has been proposed as a potential treatment for conditions such as osteoarthritis and osteoporosis, with some clinical studies in the 2020s supporting these uses. Additionally, boron's influence on hormone regulation has led to suggestions that it could help with sports performance and cognitive function, although evidence in these areas remains inconclusive.
Furthermore, boron is sometimes explored as a natural supplement for reducing the risk of prostate cancer and enhancing cognitive abilities, although more research is needed to confirm these claims. While typically safe at recommended dosages, there are concerns regarding boron's impact on hormone levels, particularly estrogen, which could pose risks for certain individuals. Overall, boron is recognized for its potential health benefits, primarily related to bone health and hormone regulation, but further studies are necessary to fully understand its therapeutic applications and safety profile.
Boron's therapeutic uses
DEFINITION: Natural substance used as a supplement to treat specific health conditions.
PRINCIPAL PROPOSED USES: None
OTHER PROPOSED USES: Osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, prostate cancer prevention, rheumatoid arthritis, sports supplement, hormone regulation, cognitive health
Overview
Plants need boron for proper health, but it is not considered an essential nutrient for humans. Still, boron can be regarded as a beneficial trace mineral. It seems to assist in the proper absorption of calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus from foods and slows the loss of these minerals through urination. Preliminary evidence suggests that boron supplements may be helpful for osteoarthritis and osteoporosis. Several other therapeutic uses for boron have been suggested.
Requirements and Sources
No dietary or nutritional requirement for boron has been established, and boron deficiency is not known to cause any disease. Good sources include leafy vegetables, raisins, prunes, nuts, noncitrus fruits, and grains. A typical American diet provides 1.5 to 3 milligrams (mg) of boron.
Therapeutic Dosages
Boron is often recommended at a dosage of 3 mg per day, when used as a treatment for osteoarthritis or osteoporosis. This is similar to the average daily intake from food, but food sources may be safer.
Therapeutic Uses
Boron aids in the proper metabolism of vitamins and minerals involved with bone development, such as calcium, copper, magnesium, and vitamin D. In addition, boron appears to affect estrogen and possibly testosterone, hormones that affect bone health. On this basis, boron was suggested for preventing or treating osteoporosis. In the 2020s, clinical studies evaluating boron supplements' potential benefits for bone-related conditions were conducted and confirmed these statements. Boron is often added to supplements intended for the treatment of osteoarthritis.
Boron has also been proposed as a sports supplement based on its effects on hormones. However, studies have failed to find evidence that it helps increase muscle mass or enhances performance. However, studies conducted at the beginning of the twenty-first century did leave open the potential for boron to enhance athletic performance. More study was needed.
One large observational study suggests that a higher intake of boron may reduce the risk of prostate cancer. Some studies indicate boron may enhance cognitive function and improve memory and concentration. A study published in the late 1990s showed that healthy adults receiving boron supplementation performed significantly better on cognitive function tasks than those not supplementing with boron. Boron is sometimes recommended as a treatment for rheumatoid arthritis, but there is no evidence to support this use. Finally, other suggested therapeutic uses that need additional study include using boron as an immune system booster and aiding in wound healing.
Scientific Evidence
Osteoarthritis. In areas of the world where people eat relatively high amounts of boron–between 3 and 10 mg per day–the incidence of osteoarthritis is below 10 percent. However, in regions with less boron in the diet–1 mg or less per day–the incidence of arthritis is much higher. In addition, the joints of people with osteoarthritis have been found to contain less boron than people without the condition. These observations have given rise to the hypothesis that boron supplements might be helpful for people who already have arthritis symptoms. Clinical studies confirmed this hypothesis in the early 2020s.
Osteoporosis. In one small study, thirteen postmenopausal women were first fed a diet that provided 0.25 mg of boron for 119 days; then, they were fed the same diet with a boron supplement of 3 mg daily for forty-eight days. The results revealed that boron supplementation reduced the amount of calcium lost in the urine. This suggests (but certainly does not prove) that boron can help prevent osteoporosis. However, in a similar study, boron administration did not affect urine calcium loss. Another study found that boron fails to affect calcium loss among people who receive enough magnesium.
Safety Issues
Since the therapeutic dosage of boron is about the same as the amount a person can get from food, it is likely fairly safe. Unpleasant side effects, including nausea and vomiting, are only reported at about fifty times the highest recommended dose.
One potential concern with boron regards its effect on hormones. In at least two small studies, boron was found to increase the body’s own estrogen levels, especially in women on estrogen replacement therapy. Because elevated estrogen increases the risk of breast and uterine cancer in women past menopause, this may be a matter of concern for those who wish to take supplemental boron. Further research is necessary to determine boron’s effect on estrogen. Experts recommend getting boron from fruits and vegetables: a large study found that high intake of boron from these sources did not affect breast cancer rates.
Important Interactions
For persons undergoing hormone replacement therapy, the use of boron may not be advisable because of the risk of elevating estrogen levels excessively.
Bibliography
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