What is Boron ? Boron Health Benefits

Why do we need Boron ?

Boron is a type of mineral, promotes normal bone growth and development. It is essential for preservation and maintenance of bone in our bodies. Boron deficiency can cause bone demineralization that leads to osteoporosis.

Boron plays an important role in calcium absorption and metabolism. It functions by influencing the activity of parathyroid hormone (PTH) which is needed to regulate calcium and phosphorus ratio in the body. PTH activates Vitamin D that promotes the absorption of calcium in the intestines and decreases loss of calcium in the urine.

Boron is a trace element that mimics estrogen. It stimulates secondary sexual characteristics among females during puberty. It also promotes growth and maturation of long bone.

Food contains Boron

Boron is found in apples, leafy vegetables, avocados, pears, grapes, legumes, soybeans and nuts.

Daily Requirement for Boron

For an adult, only 3 mg of Boron is required a day.

Interaction of Boron with other Supplement

Large amount of Boron will increase the vitamin B2 (riboflavin) excretion through the urine.

Boron Deficiency

Not much is known about problems caused by boron deficiency. Studies has found that low amount of boron in diet may damage and impair cognitive and psychomotor functions.

Boron deficiency is also associated with depression of one’s mental alertness.

Substantial study has reported that lack of boron may lead to growth impairment.

Boron deficiency is also linked to the cause of osteoporosis since it is required for calcium absorption, metabolism and prevent demineralization though urinary loss of calcium. Strong evidence is still unavailable.

Lack of boron also causes menstrual cramps and menopause problems.

Severe boron deficiency can cause kidney damage, circulatory collapse, shock and death.

Overdose of Boron and Toxicity

When consumed orally in the form of food, boron is considered non-toxic. However, when consume more than 100mg daily, overdoes of boron can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, dermatitis or restlessness.

Chronic boron toxicity causes nausea, poor appetite and weight loss. It can decrease sexual activities, low sperm count and low level of seminal volume.

Boron in Medical Treatment

Boron is used to reduce the risk of developing osteoporosis in women undergoes post menopause.

It is also believed that boron plays a role in cancer treatment. A non-radioactive isotope of boron, boron-10, with low energy neutron is used in Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT). BNCT has been clinically used as an alternative to conventional radiation therapy for the treatment of malignant brain tumours (gliomas), and more recently, recurrent, locally advanced head and neck cancer. It is non-invasive modality for treating locally invasive malignant tumours. Its destructive effects are limited to the tumour leaving other normal cells alone.

Boron is also sometimes used an alternative steroid for bodybuilding and muscle mass development in athletes.

Boron is often taken by boron-deprived postmenopausal women to increase the testosterone levels in the body, which is important in muscle development.

Some weak evidences have shown boron improve the condition of arthritis, osteoarthritis and juvenile arthritis.

Boron intake is also used to treat dental carries.

Boron, in the form of boric acid, is also used as eye-wash and skin antiseptic.

Disclaimer

This article is not intended as medical advice or a prescription of treatment. For diagnosis of your own symptoms, please consult a medical professional or other healer. Information in this article is of a general nature. Please read instructions on any product for proper dosage or consult your physician before taking boron.