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PROMOTES Cellular Response to Hormones Metabolism of Calcium Metabolism of Magnesium Bone Health Healthy Teeth
PROTECTS AGAINST Abnormal Estrogen Metabolism Abnormal Testosterone Metabolism Urinary Calcium Loss Urinary Magnesium Loss
There is no Recommended Dietary Allowance for Boron; 1 mg a day is adequate.
Overview Boron was discovered by Gay-Lussac, Thenard and Davy in 1808. It is element number 8 on the atomic periodic table.
Boron, a trace mineral, was recognized as an essential micronutrient in the 1980's. It had been known to have essentiality for plants since the early part of the twentieth century. Recent research is showing that it plays a critical role in metabolism and bone health.
It is most prevalently found in nature compounded with sodium and oxygen to form borax. It is commercially available in three compounds: boron citrate, boron asparotite, and boron glycinate.
The depletion of boron prompts the kidneys to give up calcium and magnesium. This sets up accelerated bone demineralization. Research as to it's role in osteoporosis development and prevention in post menopausal women is underway.
No drugs have been identified to deplete boron.
It is not depleted by cooking.
Boron is found in fruits, vegetables and nuts.
None known.
Boron exerts an influence on cellular response to hormones. It seems to modulate cell signaling by assisting in transmembrane ion movement.
Boron plays an important role in the metabolism of calcium and magnesium. Boron also has a regulator effect on the production within the body of estrogens and testosterone. The synthesis of estrogens and testosterone require hydroxylation, a biochemical process adding hydroxide (OH) groups to precursor substances. Boron facilitates hydroxylation reactions.
There seems to be many ways that boron has an influence on bone health. It substantially reduces urinary calcium loss. One study showed a 44% reduction in urinary excretion of calcium when boron supplementation was given to boron deficient women. Boron may also have an effect on the synthesis of vitamin D. Another study showed an increased incidence of osteoarthritis in areas with low boron levels in the soil.
Meat and fish are poor sources of boron. Fruits and vegetables need to be grown in soil with adequate amounts of boron.
Recommended Dietary Allowance: There is no set RDA -recommended dietary allowance- for boron. Usual dose to correct deficiency is 1 to 9 mg a day.
UPPER LIMITS (UL: Tolerable Upper Intake Level)
AGE (YRS) AMOUNT in milligrams
Infants 0.0-0.5: not dosed 0.5-1.0: 3 UL
Children 1-3: 3 UL 4-8: 6 UL
Males 9-13: 11 UL 14-18: 17 UL 19-30: 20 UL 31-50: 20 UL 51-70: 20 UL 71+: 20 UL
Females 9-13: 11 UL 14-18: 17 UL 19-30: 20 UL 31-50: 20 UL 51-70: 20 UL 71+: 20 UL
Pregnant >18yo: 20 UL
Lactating >18yo: 20 UL
No reports of adverse side effects have been reported in instances of dietary intake up to 41 mg a day. Larger amounts have caused nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, skin rashes, and fatigue. |
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