Boron is a mineral that rarely gets attention. After all, its benefits were just recently recognized. It’s also a trace mineral, which means that the body needs a small amount. But it doesn’t mean it’s not important! Boron is essential for normal, healthy growth. Deficiency is also linked to problems, so you need to get enough. Some diseases can even be prevented, or treated, with this mineral. More research is needed to fully understand boron deficiency. Until then, here are the benefits that we need to know about boron.
1. Boron Helps Relieve Arthritis
Arthritis, or joint inflammation, affects over 50 million adults in America. It’s also the number one cause of disability.1 Symptoms include pain, stiffness, swelling, and poor range of motion.2 But since the 1960s, boron has been used as treatment. In fact, low intakes of boron (1.0 mg or less per day) are linked to a 20 to 70 percent incidence of arthritis. Meanwhile, an intake of 3 to 10 mg a day has a 0 to 10 percent incidence.3
According to a study in the Journal of Nutritional Medicine, 6 mg a day does the trick. The experiment included 10 patients with osteoarthritis. After supplementation, half of the participants saw relief.4 Boron works by reducing inflammation. It controls immune cells and suppresses enzymes. When this happens, inflammation takes a back seat.5
2. Boron Helps Promote Healthy Bones
Poor bone health increases the risk for injury. Unfortunately, most people reach peak bone mass around age 30. From there, bone loss speeds up, raising the risk for osteoporosis and fractures.6 Boron intake is one way to slow it down. It lowers calcium excretion through the urine, which is great for your bones. Calcium absorption will get a boost, too. Aside from preventing bone loss, boron also promotes bone growth. This mineral enhances the hormones and genes that control bone mineralization. As a result, bone maintenance can flourish.7
3. Boron Helps Decrease Inflammation
Inflammation is the culprit for many chronic diseases. Hypertension, heart disease, and cancer are just a few examples.8 However, vitamins and minerals can relieve inflammation. Boron makes the list. Again, it has anti-inflammatory properties! It controls the way certain immune cells respond to free radicals, germs, and cell damage. Most importantly, boron suppresses specific enzymes that control inflammation. This exact process is key to preventing disease.9
4. Boron Helps Improve Brain Function
If your brain needs a boost, focus on boron. Deficiency is linked to lower brain electrical activity, a factor that leads to poor cognitive function. Attention, short-term memory, dexterity, and motor speed will suffer. Boron even affects the specific type of electrical activity. It increases low frequencies, which is linked to reduced memory and alertness.10 As an anti-inflammatory, boron might help the progression of neurodegenerative diseases. Examples include Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, which are regulated by inflammation.11
5. Boron Helps Increase Testosterone
As men age, testosterone decreases. This male sex hormone is needed for normal sex drive, muscle strength, bone mass, and healthy sperm. Coping with declining levels can be stressful.12 Boron can increase testosterone.13 For instance, a study in the Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and Biology found that one week of daily boron supplementation has a desirable effect. The dose was 6 mg a day.14 For men with falling testosterone levels, boron may be a viable treatment.15
What Are The Sources Of Boron?
Rich sources of boron include fiber and protein-rich plant foods. Leafy vegetables, fruits, nuts, and legumes are tasty examples. Peanut butter and avocado also make the list. Fermented foods, such as wine and beer, also provide some boron. Poorer sources include meat, fish, and dairy. In the United States, the average boron intake is 1.7 to 7.0 mg a day.16
Before taking boron supplements, talk to your doctor. It might interact with drugs and increase estrogen. To be safe, focus on getting boron from a balanced, plant-based diet.
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