Are you wondering what Boron supplements are and considering adding them to your daily regimen? Boron is believed to have numerous health benefits associated with its consumption. Many people have seen the potential benefits of boron and are interested in using it to improve their overall well-being.
In this article, we will explore the possible health benefits and risks of taking boron supplements so that you can make an informed decision about whether this natural remedy is safe and beneficial for your personal use. Now, let’s begin.
Table of Contents
What is Boron?
Boron is an essential mineral found in food and the environment. It plays a role in bone metabolism, brain function, and energy production. It has also been studied for its potential to treat certain health conditions, such as arthritis and osteoporosis. [1]
In supplement form, boron is often combined with other minerals or vitamins to provide additional benefits. For example, boron supplements are commonly used to support bone health, improve cognitive performance, and boost energy levels.
Sources of Boron
Boron is naturally present in many foods, including nuts, grains, berry fruits, and vegetables. It can also be found in some drinking water sources. You can find them in the following:
- Legumes, which include peanuts, beans, and green peas
- Fruit and fruit juices like raisins, peaches, prunesprune, and grapes
- Coffee
- Milk
- Cider
- Wine
- Beer
- Dried and cooked beans
- Apples
- Potatoes
- Avocados
Health Benefits of Boron Supplements
Boron offers many potential health benefits when taken in supplement form. Here are some of them:
1. Boron Supplements for Females
Boron is often used to treat vaginal yeast infections (candidiasis). Patients with chronic yeast infections who have not responded to standard treatment may benefit from taking boric acid. [2]
Boric acid is a kind of boron. When taken as a vaginal suppository, it is occasionally reported to assist with recurring vaginal yeast infections. Boric acid capsules injected into the vagina are used in these circumstances. However, boric acid might have unpleasant side effects, including burning in the genital area. [3]
Although boron supplementation has shown promising results in curing yeast infections in certain studies, the quality of the research needs to be updated and has been called into doubt. Whatever the case, you should seek the opinion of a qualified medical professional before beginning any course of therapy.
2. Boron Supplements for Testosterone
Improved athletic performance is another reason why some individuals use boron supplements. Research shows that even a single week of supplementing with 6 milligrams of boron may have positive effects, such as facilitating the conversion of total testosterone to free testosterone, which is helpful for various sex-related functions. [4]
In contrast, a study on mineral and trace element supplementation in athletes found no effect of boron supplementation over seven weeks. [5]
Boron supplementation has been shown to enhance free testosterone levels by as much as 25%. The term “free testosterone” describes the hormones in your body that float about in your bloodstream without being bound to anything.
Erectile dysfunction may have numerous reasons, including inactivity, poor circulation, and other chronic diseases and conditions, including high blood pressure, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. Besides testosterone, other hormone imbalances have been associated to erectile dysfunction. For example, researchersr esearchers found that increased estradiol levels in males led to fewer instances of both nighttime and spontaneous penile erections. [6]
Studies show that supplementing with 6-10 mg of boron per day helps to enhance testosterone metabolism and free testosterone by as much as 25% in as little as a week, which is helpful for treatingthe treatment of erectile dysfunction. The levels of estradiol are demonstrated to be halved at this dosage. These findings suggest that boron may be an effective treatment for erectile dysfunction due to hormonal imbalances such as low testosterone and estrogen dominance. [4]
This suggests that boron may be useful when low testosterone is the cause of erectile dysfunction, which could help the male patient’s testosterone levels rise. When this occurs, erection problems may be alleviated.
Most of the purported health advantages of boron supplements need to be backed by stronger scientific data.
3. Boron Supplements for Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis (OA) develops when the cartilage that protects the bones deteriorates over time, causing stiffness and pain.
Patients with hip osteoarthritis had their boron, lead, and zinc levels lowered after hip replacement surgery. [7]
One research found that patients who took 6 mg daily for two weeks had a reduction in knee discomfort. However, the study was performed by researchers paid for by the supplement’s manufacturer. [8]
4. Boron Supplements for Cancer
Plant foods are the best source of boron, and increasing one’s intake is often advised to lower one’s chance of developing cancer. People who ate the fewest boron-containing foods had almost double the chance of developing lung cancer. [9]
Men and women who eat diets high in boron may have a reduced chance of developing prostate and cervical cancer. In contrast, women who smoke may have a reduction in their risk of developing lung cancer. While boron-based compounds have shown promise in treating some cancers, they also provide unique advantages and should be included in cancer prevention measures. [10]
How to Take Boron Supplements? Boron Dosage and Forms
Boron supplements are available in various forms, including capsules, tablets, and liquids.
Below are the maximum recommended daily allowances (RDAs) for boron, which account for the consumption of the mineral from all dietary and nondietary sources. [11]
| Age | Upper Limit of Boron (mg) |
| 1 – 3 years old | 3 mg |
| 4 – 8 years old | 6 mg |
| 9 – 13 years old | 11 mg |
| 14 – 18 years old | 17 mg |
| Adults | 20 mg |
It is best to consult a health professional before taking boron supplements, as different individuals have different needs.
Boron Supplement Side Effects
Like all supplements, boron can have potential side effects when taken in large doses or without appropriate medical advice.
Boron is safe for consumption in food and beverages. However, excessive boron consumption may lead to unpleasant symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, rashes, headaches, and even convulsions.
Boron may be fatal in large enough doses. In addition, accidental ingestion of borax (sodium borate) or boric acid, two types of boron found in cleaning supplies and pesticides, may also be harmful.
Risks of Boron
There have been no reports of negative interactions between boron and any pharmaceuticals or dietary supplements.
Since boron may mimic the effects of estrogen, it should be avoided by those withwho have hormone-sensitive conditions such as breast cancer, uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, endometriosis, or uterine fibroids. If you have a condition that might be exacerbated by estrogen, you should avoid taking supplementary boron or consuming foods rich in boron.
Any medications, vitamins, or herbal remedies you use should be disclosed to your doctor, pharmacist, and other medical professionals. If these medications affect your body’s ability to absorb or use boron or other nutrients, your doctor may tell you about it.
Bottomline: What are Boron Supplements? Health Benefits and Risks
Boron is an essential mineral found in food and the environment linked to a wide range of health benefits for conditions associated with hormones and osteoporosis. Although boron is generally safe for consumption, too much can lead to uncomfortable symptoms.
If you are interested in exploring the potential health benefits of adding more boron into your diet or how increasing your exposure to this mineral may be advantageous for your health, please consult your doctor or healthcare provider. They will give you the best advice on boron supplementation that is safe for you.
Disclaimer: This article is only a guide. It does not substitute the advice given by your healthcare professional. Before making any health-related decision, consult your healthcare professional.
Editorial References And Fact-Checking
- Office of Dietary Supplements – Boron. (n.d.). https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Boron-Consumer/
- Van Kessel, Katherine MD*; Assefi, Nassim MD†; Marrazzo, Jeanne MD‡; Eckert, Linda MD§. Common Complementary and Alternative Therapies for Yeast Vaginitis and Bacterial Vaginosis: A Systematic Review. Obstetrical & Gynecological Survey 58(5):p 351-358, May 2003. | DOI: 10.1097/01.OGX.0000068791.04785.8D
- Iavazzo, C., Gkegkes, I., Zarkada, I., & Falagas, M. (2011, August 9). Boric Acid for Recurrent Vulvovaginal Candidiasis: The Clinical Evidence. Mary Ann Liebert, Inc Publishers. Retrieved February 12, 2023, from https://doi.org/10.1089/jwh.2010.2708
- Pizzorno L. Nothing Boring About Boron. Integr Med (Encinitas). 2015 Aug;14(4):35-48. PMID: 26770156; PMCID: PMC4712861.
- Heffernan SM, Horner K, De Vito G, Conway GE. The Role of Mineral and Trace Element Supplementation in Exercise and Athletic Performance: A Systematic Review. Nutrients. 2019; 11(3):696. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu11030696.
- Xu ZH, Xu XH, Pan D, Liu TY, Yuan MZ, Jiang S, Guan Y, Zhao ST. Effect of estradiol on penile erection: a cross-sectional study. Transl Androl Urol. 2019 Dec;8(6):574-582. doi: 10.21037/tau.2019.10.15. PMID: 32038953; PMCID: PMC6987613.
- Helliwell TR, Kelly SA, Walsh HP, Klenerman L, Haines J, Clark R, Roberts NB. Elemental analysis of femoral bone from patients with fractured neck of femur or osteoarthrosis. Bone. 1996 Feb;18(2):151-7. doi: 10.1016/8756-3282(95)00440-8. PMID: 8833209.
- Pietrzkowski Z, Phelan M, Keller R, Shu C, Argumedo R, Reyes-Izquierdo T. Short-term efficacy of calcium fructoborate on subjects with knee discomfort: a comparative, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study. Clin Interv Aging. 2014;9:895-899. https://doi.org/10.2147/CIA.S64590
- S. Mahabir, M. R. Spitz, S. L. Barrera, Y. Q. Dong, C. Eastham, M. R. Forman, Dietary Boron and Hormone Replacement Therapy as Risk Factors for Lung Cancer in Women, American Journal of Epidemiology, Volume 167, Issue 9, 1 May 2008, Pages 1070–1080, https://doi.org/10.1093/aje/kwn021
- Scorei RI, Popa R Jr. Boron-containing compounds as preventive and chemotherapeutic agents for cancer. Anticancer Agents Med Chem. 2010 May;10(4):346-51. doi: 10.2174/187152010791162289. PMID: 19912103.
- Office of Dietary Supplements – Boron. (n.d.-b). https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Boron-Consumer/
