Boron

by MedlinePlus

Boron is a trace element, which is found throughout the global environment. It has been suggested for numerous medicinal purposes, but there is not strong evidence for any specific use. Preliminary studies report that boron may not be helpful for enhancing bodybuilding, reducing menopausal symptoms, or treating psoriasis.

Evidence

These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider.

Uses based on scientific evidence

Improving cognitive function

Preliminary human study reports better performance on tasks of eye-hand coordination, attention, perception, short-term memory and long-term memory with boron supplementation. However, additional research is needed before a firm conclusion can be drawn.

Osteoarthritis

Based on human population research, in a boron rich environment, people appear to have fewer joint disorders. It has also been proposed that boron deficiency may contribute to the development of osteoarthritis. However, there is no clear human evidence that supplementation with boron is beneficial as prevention against or as a treatment for osteoarthritis.

Osteoporosis

Animal and preliminary human studies report boron to play a role in mineral metabolism, with effects on calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D. However, research of bone mineral density in women taking boron supplements does not clearly demonstrate benefits in osteoporosis. Additional study is needed before a firm conclusion can be drawn.

Vaginitis

Inorganic boron (boric acid, borax) has been used as an antiseptic based on proposed antibacterial and antifungal properties. It is proposed that boric acid may have effects against candidal and non-candidal vulvovaginitis. A limited amount of poor-quality research reports that boric acid capsules used in the vagina may be effective for vaginitis. Further evidence is needed before a recommendation can be made.

Bodybuilding aid (increasing testosterone)

There is preliminary negative evidence for the use of boron for improving performance in bodybuilding by increasing testosterone. Although boron is suggested to raise testosterone levels, in early human research, total lean body mass has not been affected by boron supplementation in bodybuilders. Additional research is necessary before a firm conclusion can be drawn.

Menopausal symptoms

It has been proposed that boron affects estrogen levels in post-menopausal women. However, preliminary studies have found no changes in menopausal symptoms.

Prevention of blood clotting (coagulation effects)

It has been proposed that boron may affect the activity of certain blood clotting factors. A small (15 healthy men aged 45-65 years), randomized, placebo-controlled, double blind, cross over study concluded that there is no evidence of boron lowering clotting factor VIIa, and therefore should not alter bleeding risk. Notably, a manufacturer of boron funded this study. There is not enough evidence in this area to form a clear conclusion.

Psoriasis (boric acid ointment)

Preliminary human study of an ointment including boric acid does not report significant benefits in psoriasis.

Uses based on tradition or theory

The below uses are based on tradition or scientific theories. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider.

Anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, breast cancer, boron deficiency, diabetes, diaper rash (avoid due to case reports of death in infants from absorbing boron through skin or when taken by mouth), cancer, eye cleansing, high cholesterol, hypersensitivity to temperature, increasing lifespan, leukemia, pain, prostate cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, vitamin D deficiency, wound care.

Dosing

The below doses are based on scientific research, publications, traditional use, or expert opinion. Many herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested, and safety and effectiveness may not be proven. Brands may be made differently, with variable ingredients, even within the same brand. The below doses may not apply to all products. You should read product labels, and discuss doses with a qualified healthcare provider before starting therapy.

Standardization

Standardization involves measuring the amount of certain chemicals in products to try to make different preparations similar to each other. It is not always known if the chemicals being measured are the "active" ingredients. Most of the nutritional boron products available commercially are either sodium borax or a boron-chelated agent combined with aspartate, glycinate, or citrate.

Boron (as boric acid or borax) can be easily absorbed by mouth, through the skin, or by breathing.

Adults (18 years and older)

Oral (by mouth):

Dietary intake: The average reported boron intake in the American diet is 1.17 milligrams per day for men, 0.96 milligrams per day for women and 1.29 to 1.47 milligrams per day for vegetarians. High boron content foods include peanut butter, wine, grapes, beans, and peaches.

Osteoarthritis:3 to 6 milligrams of elemental boron (as sodium tetraborate decahydrate) taken by mouth daily for up to 8 weeks has been used.

Osteoporosis prevention:3 milligrams of boron taken by mouth per day for individuals with low boron diet (low vegetable, fruit diet) has been studied.

Improvement of cognitive function: 3 milligrams of elemental boron taken by mouth daily has been studied.

Menopausal symptoms:2.5 to 3 milligrams of elemental boron taken by mouth daily has been studied.

Topical (on the skin):

Psoriasis:1.5% boric acid with 3% zinc oxide applied to the skin as needed has been studied.

In the vagina:

Vaginitis: Boric acid powder capsules administered vaginally daily have been studied. Safety and effectiveness are not established.

Children (younger than 18 years)

There is not enough scientific data to recommend the safe use of boron in children. Case reports exist of death in infants following use of boron (taken by mouth or placed on the skin).

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