| Boron | ||||||||
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- Why boron is good for you
- Important boron facts
- Groups at risk of boron deficiency
- Symptoms of boron deficiency
- Boron and health
- Boron in foods
- Boron recommended daily intake (RDI)
- Boron works best with
- Overdosage, toxicity and cautions for boron
Boron is a trace mineral that has a remarkable effect on the bones - it prevents bone loss and demineralisation. Boron is associated with the metabolism of calcium and magnesium, so is essential for healthy bones and joints. Boron is also for women suffering from postmenopausal osteoporosis. Boron is essential for the utilization of vitamin D, which enhances the absorption of calcium.
- Boron needs to be taken with calcium and magnesium to be effective
- Recent research demonstrates that boron may be essential in the conversion of vitamin D to its active form
Groups at risk of boron deficiency
Most people get enough boron from the foods they eat, but some people may be at risk of boron deficiency:
- Post-menopausal women - require boron to ensure their bones stay strong and they do not get osteoporosis
- People with osteoarthritis - this mineral may help people with osteoarthritis, a debilitating condition, as it works on ensuring the health of bones and joints
People in these groups at risk of deficiency who wish to take a boron supplement should talk to a medical professional BEFORE taking it.
Boron deficiency cases symptoms similar to osteoporosis (calcium loss and bone demineralisation): |
Boron deficiency also causes decreased blood levels of eostrogen and testosterone, both of which are associated with calcium loss and bone demineralisation.
- Osteoporosis - boron is useful for women suffering from postmenopausal osteoporosis. One study showed that women who got adequate boron in their diet (or supplemented with boron) reduced their calcium excretion by 44% and dramatically increased the levels of beta-eostradiol, the most biologically active estrogen
- Osteoarthritis - several studies have shown that boron may provide relief for patients suffering from osteoarthritis, juvenile arthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis
People who wish to take a boron supplement should talk to a medical professional BEFORE taking it.
Boron is found predominantly in:
There is little boron in meat and fish.
Boron recommended daily intake (RDI)
| RDA | lifestage | age | amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| INFANTS | 0-12mths | not known ** | |
| CHILDREN | 1-8yrs | not known ** | |
| CHILDREN | 9-18yrs | not known ** | |
| ADULTS | 19-50yrs | 2-3mg | |
| SENIORS | 51+yrs |
2-3mg | |
| PREGNANT | all ages | not known ** | |
| LACTATING | all ages | not known ** | |
| TOLERABLE UPPER LIMIT | lifestage | age | amounT |
| INFANTS | 0-12mths | not known * | |
| CHILDREN | 1-3yrs 4-8yrs |
3mg 6mg |
|
| CHILDREN | 9-13yrs 14-18yrs |
11mg 17mg |
|
| ADULTS | 19-50yrs | 20mg | |
| SENIORS | 51+yrs |
20mg | |
| PREGNANT | <18yrs 19-50yrs |
17mg 20mg |
|
| LACTATING | <18yrs 19-50yrs |
17mg 20mg |
|
| TOXIC LEVELS | 18-20g | ||
The tolerable upper limits should only be taken for short periods and only under medical supervision.
** Boron does not have an established recommended daily intake for for babies, children and pregnant / lactating women and these groups of people should not take it in supplement form.
* There is no known or established upper limit of boron for infants between the ages of 0-12 months, who should obtain adequate levels of boron from either their mother's breast milk or from baby formula.
Overdosage, toxicity and cautions for boron
Boron is very safe in the dosages recommended, but it can be extremely toxic in high doses (18-20g) which can lead to death. Do not exceed recommended dosage.
Overdosage/Toxicity Symptoms
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Hair Loss
- Skin Rash
- Lethargy
- Headache
- Diarrhoea
- Restlessness
- Kidney Damage
Circulatory collapse and shock, leading to death will occur at exceedingly high doses (18-20g) - this can usually only happen with high supplemental dosage.
references
- Griffith, HW. Minerals, Supplements and Vitamins - the Essential Guide. 2000 Fisher Books
- Osiecki, H. The Nutrient Bible. Bio-Concepts Publishing QLD, 2002
- Whitney EN, Cataldo DB, Rolfes SR. Understanding Normal and Clinical Nutrition, 6th Edition. Wadsworth/Thomson Learning, 2002
