Boron
Boron is a naturally occurring trace element found in foods including fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts and some beverages.
Unlike minerals such as calcium, magnesium or zinc, boron is not currently classified as an essential nutrient for humans and no recommended daily intake has been established.
Research nevertheless suggests boron may influence several processes related to bone formation, mineral metabolism and steroid hormones.
Boron and Bone Health
Much of the interest in boron centres on bone health.
Laboratory and human research suggests boron may interact with processes involving calcium, magnesium and vitamin D, all of which are important to normal bone maintenance.
Some studies have also investigated its effects on bone-forming and bone-resorbing cells.
The evidence is still developing, however, and boron should not be considered a substitute for established bone-health nutrients such as calcium, vitamin D, adequate protein and regular resistance or weight-bearing exercise.
Boron and Mineral Metabolism
The body continually regulates minerals including calcium, magnesium and phosphorus.
Boron appears to influence some aspects of this mineral metabolism, although its precise biological role in humans has not been fully defined.
This is why boron is often included in multi-mineral and bone-support formulas rather than used as the main ingredient.
Boron and Vitamin D
Some research has investigated interactions between boron and vitamin D metabolism.
Vitamin D is important for intestinal calcium absorption and bone mineralisation, while boron may influence some of the pathways involved in mineral regulation.
The clinical significance of these interactions is not yet fully established.
For people concerned about vitamin D status, testing and appropriate vitamin D intake remain more direct approaches.
Boron and Hormone Metabolism
Small human studies have also explored whether boron intake influences steroid hormones such as testosterone and oestrogen.
Results have been inconsistent and are not strong enough to suggest that boron should be used as a hormone-boosting supplement.
Its inclusion in men's health formulas is better viewed within the context of mineral metabolism and general nutritional support.
Food Sources of Boron
Boron is found predominantly in plant foods.
Sources include:
- Raisins and prunes
- Avocado
- Apples and pears
- Peaches
- Beans and other legumes
- Nuts
- Potatoes
- Fruit juices
People eating a varied diet containing fruits, vegetables and legumes generally consume some boron naturally.
How Much Boron Do We Need?
There is currently no established recommended dietary allowance for boron because it has not been classified as an essential nutrient.
The United States Institute of Medicine has set an adult tolerable upper intake level of 20 mg per day from all sources.
Typical supplemental amounts are considerably lower.
More is not necessarily beneficial, and unusually high intakes can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and other adverse effects.
Boron in O2B Products
At O2B Healthy, boron is included in O2B Prostate Manager, providing 3 mg per capsule alongside saw palmetto, pygeum, pumpkin seed, zinc, stinging nettle, lycopene and selenium. O2B Multi Vitamin+ also provides 3 mg of boron as boron glycinate, while O2B Multi Mineral provides 1.5 mg of elemental boron from a boron amino-acid chelate. Across these formulas, boron complements nutrients involved in bone health, mineral metabolism and healthy ageing.