Boron is a trace mineral found mainly in the bones but also in the thyroid and parathyroid glands. It helps to reduce the loss of calcium in the urine and so can often be found in combination with calcium in supplements.
| Function | How it helps |
|---|---|
| Female hormone health |
Influences the activity of oestrogen and is beneficial for calcium levels. |
| Bone health | Thought to be instrumental in the conversion of cholecalciferol into Vitamin D, which is needed for calcium to be absorbed. |
| Joint health | Studies indicate that it can help arthritis in the joints. |
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What is it used for?
|
||
|---|---|---|
| rheumatoid arthritis |
Juvenile arthritis |
|
|
menopause symptoms |
osteoporosis |
skeletal health |
|
fractures |
||
|
Best food sources
|
||
|---|---|---|
| Leafy green vegetables | Whole grains | Fruit |
| Nuts | Dates | Raisins |
| Prunes | Soya | |
| Deficiency Symptoms | |
|---|---|
|
Excess excretion of calcium and magnesium |
Lack of mental alertness |
|
Testosterone deficiency |
Osteoporosis |
|
Oestrogen deficiency |
|
Supplementation dosage range
1 – 9mg daily
Cautions
-
Doses exceeding 100mg per day may cause side effects such as dermatitis, diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting and fatigue.
-
Very high doses may cause an increased excretion of vitamin B2.
- Some studies have indicated that boron may increase the bodys own oestrogen. It is therefore best to avoid supplementing it if you take HRT or high dose oestrogen contraceptives.
