Boron...What does it do?

By Satinder Dhillon-Dougher AGCNP-BC

Boron is a trace mineral that can help increase steroid hormones in your body. It can help reduce some inflammatory markers like C-Reactive Protein (CRP) while increasing Free Testosterone and lowering Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG).

Boron helps with maintenance of bone health and osteogenesis, hormonal balance- it impacts the use of testosterone and estrogen, improves wound healing, reduces inflammatory markers such as C-Reactive Protein (CRP) and Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF), it can help increase antioxidants such as glutathione, it is also protective against oxidative stressors from pesticides and heavy metals (Pizzorno, 2015). Boron has a role in bone production and in reducing the amount of calcium that is lost in urination. It helps increase calcium reabsorption and levels of estradiol in peri and menopausal women (Pizzorno, 2015). Boron helps in wound healing by facilitating the activity of key enzymes in fibroblasts. Boron can help increase estradiol and testosterone in menopausal women per Pizzorno (2015). Boron can also help in Vitamin D deficiency by increasing the biological half life of Vitamin D and estradiol (Pizzorno, 2015).

Benefits of Boron Mineral:

1. Bone Health: Boron plays a crucial role in maintaining strong and healthy bones by aiding in the metabolism of calcium and magnesium.

2. Brain Function: This mineral has been linked to improved cognitive function and may help support brain health.

3. Hormonal Balance: Boron is believed to play a role in regulating hormones, particularly estrogen and testosterone, which can have a positive impact on overall health.

4. Inflammation Reduction: Boron has anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce inflammation in the body, potentially benefiting conditions such as arthritis.

5. Wound Healing: Some studies suggest that boron may enhance wound healing processes, making it beneficial for skin health and recovery from injuries.

6. Arthritis Relief: Boron supplementation has shown promising results in alleviating symptoms of arthritis, such as joint pain and stiffness.

Incorporating boron-rich foods or supplements into your diet may offer these health benefits and support overall well-being.

• Almonds

• Walnuts

• Avocados

• Broccoli

• Beans

• Oranges

• Prunes

• Red grapes

Research suggests that boron may play a role in increasing levels of testosterone in the body. Studies have shown that boron supplementation can lead to a modest increase in free testosterone levels, which may have implications for muscle growth, bone health, and cognitive function

References:

- Naghii, M. R., Mofid, M., Asgari, A. R., & Hedayati, M. (2011). Comparative effects of daily and weekly boron supplementation on plasma steroid hormones and proinflammatory cytokines. Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and Biology, 25(1), 54-58. doi: 10.1016/j.jtemb.2010.10.001

- Ferrando, A. A., Green, N. R., & Theisen, D. (1996). Boron supplementation does not affect peak testosterone production in humans. The Journal of Trace Elements in Experimental Medicine, 9(1), 77-82. doi: 10.1002/(SICI)1520-670X(1996)9:1<77::AID-JTRA9>3.0.CO;2-5

Mohammad Reza Naghii, Mahmoud Mofid, Ali Reza Asgari, Mehdi Hedayati, Maryam-Saddat Daneshpour (2011). Comparative effects of daily and weekly boron supplementation on plasma steroid hormones and proinflammatory cytokines. Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and Biology,

25(1), Pages 54-58. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtemb.2010.10.001.

Pizzorno, L. (2015). Nothing Boring About Boron. Integr Med (Encinitas). 2015 Aug;14(4):35-48. PMID: 26770156; PMCID: PMC4712861.

Nothing Boring About Boron - PMC (nih.gov)