Boron is a trace mineral found mostly in plant foods. It is not classed as an essential nutrient, because no clear role in the body has been identified, but it may affect bone, brain function and steroid hormones such as vitamin D and estrogen. As a supplement it has been studied in small trials for joints and hormones.
Also known as: boron citrate, boron glycinate, calcium fructoborate.
ODS says there is not enough data to set an RDA or Adequate Intake for boron. The Tolerable Upper Intake Level for adults is 20 mg a day. The World Health Organization estimates an acceptable safe range for adults of 1 to 13 mg a day. Median intake from food in US adults is about 0.87 to 1.35 mg a day.
It is sold in the US as a dietary supplement. Under the 1994 dietary supplement law (DSHEA), FDA does not approve dietary supplements before they are marketed, and the maker, not FDA, is responsible for safety and labeling. There is no FDA-approved boron drug.
ODS says the body absorbs about 85% to 90% of boron taken in and clears it mainly in urine, and that boron is not known to have any clinically relevant interactions with medicines. On hormones, a small study of 8 healthy men given 10 mg of boron a day (Naghii 2011) reported higher free testosterone and lower estradiol after one week. On joints, ODS describes small trials of 6 mg a day of calcium fructoborate in osteoarthritis and says confirmation is needed. Accidental swallowing of boric acid or borax causes poisoning; ODS lists nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, rash and convulsions.
ODS cites a small study in which plasma boron rose significantly within 4 to 6 hours of a dose of sodium tetraborate, but gives no half-life, and no data compare forms. We do not list a half-life or a time to peak.
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