Boron helps with hardening of the bones, raises natural estrogen levels, prevents facial skin wrinkling.

Functions

Boron physiology is not totally clear as yet. It possibly affects calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus balance and the mineral movement and makeup of the bones by regulating the hormones, mainly parathyroid, that control these functions. Boron’s aid in preventing bone loss and osteoporosis is only projected at this date, and further study is needed to understand its relationship to the bones.

Boron may also play a role in hypertension and arthritis via its relationship to calcium metabolism. Both of these diseases, as well as atherosclerosis, are in part related to abnormal calcium metabolism and balance. Adequate calcium (and magnesium) may help maintain normal blood pressure, while abnormal calcium deposition may increase artery plaque and joint irritation. More research in these areas may prove very interesting.

Deficiency and Toxicity

Boron toxicity to date is associated with the excessive use of increased sensitivity to boric acid. The ingestion of boric acid can lead to immediate nausea and vomiting. Later problems could be anemia, hair loss, skin eruption, and seizures. Diborane inhalation or exposure to liquid boron hydride can adversely affect the lungs and nervous system. Boron deficiency is apparently more of everyday concern.

It may be associated with an increased incidence of osteoporosis. Preliminary research of arthritis incidence suggests a correlation with soil boron levels. In Israel, where people have a very low rate of arthritis (less than 1 percent) there are high levels of boron in the soil, while Jamaica has the opposite situations; that is low boron soil levels and a high incidence of arthritis. Clearly, more epidemiological research is needed to isolate boron or boron deficiency as a factor in these diseases.

Sources

Boron is available in the soil and in many whole foods. Fruits, such as apples, pears, and grapes are high in boron. Leafy greens, legumes, and nuts also are good sources. A poor diet, high in refined foods and low in wholesome ones, will likely provide insufficient boron and may lead to deficiency problems, one of which may be osteoporosis in the elderly. Boron is quickly depleted from soil. It is essential for plants, though not yet recognized as essential for people.

U.S. Department of Agriculture research suggests a bone maintenance benefit similar to that of estrogen. Supplemental Boron also boosts serum levels of estradiol and testosterone yielding enhanced sex drive. Grapes and Apples are good food sources. Supplemental Boron increases Calcium and Magnesium recycling inside the body, thus decreasing dependency upon outside sources.