Get Your Personalized Supplement StackSupplement Stack Quiz

Elemental Boron

Also known as: Elemental boron, B, sodium tetraborate, borax, boron citrate, boric acid, Boron

Overview

Boron is a trace element found naturally in various foods like fruits, vegetables, nuts, and legumes, and is considered an essential micronutrient for several biological functions. It is commonly supplemented as boron compounds such as sodium tetraborate, boron citrate, or boric acid. Primary applications include supporting bone health, modulating hormone levels (particularly sex steroids), reducing inflammation, and addressing boron deficiency. Topical boric acid is also widely used for treating vaginal yeast infections. Boron exerts its effects by influencing mineral metabolism (calcium, magnesium, phosphorus), steroid hormone pathways, and inflammatory responses. While research is ongoing with several small randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and animal studies, large-scale human trials and comprehensive meta-analyses are still limited, indicating a moderate but evolving understanding of its full scope of action and benefits.

Benefits

Boron supplementation offers several evidence-backed benefits. For bone health, doses around 10 mg/day have been shown to enhance magnesium absorption and deposition in bone tissue, potentially improving bone strength, though large-scale human trials are needed to confirm this effect. In healthy males, 6-10 mg/day of boron for 1-4 weeks significantly increased free testosterone levels (e.g., from 11.83 to 15.18 pg/mL) and decreased estradiol levels (e.g., from 42.33 to 25.81 pg/mL), leading to an improved testosterone-to-estradiol ratio, suggesting androgen amplification. Boron also demonstrates anti-inflammatory properties, reducing biomarkers such as IL-6, hs-CRP (by approximately 50%), and TNF-α (by about 30%) after just one week of supplementation. Postmenopausal women may benefit from boron's ability to increase estrogen levels, which could positively impact bone density. Topical boric acid is a well-established and effective treatment for vaginal yeast infections, particularly resistant candidiasis. While some studies noted slight increases in dihydrotestosterone, cortisol, and vitamin D, these were not statistically significant. The hormonal and inflammatory benefits are observed relatively quickly, within 1-4 weeks of starting supplementation.

How it works

Boron primarily functions by modulating steroid hormone metabolism through the inhibition of microsomal enzymes, such as 24-hydroxylase, which are involved in steroid hydroxylation and vitamin D metabolism. This interaction influences the levels of various hormones, including testosterone and estrogen. Additionally, boron enhances the absorption and utilization of essential minerals like magnesium and calcium, which are crucial for bone health. It also plays a role in reducing systemic inflammation by affecting inflammatory pathways and decreasing the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-6, hs-CRP, and TNF-α. Oral boron is generally well absorbed, with its bioavailability depending on the specific chemical form, such as boron citrate or sodium tetraborate.

Side effects

Boron is generally considered safe at recommended daily doses up to 20 mg. At these levels, common side effects are rare, with some individuals potentially experiencing mild gastrointestinal discomfort. However, exceeding 20 mg/day significantly increases the risk of boron toxicity, which can manifest as irritability, tremors, weakness, headaches, diarrhea, and vomiting. There are no well-documented drug interactions, but caution is advised when combining boron with hormone therapies due to its influence on steroid hormone levels. High doses should be avoided in individuals with male fertility concerns, and its safety during pregnancy and lactation is not well established, warranting avoidance in these populations. While postmenopausal women may benefit from its estrogen-modulating effects, and studies are ongoing for obese patients, these groups should adhere to recommended dosages. Topical boric acid, while effective for vaginal yeast infections, can cause local burning or irritation.

Dosage

The minimum effective dose of boron to influence hormones and inflammation appears to be approximately 6 mg per day. Optimal and safe dosage ranges from 6-10 mg per day for short-term use, based on current research. The maximum safe dose is considered to be 20 mg per day; exceeding this limit increases the risk of toxicity. Effects are typically observed within 1-4 weeks of consistent supplementation. Boron is commonly available in oral forms such as sodium tetraborate and boron citrate, with boric acid primarily used for topical or vaginal applications. The chemical form can influence bioavailability, and food intake may also affect absorption. For optimal bone health benefits, adequate intake of cofactors like magnesium and vitamin D may enhance boron's efficacy.

FAQs

Does boron increase testosterone?

Yes, small randomized controlled trials have shown that 6-10 mg/day of boron can significantly increase free testosterone levels and improve the testosterone-to-estradiol ratio in healthy males within one week.

Is boron safe long-term?

Long-term safety data for boron is limited. Doses up to 20 mg/day are generally considered safe for short-term use, but caution is advised with higher doses due to potential toxicity.

Can boron improve bone health?

Evidence suggests boron can improve mineral absorption and deposition in bone tissue, potentially benefiting bone health. However, large-scale human trials are still needed to confirm this effect definitively.

Does boron help with weight loss?

Currently, there is no conclusive evidence that boron directly aids in weight loss. Research on its cardiometabolic effects in obese patients is ongoing, but results are not yet available.

Is topical boric acid safe?

Topical boric acid is considered safe and effective for treating vaginal yeast infections for up to six months. However, it may cause local side effects such as burning or irritation.

Research Sources

https://air.unimi.it/retrieve/ec230269-9f1c-45a2-8c9a-7c2a73956765/Rondanelli%20M%20-%20J%20Trace%20Elem%20Med%20Biol%202020.pdf – This study involved small RCTs (n=8-18 healthy males) using 10 mg/day boron. It found significant increases in plasma estradiol and free testosterone, improved mineral absorption, and suggested enzyme inhibition as a mechanism. The limitations include the small sample size and short duration, which restrict generalizability.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4712861/ – This controlled trial with 8 healthy males taking 6 mg/day boron for 1 week demonstrated significant increases in free testosterone, decreases in estradiol, and notable reductions in inflammatory markers (IL-6, hs-CRP, TNF-α). The small sample size is a limitation for broader application of these findings.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10729199/ – This entry describes the protocol for a planned double-blind RCT involving 60 obese participants. The study aims to assess the cardiometabolic and inflammatory effects of 10 mg/day boron citrate over 12 weeks, but results are currently pending and no outcomes have been published yet.
https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-894/boron – This source provides a general overview of boron, including its uses, potential side effects, and dosage information. It highlights boron's role in bone health and its use in topical applications like boric acid for vaginal yeast infections, emphasizing safety considerations at various dose levels.