Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsHow Boron Works in the BodyUsesSide EffectsPrecautionsDosageInteractionsSourcesFAQ
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
How Boron Works in the Body
Uses
Side Effects
Precautions
Dosage
Interactions
Sources
FAQ
Boronis a naturally occurring element found in foods and available as a supplement. It’s thought to have benefits such as improving athletic performance, boosting bone health, preventing cancer, treating yeast infections, and reducing symptoms of osteoarthritis. However, evidence for the benefits of boron is either mixed or limited.
While boron might have health benefits, it is considered a nonessential nutrient. Researchers have not found any signs or symptoms of boron deficiency.
In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate supplements the way it regulates prescription drugs. That means some supplement products may not contain what the label says. Whenchoosing a supplement, look for third-party tested products and consult a healthcare provider, registered dietitian nutritionist (RD or RDN), or pharmacist.
Verywell / Anastasia Tretiak
When ingested, boron is converted to boric acid and absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract; the body absorbs about 85% to 90% of ingested boron.
The bones, nails, and hair have higher boron levels than other body tissues, while fat has lower levels. Boron is excreted mainly in the urine, but small amounts are excreted in the feces, sweat, and breath.
Supplement Facts
Active Ingredient(s):Boron
Suggested Dose:No recommended dose has been established.
Safety Considerations:Avoid taking boron supplements if you have kidney disease or problems with kidney function.
Uses of Boron
Overall, there is a lack of research on the uses of boron, but the potential benefits of boron have been studied, but not proven, for the following:
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis(OA) occurs when the cartilage that protects bones wears down over time, causing discomfort and pain. A few small and observational research studies suggest that boron supplementation may improve symptoms associated with OA.
In one double-blind placebo-controlled study (one in which neither participants nor researchers know who was given the active ingredient or a placebo), people with OA evaluated supplementation of calcium fructoborate (a form of boron) for two weeks. According to the preliminary results, short-term calcium fructoborate supplementation reduced markers of inflammation (e.g.,C-reactive protein).
Yeast Infections
While some research has found positive outcomes in boron supplementation for treating yeast infections, much of the research is dated, and the quality of the research has been questioned.Therefore, the benefit cannot be confirmed.
Cancer Risk
There is some evidence that dietary boron intake might reduce the risk of certain cancers, such as prostate cancer and lung and cervical cancer risk in women. However, this association has not been evaluated in clinical trials. More research is needed to determine if boron indeed has any effect on cancer.
Additionally, boron is found mainly in plant foods, and consuming more fruits and vegetables is generally recommended for reducing cancer risk.
Bone Health
Boron has been shown to increase the absorption of calcium and magnesium, two minerals that are important for bone growth and maintenance. However, no human studies have proven that boron can impact bone density. More research is necessary to confirm that boron has a direct positive impact on bone health.
Athletic Performance
Some people also use boron supplements to help improve sports performance, however there is not enough evidence to support that it has benefits in this area. One 2019 systematic review of mineral and trace element supplementation in athletes suggested that seven weeks of boron supplementation had no effect on athletic performance.
Boron Deficiency
A deficiency in boron is rare. Most Americans get enough boron from dietary sources.
Signs and symptoms of a boron deficiency have yet to be established, making it hard to know who may be at risk of a deficiency. Boron status (measured in urine or blood) is not routinely checked.
What Are the Side Effects of Too Much Boron?
Consuming boron in excess can cause symptoms such as:
Skin flushing, convulsions, tremors, vascular collapse, and even fatal poisonings at 15–20 grams in adults have been reported at higher doses.
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) cautions that boron supplements or high dietary intake of boron may be harmful to people with hormone-sensitive conditions, including breast cancer,endometriosis, anduterine fibroids. The concern is that boron may increase production of hormones such as estrogen and testosterone in certain individuals.
There are also reports that boron supplementation can reduce phosphorus levels in the blood.
If you’re considering taking boron, consult your healthcare provider first. It’s important to note that self-treating a condition and avoiding or delaying standard care may have serious consequences.
Remember to keep all supplements out of the reach of children and pets. If you or someone you know overdoses on boron, seek medical help or call thePoison Control Center.
Boron can be safe when used as recommended. However, large quantities can be dangerous. Children should not use boron or boric acid suppositories, topical boric acid powder, or a borax solution used to clean infant pacifiers.
Boron is approved to take during pregnancy when used in appropriate amounts. Do not insert boric acid into the vagina in the first four months of pregnancy, however, as it can potentially cause birth defects.Boron has not been studied in breastfeeding women, therefore, it is not recommended for use while nursing.
If you have a history of estrogen-sensitive cancer or are on hormonal therapy, avoid taking large amounts of boron.
Dosage: How Much Boron Should I Take?
Always speak with a healthcare provider before taking a supplement to ensure that the supplement and dosage are appropriate for your individual needs.
There is no recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for boron, but a tolerable upper limit (TUL) was set at 20 milligrams daily. Most Americans consume around 1 milligrams of boron daily through diet alone.Vegetarians tend to have a higher intake. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that an “acceptable safe range” of boron intake ranges from 1 to 13 milligrams daily.
Although the few clinical trials published used a boron dose ranging from 1 milligram to 6 milligrams daily, it is generally believed to be safe between 1 and 20 milligrams daily.
There are no known medication interactions with boron. However, boron supplements may increase the amount of magnesium that stays in your body, increasing blood levels of magnesium.
It is essential to carefully read the ingredient list and nutrition facts panel of a supplement to know which ingredients and how much of each ingredient is included. Review this supplement label with your healthcare provider to discuss any potential interactions with foods, other supplements, and medications.
Sources of Boron and What to Look For
Boron supplements are sold in many natural food stores and stores specializing in dietary supplements.
Keep in mind that if you choose to buy a supplement such as boron, the NIH recommends that you examine the supplement facts label before purchasing the product. This label will contain important information, including the number of active ingredients per serving and other added ingredients (like fillers, binders, and flavorings).
Also, the organization suggests that you look for a product that contains a seal of approval from a third-party organization that provides quality testing. These organizations include U.S. Pharmacopeia, ConsumerLab.com, and NSF International.
A seal of approval from one of these organizations does not guarantee the product’s safety or effectiveness. But it does assure that the product was manufactured correctly, contains the ingredients listed on the label, and does not contain harmful levels of contaminants.
Food Sources of Boron
Boron is found in many plant-based foods, including:
Boron Supplements
Boron supplements come in many different forms, such as:
There is no evidence to support using one form over the other.
As for all supplements, look for ones that have been third-party tested, as minerals may have toxic heavy metals found in them (e.g., lead and arsenic).
Summary
Boron is a natural mineral that we can get from plant-based foods. There is little research to support further supplementation with boron. However, some research suggests that it may benefit osteoarthritis and yeast infections.
Additionally, there is no RDA set for boron. Most healthy people are likely getting adequate boron through their diet alone, so supplementation may not be necessary. It is essential to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any supplements.
Frequently Asked QuestionsBoron is likely safe to take if used in appropriate amounts. However, if taken in high quantities while pregnant, boric acid or boron supplements may not be safe for the fetus.One study showed that elevated levels of boron might be toxic to human development. While more research still needs to be done, it’s better to be safe when considering supplement use while pregnant.Boron may be suitable forarthritiswhen taken in appropriate amounts. One study indicated that taking at least 3 milligrams per day of boron may have anti-inflammatory effects, which can help with osteoarthritis. It is also shown to positively impact the body’s usage of testosterone, estrogen, and vitamin D. However, more research is needed.Always consult with a healthcare provider about any new supplements you are considering taking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Boron is likely safe to take if used in appropriate amounts. However, if taken in high quantities while pregnant, boric acid or boron supplements may not be safe for the fetus.One study showed that elevated levels of boron might be toxic to human development. While more research still needs to be done, it’s better to be safe when considering supplement use while pregnant.
Boron is likely safe to take if used in appropriate amounts. However, if taken in high quantities while pregnant, boric acid or boron supplements may not be safe for the fetus.
One study showed that elevated levels of boron might be toxic to human development. While more research still needs to be done, it’s better to be safe when considering supplement use while pregnant.
Boron may be suitable forarthritiswhen taken in appropriate amounts. One study indicated that taking at least 3 milligrams per day of boron may have anti-inflammatory effects, which can help with osteoarthritis. It is also shown to positively impact the body’s usage of testosterone, estrogen, and vitamin D. However, more research is needed.Always consult with a healthcare provider about any new supplements you are considering taking.
Boron may be suitable forarthritiswhen taken in appropriate amounts. One study indicated that taking at least 3 milligrams per day of boron may have anti-inflammatory effects, which can help with osteoarthritis. It is also shown to positively impact the body’s usage of testosterone, estrogen, and vitamin D. However, more research is needed.
Always consult with a healthcare provider about any new supplements you are considering taking.
11 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
National Institutes of Health.Boron fact sheet for health professionals.National Institutes of Health.Baron fact sheet for consumers.Scorei R, Mitrut P, Petrisor I, Scorei I.A double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study to evaluate the effect of calcium fructoborate on systemic inflammation and dyslipidemia markers for middle-aged people with primary osteoarthritis.Biol Trace Elem Res.2011;144(1-3):253-263. doi:10.1007/s12011-011-9083-0Reyes-Izquierdo T, Argumedo R, Phelan M, et al.Short-term efficacy of calcium fructoborate on subjects with knee discomfort: a comparative, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study.Clin Interv Aging. 2014; 9:895-9. doi:10.2147/CIA.S64590Arvanitis C, Rook, T. Macreadie I.Mechanism of action of potent boron-containing antifungals. Current Bioactive Compounds, Volume 16, Number 5, 2020, pp. 552-556(5). Bentham Science Publishers. doi: 10.2174/1573407215666190308152952Iavazzo C, Gkegkes ID, Zarkada IM, Falagas ME.Boric acid for recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis: The clinical evidence.Journal of Women’s Health.2011. https://doi.org/10.1089/jwh.2010.2708Heffernan SM, Horner K, De Vito G, Conway GE.The role of mineral and trace element supplementation in exercise and athletic performance: A systematic review.Nutrients. 2019, 11(3), 696. doi:10.3390/nu11030696National Institutes of Health.Boron fact sheet for health professionals.MedlinePlus.Boron.Malin Igra A, Harari F, Lu Y, Casimiro E, Vahter M.Boron exposure through drinking water during pregnancy and birth size.Environment International.2016;95:54-60. doi:10.1016/j.envint.2016.07.017Pizzorno L.Nothing boring about boron.Integr Med (Encinitas). 2015;14(4):35-48. PMID:26770156
National Institutes of Health.Boron fact sheet for health professionals.
National Institutes of Health.Baron fact sheet for consumers.
Scorei R, Mitrut P, Petrisor I, Scorei I.A double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study to evaluate the effect of calcium fructoborate on systemic inflammation and dyslipidemia markers for middle-aged people with primary osteoarthritis.Biol Trace Elem Res.2011;144(1-3):253-263. doi:10.1007/s12011-011-9083-0
Reyes-Izquierdo T, Argumedo R, Phelan M, et al.Short-term efficacy of calcium fructoborate on subjects with knee discomfort: a comparative, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study.Clin Interv Aging. 2014; 9:895-9. doi:10.2147/CIA.S64590
Arvanitis C, Rook, T. Macreadie I.Mechanism of action of potent boron-containing antifungals. Current Bioactive Compounds, Volume 16, Number 5, 2020, pp. 552-556(5). Bentham Science Publishers. doi: 10.2174/1573407215666190308152952
Iavazzo C, Gkegkes ID, Zarkada IM, Falagas ME.Boric acid for recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis: The clinical evidence.Journal of Women’s Health.2011. https://doi.org/10.1089/jwh.2010.2708
Heffernan SM, Horner K, De Vito G, Conway GE.The role of mineral and trace element supplementation in exercise and athletic performance: A systematic review.Nutrients. 2019, 11(3), 696. doi:10.3390/nu11030696
MedlinePlus.Boron.
Malin Igra A, Harari F, Lu Y, Casimiro E, Vahter M.Boron exposure through drinking water during pregnancy and birth size.Environment International.2016;95:54-60. doi:10.1016/j.envint.2016.07.017
Pizzorno L.Nothing boring about boron.Integr Med (Encinitas). 2015;14(4):35-48. PMID:26770156
Devirian TA, Volpe SL.The physiological effects of dietary boron.Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2003;43(2):219-31.
Nielsen FH.Is boron nutritionally relevant?Nutr Rev. 2008 Apr;66(4):183-91.
Penland JG.The Importance of boron nutrition for brain and psychological function.Biol Trace Elem Res. 1998 Winter;66(1-3):299-317.
Van Kessel K, Assefi N, Marrazzo J, Eckert L.Common complementary and alternative therapies for yeast vaginitis and bacterial aaginosis: a systematic review.Obstet Gynecol Surv. 2003 May;58(5):351-8.
Meet Our Medical Expert Board
Share Feedback
Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
Was this page helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
What is your feedback?
