|
|
The Eclectic Physician
Vitamin and Mineral Information
Boron
The information on this page compiled by
Beth Burch N.D.
Index
(click on the keywords)
Function
Boron appears to to be important in calcium, magnesium
and phosphorus absorption and excretion probably by assisting with conversion
of vitamin D to its active form. Boron also appears to increase the beneficial
effects of estrogen on bones. Boron deficiency is associated with increased
loss of calcium and magnesium in the urine and decreased concentration
of estrogen and testosterone in the blood.
[ Back to the Index. ]
Forms
[ Back to the Index. ]
Food Sources
-
Raisins, prunes and almonds are all high in boron.
Fruits and vegetables are also good sources.
[ Back to the Index. ]
Dosage
-
Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA)
-
There is no RDA for boron.
[ Back to the Index. ]
Optimal Supplementation
[ Back to the Index. ]
Treatment
of Health Conditions
[ Back to the Index. ]
Conditions used
for
[ Back to the Index. ]
Side effects
-
Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea at very high doses
[ Back to the Index. ]
Contraindications
-
Because boron increases estrogen levels, supplementation
with boron may be contraindicated in women with cancers that respond to
estrogen or in women at risk for these cancers.
Interactions
with other nutrients
-
Boron increases the absorption and decreases the excretion
of calcium, magnesium and phosphorus.
[ Back to the Index. ]
Interactions
with medications and herbs
[ Back to the Index. ]
References
1. Newnham RE et al, Essentiality of boron
for healthy bones and joints, Environ Health Perspect 1994;102 Suppl 7:83-5
2. Penland JG et al, The importance of boron nutrition
for brain and psychological function, Biol Trace Elem Res 1998;66(1-3):299-317
3. Volpe SL et al, The relationship between boron
and magnesium status and bone mineral density in the human: a review, Magnes
Res 1993;6(3):291-6
4. Nielsen FH et al, Effect of dietary boron on
mineral, estrogen, and testosterone metabolism in postmenopausal women,
FASEB J 1987;1(5):394-7
5. Nielsen FH, Studies on the relationship between
boron and magnesium which possibly affects the formation and maintenance
of bones, Magnes Trace Elem 1990;9(2):61-9
6. Benderdour M et al, In vivo and in vitro effects
of boron and boronated compounds, J Trace Elem Med Biol 1998;12(1):2-7
7. Meacham SL et al, Effect of boron supplementation
on blood and urinary calcium, magnesium, and
phosphorus, and urinary boron in athletic and
sedentary women, Am J Clin Nutr 1995;61(2):341-5
[ Back to the Index. ]
* The information presented in this web site is intended to inform and educate.
It is not intended replace a qualified medical practitioner to diagnose or treat medical conditions.
|
|
