Boron Guide: Food Sources, Supplements, Deficiency Signs, and Safety
Summary
Definition:Boron is a trace mineral found mainly in plant foods and water.Basic context:In food and the body it usually appears as boric acid or borate compounds rather than elemental boron. Primary roles:Boron helps support bone metabolism and influences how the body handles calcium, magnesium, and vitamin D.Hormone effects:Boron can affect sex steroid hormones and may increase the half-life or availability of estrogen and testosterone in some settings.Other effects:Emerging evidence links boron to reduced inflammation, possible benefits for joint comfort, and roles in cognitive function and mineral metabolism.
Benefits
Absorption:Most ingested boron is converted to boric acid in the gut and is well absorbed; estimates from studies put absorption around 80–90 percent.Elimination:The body does not store large amounts of boron; excess is mainly excreted in urine, so kidney function strongly affects boron status.