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Boron
Description: Boron is a naturally occurring trace mineral found both in plants and as metal deposits. It is commonly used for many industrial products, including metalworks and dish detergents. More recently, it has begun to be used as a nutritional supplement.
There appears to be a link between deficiency of boron, which affects calcium metabolism, and arthritis.1 Taken daily for two months, it appears to relieve some of the symptoms of osteoarthritis.2
Boron also appears helpful in the treatment of osteoporosis.3 Its addition to the diet appears to decrease the amount of calcium which is excreted in urine, thus allowing more calcium to stay in the body. It appears to be necessary for the action of Vitamin D.

Natural Sources: Found in many fruits and vegetables.

Useful in treatment of: osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis.

Recommended Dosage: 1.5 to 3 mg is thought to be safe and adequate to prevent deficiency. For osteoporosis and osteoarthritis, 3 to 9 mg/day is generally recommended.4

Contraindications: None.

References:

1Newnham RE. The role of boron in human nutrition. J Applied Nutr 1994;46:81–5
2Travers RL, Rennie GC, Newnham RE. Boron and arthritis: the results of a double-blind pilot study. J Nutr Med 1990;1:127–32.
3Nielson FH, Hunt CD, Mullen LM, Hunt JR. Effect of dietary boron on mineral, estrogen, and testosterone metabolism in postmenopausal women. FASEB J 1987;1:394–7.
4Murray MT. Encyclopedia of Nutritional Supplements. Prima Press, 1996: p. 190-193.
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