Boron
March 6th, 2007 by admin
Boron: Trace Mineral
Boron Facts
Boron is a trace mineral that is needed by the body in minuscule amounts. It was discovered in 1910 as an essential element for plants but in 1985 scientific research discovered it was an essential nutrient for people, too. Boron benefits include healthy bones and proper brain functioning.
How it Works
Boron plays a major role in helping to prevent osteoporosis by helping build and maintain healthy bones. It helps reduce the loss of calcium and magnesium in the urine, which is needed to help build strong bones. Boron elevates levels of serum estrogen and ionized calcium (important because women who develop osteoporosis have low levels of these). Boron also helps maintain healthy cell membranes for normal cell function, and facilitates various enzyme reactions for the body. Studies have shown that a deficiency in this mineral may impair mental functioning and depress mental alertness.
Some Natural Sources
Fruits, vegetables, nuts, wine, cider, beer. Prunes and apricots and dried fruits are the best source.
Possible Benefits
Boron Helps Build and maintain healthy bones.
Boron Helps prevent bone thinning leading to osteoporosis.
Boron Enhances maintenance of healthy cell membranes.
Boron Maintains proper mental functioning and alertness.
Boron Elevates levels of serum estrogen and ionized calcium.
Boron Inhibits the development of osteoporosis.
Boron Helps retain adequate amounts of calcium and magnesium to prevent bone demineralization.
Safety Issues
Since the therapeutic dosage of boron is about the same as the amount you can get from food, it is probably fairly safe. Unpleasant side effects, including nausea and vomiting, are only reported at about 50 times the highest recommended dose.
One potential concern with boron regards its effect on hormones. In at least two small studies, boron was found to increase the body’s own estrogen levels, especially in women on estrogen-replacement therapy. Because elevated estrogen increases the risk of breast and uterine cancer in women past menopause, this may be a matter of concern for those who wish to take supplemental boron.Further research is necessary to discover whether boron’s apparent effect on estrogen is a real problem or not. At the present time, we would recommend getting your boron from fruits and vegetables: a large study found that high intake of boron from these sources did not affect breast cancer rates.
If you are receiving hormone-replacement therapy, use of boron may not be advisable due to the risk of elevating estrogen levels excessively.
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