BoronBoron is a non metallic trace element present in the global environment in various forms such as water, air, certain fruits and vegetables and some consumer products. On regular basis, both knowing and unknowingly our daily intake of boron is about 2mg to 18mg in total. If large amounts of boron or boron containing foods are consumed, then the body concentrations of boron increases and may lead to some health problems. Boron can infect the liver, kidneys, stomach, brains and can even be fatal leading to death.
Although boron is found in animal tissues, it does not tend to accumulate within the tissues, so eating fish or mean will not increase boron concentrations in our body.
Health and boron- Based on some unclear scientific evidences, listed are some of the health benefits of boron.
- Boron supplementation may help improve tasks of eye-hand coordination, perception, attention, short-term and long-term memory enhancement.
- People appear to have less joint disorders when stayed in an environment rich in boron. Although it is proposed that boron deficiency can be a contributing factor in development of osteoarthritis, boron supplementation in preventing the same remains unclear.
- Boron may even play a role in metabolism of minerals and have effects on calcium, phosphorus and vitamin D, but boron supplementation and its benefits for people with osteoporosis remains unclear.
- Inorganic boron (boric acid, borax) may have anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties and when applied externally may help to fight against candidal and non-candidal vulvovaginitis.
- However studies have reported that boron supplementation may not have any effect or may not be helpful in conditions like reducing menopause symptoms, psoriasis treatment, and prevention of blood clots or body building enhancement.
Side effects of boron- Boron does not accumulate in body in large amounts as humans rapidly excretes it, however boron can be potentially toxic to the body.
- Large doses of boron can lead to acute poisoning, skin rashes, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and headache.
- Boric acid powder when used to prevent diaper rash in infants have been associated with many infant deaths.
- Excess boron ingestion is also related to reduced fertility, decreased sperm motility and testicular toxicity.
- Boron may increase blood estrogen and testosterone levels, and may reduce calcitonin, insulin or phosphorus levels in the blood.
Boron may also tend to interact with other drugs, herbal and dietary supplements, so it is advisable to use boron under strict medical supervision by a health care professional.
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