Boron is a mineral that is needed in small amounts by the body and is therefore called a trace mineral. It is needed for the normal growth and renewal of bone and muscle. A boron supplement supports bone growth by aiding in the conversion of vitamin D into its active form. Vitamin D then regulates the uptake of bone building minerals in the intestine and oversees the cells that regulate the process of bone renewal.
Key Benefits of Boron Supplements
- Helps Keep Calcium & Magnesium Levels Balanced
- Supports Normal Functioning of Muscles
- Facilitates Production of Hormones (ie. estrogen and testosterone)
- By Supporting Estrogen Production, It Enhances Activity of Bone-Building Osteoclasts
- By Supporting Testosterone, It Increases Body’s Muscle Building Abilities
Who Would Benefit From Taking A Boron Supplement?
Boron is commonly recommended by natural health care practitioners for osteoporosis, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Boron Supplement Varieties: Formats, Potency & More
In Canada the use of boron supplements was recently approved for sale. It is difficult to find boron in multivitamin/mineral supplements or bone supporting formulas, but a few do exist. Boron may also be available as a single mineral in tablet form.
Chelated or citrated boron supplements are easier for the body to use. Chelated simply means that boron is bonded to a protein molecule, for example aspartate or glycinate, and citrated means that boron is bonded to a citrate molecule. Both processes enhance boron’s absorption in the intestinal tract.
Cautions & Considerations
Boron is not depleted by conventional medication nor are there any reported drug-nutrient reactions with boron.
