Boron
Boron (B)
Minerals. Modern nutrition.
Also called Boric acid, Borax, Sodium borate, Calcium fructoborate
Pinyin: péng
Spanish: Boro
Boric acid is poisonousA trace element found in plant foods that may affect how the body handles calcium and some hormones. It is not proven to be essential for people.
Did you know? Boron's name comes from borax, a salt whose name traces back to Arabic and Persian words. Borax has been used for centuries in glass, soap and cleaning.
What it may help, and how strong the proof is
- Bones. Boron may help the body hold on to calcium and make use of vitamin D. Small trials found boron reduced calcium loss in urine. Trials of boron pills for bone density or fractures are few and small.Traditional proof
- Joint pain & arthritis. Boron is sold for arthritis. A few small studies found some relief in osteoarthritis, but the trials are small and weak.Traditional proof
Parts of the body
Traditional use
Boron has no long herbal tradition. Borax was used for household cleaning and to kill insects, which is one reason it should never be swallowed.
How it is classified
How people take it
No RDA or AI has been set for boron. The upper limit for adults is 20 mg a day from food and pills, set for safety. Trials have often used about 3 to 10 mg a day.
Food, capsule and tablet.
Where to get it
Good sources are prunes, raisins, avocado, peanuts and almonds, lentils and chickpeas, apples and pears, leafy greens, and some potatoes. Most adults eat only small amounts. Pills come as calcium fructoborate and boron citrate. Sodium borate (borax) is poisonous and should never be taken.
Be careful
Boron from food is safe. Boric acid and borax are poisons, and swallowing them can cause vomiting, diarrhea, rash, seizures, kidney failure and death. Boron pills above the upper limit can cause stomach upset and rash, so never confuse boron pills with the boric acid or borax used in cleaning or pest control.
Avoid if: pregnancy; kidney disease.
Mixing with other things
- Works well together
Both are trace minerals sold together for bone health, though the proof for pills is weak.
- Works well together
Often sold with magnesium and vitamin D in bone blends.
- Worth knowing
Boron may help the body keep calcium. The evidence comes from small trials only.
The honest take
Boron is in many plant foods, and it may help bones a little. Very few good human trials exist, and no one has proven it is essential. Boric acid and borax are poisons, so boron pills should not be used for joint pain without medical advice.