Boron - Uses, Benefits, Sources and Dosage

Like all other nutrients boron is also considered as an essential nutrient for the human body. It supports the healthy functioning of body. Boron plays a vital role for healthy development of bones. It also helps the body to metabolize minerals and vitamins. It has been found in some studies that boron supports the healthy brain functions. It has been found that men who take good amounts of boron daily are less likely to develop the prostate cancer.

Health Benefits of Boron

• It helps in preventing increased level of uric acid in body.
• It helps to maintain the good health of bones and joints. Thus it is good to prevent osteoporosis.
• It is good for the treatment of epilepsy.
• It also aids the vitamin D production in the body. It also assists the body for the assimilation of other minerals like calcium and magnesium.
• It helps in the mineral absorption by kidneys.
• It also helps in maintaining the calcium levels in the body.
• It helps to maintain the level of estrogen hormone in the body which is necessary for the proper growth of females.
• It also helps to maintain the levels of testosterone in body.
• It helps to provide relief in the difficulties which are caused by the congestive heart failure complications.
• It helps to reduce the lipid accumulation in the body and also facilitates the removal of cholesterol. Thus it helps to prevent the atherosclerosis and also protects the body from stroke and heart attack.
• It protects the body from fungal infections like Candida Albicans.
• It enhances the brain functions and also improves the concentration power.

Deficiency of Boron

Boron is an essential nutrient for human body and its deficiency results in the impairment of health. Deficiency of boron can affect the brain functions, bone metabolism and plasma levels of steroid hormones. Impaired reproductive health, loss of bone mass (osteoporosis), decreased brain electrical activity and increased oxidative stress are also the complications associated with boron deficiency.

Side Effects of High Intake of Boron

Consumption of boron more than 500 milligrams everyday or consuming it for too long may result in nausea, vomiting, breathing problems, congestion in chest or throat, rashes, skin hives and swollen skin.

Important Sources of Boron

Fruits like oranges, apples, red grapes, pears, plums, avocado, kiwis, dates have the significant amounts of boron. certain vegetables, soybeans, Chickpeas, beans, hazel nuts, currants, peanut butter, red kidney beans, potato, lentils, olive, onion and tomato also contain the good amounts of boron.

Daily Intake Recommendations of Boron

• 1–3 years require 3 milligrams/day
• 4–8 years require 6 milligrams/day
• 9–13 years require 11 milligrams/day
• 14–18 years require 17 milligrams/day
• Adults 19–50 years require 20 milligrams/day
• Pregnant women require 17–20 milligrams/day
• Women who are breastfeeding require 20–25 milligrams/day