BORON: Sex hormone and bone provider

Although it is almost as fundamental as calcium to the strength I of a woman’s bones, boron has yet to receive an RDA. This is despite the fact that the US government’s own nutrient researchers have found that a deficiency of the mineral dulls thinking and interferes with hand-eye coordination, while other research shows a decided impact on arthritis.

Because relatively little research has been done on boron, our conclusions are based upon just a few studies. So far; however, I’m impressed with what I’ve seen. According to one groundbreaking study, boron apparently can raise a woman’s natural oestrogen level just as much as does hormone replacement therapy and is an equally effective safeguard against osteoporosis. Thus it’s a terrific option for women who want to prevent osteoporosis but can’t afford hormone replacement therapy’s increase in cancer risk or its unsettling influence on blood sugar.

In the above-mentioned study, twelve postmenopausal women followed a low-boron diet for four months, then began to take 3 mg of the mineral every day. The results were impressive. Boron cut the women’s urinary loss of calcium, the main component of bones, in half. It also raised blood concentrations of oestrogen and testosterone, which all women secrete in tiny amounts. The oestrogen levels climbed into the range normally reached by following oestrogen replacement therapy. In addition, other studies have shown that boron enables the body to make better use of vitamin D, the nutrient responsible for calcium’s accumulation in our bones. It has been shown to decrease the urinary output of oxalate, which, with calcium, causes kidney stones. This may make boron an essential element in the prevention of this extremely prevalent condition.

Because it stimulates natural oestrogn production, boron can also be employed against other hormone-related health lems. It has enhanced the benefits of the therapies I use to alleviate hot flushes, vaginal dryness and other тепорац symptoms.

Male Hormone Deficiencies

Since boron appears to raise DHEA (a male hormone precursor) and testosterone levels in women, it is logical to assume that it should also increase testosterone in men. If so, it could have the ability to shore up a waning libido or lagging sexual function. I have yet to locate a study proving that, however. Some bodybuilders, who believe that such a testosterone boost would help increase their muscle mass, have been taking boron supplements. But so far that belief seems to be unfounded, since the few studies conducted in this area have been unimpressive. In fact, a 10 mg daily dose for one month raised men’s oestradiol levels 40 per cent, but the testosterone levels rose only slightly. However because my patients’ therapeutic goals are different, I still frequently offer boron supplements to older men, especially those whose dietary intake is very low. The majority notice a detectable increase in sexual desire.

Arthritis

In countries where there is a greater dietary consumption of boron, it has been noted that the incidence of arthritis is lower: Taking 6 mg of the mineral daily for eight weeks, one study concluded, significantly improved arthritic symptoms and had a marked benefit against severe osteoarthritis. With more research of this kind, we might find that boron affects other degenerative joint diseases as well.

Mental Performance

Scientists at the US Department of Agriculture have established that a boron deficiency decreases our ability to concentrate. We become drowsy, less alert and slower to respond. The deficit impairs performance of a variety of tasks, from finger snapping to following a target on a computer screen, the government researchers found, and changes in brain wave patterns reflect the handicap. The next research project should be to prove whether or not giving boron supplements would improve performance.

SUPPLEMENT SUGGESTIONS

We igest anywhere between 1.7 and 7 mg of boron daily. Drinking water can sometimes provide a significant amount of the mineral. Fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds are the primary food sources, while wine and beer have high amounts, too. Because Americans and Britons aren’t noted for their consumption of vegetables, nuts and seeds, and the mineral content of water varies greatly, I suspect a considerable number of people fall into the lower ranges.

Dietary intake of up to 40 mg per day has not caused any toxic reactions in humans. This is because the mineral is poorly assimilated; 3 mg supplements increased the plasma boron levels by only 50 per cent. I believe most of us should get 3 mg of boron per day in addition to our dietary intake. For the ‘target’ groups – arthritics, those who want to prevent osteoporosis, or those who are dealing with sexual decline, menopausal symptoms or oestrogen replacement withdrawal – I prescribe 6-18 mg per day. This dosage was determined through my clinical use; it is the amount that allows my patients to reduce their hormone replacement therapy without experiencing any adverse symptoms.