Boron: Supports Cartledge Health and Much More
Boron is an incredibly versatile element that forms over 230 chemical compounds and has been recommended by both Eastern and Western medical traditions to promote health. Boron is referred to as an essential trace element: “essential” in the sense that it plays crucial roles in multiple fundamental biologic processes in plants, animals, and humans; “trace” in the sense that relatively smaller amounts of boron are needed in the human body compared to the more ever-present minerals such as iron, calcium, and phosphorous.
6 Musculoskeletal Benefits of Boron
1. Supports Joint Health
Scientific studies indicate boron boosts joint health via multiple mechanisms. Boron enhances magnesium absorption, and magnesium plays a vital role in joint health. Boron also stimulates the synthesis of proteins that support healthy collagen growth and cartilage formation. Furthermore, boron helps the immune system function properly and not inadvertently damage joint tissue. Finally, boron, through activation of various extracellular enzymes, boosts the intrinsic strength and resilience of the cartilage architecture.
Turkish researchers probed the association between boron intake and osteoarthritis prevalence. The authors determined that in areas where boron intake is greater than or equal to 1 mg/d, the approximated incidence of arthritis ranges from 20% to 70%. In contrast, in areas where boron intake is commonly 3 to 10 mg/d, investigators approximated an incidence of arthritis ranging from 0% to 10%. (Korkmaz M, Sayli U, Sayli BS, et al. Estimation of human daily boron exposure in a boron-rich area. Br J Nutr. 2007;98(3):571-575.)
2. Supports Bone Health
Some research suggests boron reduces calcium and magnesium loss. These two vital minerals are essential for bone health and proper bone density. Moreover, boron is thought to positively influence estrogen to promote bone health. Boron has also been shown to boost mineralization of bone-producing cells, called osteoblasts. Additionally, boron stimulates the production of proteins that enhance bone growth.
In a study of postmenopausal women, the USDA demonstrated that women supplemented with 3 mg/d of boron for 28 days excreted 44% less calcium than controls. (Nielsen FH, Hunt CD, Mullen LM, Hunt JR. Effect of dietary boron on mineral, estrogen, and testosterone metabolism in postmenopausal women. FASEB J. 1987;1(5):394-397.)
3. Supports Muscle Health
Scientific investigation implies that boron may increase the amount of free testosterone circulating around the body. Testosterone is an important regulator and promoter of healthy muscle mass. Testosterone helps boost protein conversion to muscle and reduces muscle protein breakdown.
Iranian researchers showed that boron supplementation (10 mg/day for 7 days) significantly increased free testosterone levels in study participants. In their study, the free testosterone increased significantly. (Naghii MR, Mofid M, Asgari AR, Hedayati M, Daneshpour MS. Comparative effects of daily and weekly boron supplementation on plasma steroid hormones and proinflammatory cytokines. J Trace Elem Med Biol. 2011;25(1):54-58.)
4. Boron Supplementation is Associated with Pain Reduction
American scientists investigated the effect of boron supplementation in subjects with knee discomfort. The treatment group received calcium fructoborate (110 mg twice per day for 14 days). The study reported a statistically significant reduction in knee discomfort as reported by participants. (Pietrzkowski Z, Phelan MJ, Keller R, Shu C, Argumedo R, Reyes-Izquierdo T. Short-term efficacy of calcium fructoborate on subjects with knee discomfort: a comparative, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study. Clinical Interventions in Aging. 2014;9:895-899. doi:10.2147/CIA.S64590.)
5. Boron is Associated with Decreased Inflammatory Markers
Human studies have revealed that boron supplementation is associated with reduction of C-reactive protein, ESR, and Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha. C-reactive protein, ESR, and Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha are proteins in the body that are considered to be markers of inflammation. Chronic inflammation can cause collateral damage to healthy bone, muscle, and joint tissue.
After 1 week of boron supplementation (6 mg/d), Iranian scientists demonstrated a decrease in C-reactive protein and Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha levels of 50% and 30%, respectively. (Naghii MR, Mofid M, Asgari AR, Hedayati M, Daneshpour MS. Comparative effects of daily and weekly boron supplementation on plasma steroid hormones and proinflammatory cytokines. J Trace Elem Med Biol. 2011;25(1):54-58.)
6. Boron Demonstrates Antioxidant Properties
Animal studies demonstrate that boron reinforces the body’s natural ability to defuse dangerous free radicals and prevent the oxidation of fat. Researchers postulate that boron increases the activity of special enzymes involved in antioxidant protection. These enzymes are referred to as superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and catalase.
Turkish scientists showed that boron administered to rats was able to reduce the oxidative damage caused by exposure to malathion, a commonly used pesticide. (Coban FK, Ince S, Kucukkurt I, Demirel HH, Hazman O. Boron attenuates malathion-induced oxidative stress and acetylcholinesterase inhibition in rats [published online ahead of print October 24, 2014]. Drug Chem Toxicol.)
Precautions
Boron is generally well tolerated.
The National Institutes of Health has published an upper daily limit of 20 mg boron/day. Potential side effects include skin inflammation, irritability, tremors, convulsions, weakness, headaches, depression, diarrhea, and vomiting.
Some research suggests boron may influence estrogen regulation. Thus, individuals with estrogen-sensitive conditions such as breast cancer, uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, endometriosis, or uterine fibroids should be cautious.
Any consideration of supplementation should be discussed with a qualified health professional familiar with your unique medical history.
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