Boron intake from food is relatively low in developed countries, and there is a strong correlation between low levels of dietary intake and the incidence of diseases such as prostate cancer and osteoarthritis. [1,2]
Boron and the incidence of arthritis;
| Country | Boron intake | % Arthritis |
| Jamaica | < 1 mg per day | 70% |
| USA, UK, Aust, NZ, S. Africa | 1 to 2 mgs | 20% |
| Israel | 10 mgs | 0.7% |
Results of Study: 20 OA patients taking 6 and 12 mg boron from calcium fructoborate; [2,3]
| Decrease in pain 4 weeks | Decrease in pain 8 weeks | Reduced stiffness | |
| Mild OA 6 mg | 62 % | 71% | 75% |
| Severe OA 12 mg | 48% | 64% | 64% |
In 2000, in vitro research using human fibroblasts showed that a boric-acid solution improved wound healing through action on the extracellular matrix. Further in vitro studies published in 2002 revealed that these beneficial effects of boron were due to direct actions on specific enzymes found in fibroblasts: elastase, trypsin-like enzymes, collagenase, and alkaline phosphatase. The most common cells in animal connective tissue, fibroblasts synthesize the extracellular matrix and collagen and play a critical role in wound healing. Boron facilitates the activity of these key enzymes in fibroblasts, thus improving extracellular-matrix turnover.
Improves hormone levels: 6 mg taken for 6 months increased blood levels of Vit D 20%, DHEA-S 56%, in men free testosterone increased by 30% and estrogen dropped by 40%, estrogen E2 increased by over 100% in women. [2]
Boron-rich diets resulted in a significantly lower risk for prostate and cervical cancer and decreased lung cancer risk in smoking women.
Boron reduces levels of inflammatory biomarkers, such as high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α); by up to 50%, and increases bone density. raises levels of antioxidant enzymes, such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, and glutathione peroxidase; It has many more beneficial effects such as antiaging effects, too numerous to mention them all here. [2]
References:
- Environ Health Perspect. 1994 Nov; 102(Suppl 7): 83–85.doi: 10.1289/ehp.94102s783 Essentiality of boron for healthy bones and joints. R E Newnham
- Integr Med (Encinitas). 2015 Aug; 14(4): 35–48. Nothing Boring About Boron Lara Pizzorno, MDiv, MA, LMTcorresponding author
- https://www.researchgate.net/publication/221902153 Calcium Fructoborate: Plant-Based Dietary Boron for Human Nutrition Article in Journal of Dietary Supplements · January 2009