ABC's of Nutrition: Boron

Fruits and vegetables are the main source of boron, depending on how rich the soil is in boron. There is no daily requirement for boron intake, but we do know that a diet rich in fruits and vegetables offers significant protection against osteoporosis and arthritis.

In a supplement form the best types of chelated boron are glycinate, citrate, or asparatate.

A deficiency in boron may be associated with postmenopausal bone loss. The lack of boron may increase urinary excretion of calcium and magnesium, as well as a drop in estrogen and testosterone.

Boron is required for the function of vitamin D, the vitamin that rouses the absorption of calcium. Postmenopausal women who supplemented boron found a reduction of urinary calcium excretion by 44 percent, and also had increased levels of 17 beta-estradiol, the most biologically active estrogen.

by John Connor, CNC