Boron .

Boron is a natural trace mineral belonging to the supplement class.

Boron is also known as B, borax and kernite.

Boron is an element that has a potential role in maintaining healthy bones, controlling hormones, and other functions.

Boron deficiency is very rare. It has been linked to poor immunological health and a high prevalence of osteoporosis, which raises the risk of death.

Boron can be found in a variety of plant-based foods, including fruits (raisins, peaches), potatoes, avocados, legumes (peanuts, beans), and beverages (coffee, milk, wine).

Boron is absorbed in the small intestine and transported throughout the body via enzymatic activities. It is mostly eliminated through urine. While its functions continue to be studied, excessive boron consumption can result in toxicity and adverse health effects, indicating the importance of controlled boron consumption.

The common side effects of boron include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, mild tremors and headaches.

Boron is available in tablets, capsules and lotions.

Biochemical action of Boron

Boron belonging to the supplement class helps in several physiological processes. The pathway and mechanism of boron in humans is not fully established.

The exact mechanism by which boron affects different routes in the body through interactions with biomolecules is unknown. Humans may have boron-related effects on their steroid hormones, enzyme functions, and calcium metabolism. Biomolecules' hydroxyl and amino groups are targeted by the action of boron, which changes both their structure and function.

Borax may change how vitamin D is processed in people, which might impact bone health. It has been proposed to affect steroid hormones via interacting with nuclear receptors. Furthermore, research shows that boron enhances cognitive ability and brain function. However, the specific receptors involved remain unknown, yet several studies suggest that they may include the activation of particular protein kinases and nuclear receptors that control gene expression. It is still being investigated how boron affects various pathways and whether it directly interacts with specific receptors.

Boron is available in tablets, capsules and lotions.

• Tablets: To be swallowed whole with water/liquid, as applicable.
• Capsules: To be swallowed whole with water/liquid, as applicable.
• Lotions: To be applied topically, as applicable.

Boron can be used as a supplement when the amount of boron taken from the diet is insufficient.

Boron supplements may be used to prevent and treat Boron deficiency, a condition in which the body needs Boron.

Adequate oral intake of boron supplements lowers inflammatory biomarkers such as tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP).

A boron supplement is useful for the growth and maintenance of bone, preventing loss of calcium and bone demineralization.

Vitamins and natural supplements should not replace a balanced diet.

This product is not intended to diagnose, treat or prevent any disease(s).

Boron may be useful as a supplement for the following health benefits:

• Boron deficiency: The effects of boron shortage on people are yet unknown, however, they may have an influence on executive function and brain function, lowering attentiveness. A diet deficient in boron (0.25 mg/2,000 kcal) may worsen bone health by causing urine calcium and magnesium excretion to rise and by reducing postmenopausal oestrogen. Calcium, vitamin D, calcitonin, and osteocalcin levels may change due to low boron consumption (0.23 mg/2,000 kcal), which may affect bone density.
• Osteoarthritis and bone health: Some researchers have attempted to determine whether boron reduces osteoarthritis symptoms, possibly by decreasing inflammation. Other research has tried to determine whether boron helps in bone health. More research is needed to understand how boron affects these disorders.
• Cancer: Boron is being studied by researchers to see if it can help reduce the risk of cancer. More research is needed to determine whether it has any effect.
• Yeast Infections: By inserting capsules containing boric acid, a form of boron, into the vagina, vaginal yeast infections can be treated. Due to obsolete and unclear data, its usefulness for recurring infections is disputed, making the advantages unknown.
• Dermatitis: Dermatological disorders are being treated using boron compounds. As safe drugs for treating atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, and onychomycosis, compounds based on the element boron develop stable interactions with enzyme targets. Due to their moderate and rare adverse effects, topical boron-based compounds may be the best therapies for patients with sensitive skin and paediatric populations.
• Bones and joints: Potential benefits of boron include bone and brain function improvement. It affects bone health by extending the half-lives of oestrogen and vitamin D. For healthy bones, vitamin D. must improve calcium absorption According to human studies, low levels of vitamin D and boron have been linked, suggesting that their levels correlate with availability.
• Athletic Performance: Some people use boron pills to improve their athletic performance, but there isn't sufficient evidence. Seven weeks of boron supplementation did not affect performance, according to a 2019 study of mineral and trace element supplementation in athletes.
• Wound Healing: With a 3% boric acid solution, severe wounds heal faster and require less time in the intensive care unit. According to research, it increases extracellular matrix turnover by directly influencing fibroblast enzymes, which are essential for wound healing.

Boron supplementation may be administered orally or topically.

• Orally: Boron supplements are available as tablets and capsules that can be taken orally. It is best taken with a meal or food.
• Topically: Boron supplements are generally taken by mouth. Still, topical boron is to be applied in a small quantity of medication (about the size of a pea) in a thin layer as prescribed by the physician, as applicable.

The dosage and duration of treatment should be as per the clinical judgment of the treating healthcare professional).

Vitamins and natural supplements should not replace a balanced diet

This product is not intended to diagnose, treat or prevent any disease(s).

• Tablets: 5mg
• Capsules: 3mg, 5mg, 6mg
• Lotions: 4 fl oz (118.3 mg)

Boron is available in tablets, capsules and lotions.

Boron should be used as a supplement that helps in a number of physiological processes along with appropriate dietary restrictions.

• Avoid alcoholic beverages.
• Stay within your daily calorie needs.
• Limit foods and beverages higher in added sodium, saturated fat and boron.
• Avoid high-boron foods.

The dietary restriction should be individualized as per patient requirements.

Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA)

No RDA is set for Boron, as data concerning adverse effects is insufficient.

Upper Tolerable Intake (UTL):

The UTL of boron is set at 20 mg/day.

Boron supplementation may be contraindicated in the following conditions:

• Hypersensitivity; sensitive to boron
• Chronic kidney disease
• Hepatic impairment
• Breast cancer
• Uterine cancer
• Ovarian cancer
• Endometriosis
• Uterine fibroids

Boron supplements should be used cautiously in liver/biliary tract dysfunction.

To prevent the possibility of causing birth malformations, avoid putting boron forms into the vagina, especially during the first four months of pregnancy.

For individuals on hemodialysis, Boron from supplements might need to be absorbed better in people.

Avoid consuming significant doses of boron if an individual has a history of estrogen-sensitive cancer or is receiving hormone therapy.

Caution is advised when consuming alcohol with boron.

The adverse reactions related to boron can be categorized as-

• Common: Gastrointestinal discomfort (nausea, diarrhoea), blue/green discolouration of faeces, dermatitis.
• Less Common: Skin irritation and headaches.
• Rare: Tremors, seizures, renal impairment or organ damage and death.

There are relatively mild interactions of boron with magnesium and calcium and no known severe interactions with other medicines.

• Magnesium: High boron consumption has the potential to increase the amount of magnesium excreted in the urine, which might have an impact on magnesium levels.
• Calcium: Extremely high boron consumption can upset the calcium balance. It can also increase the amount of calcium excreted in the urine, which might impact bone health.

The common side of boron includes the following:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Indigestion
• Headache
• Diarrhoea
• Irritability
• Tremors
• Weakness

The use of boron should be prudent in the following group of special populations.

• Pregnancy: Safe when used below UTL levels; not for intravaginal use as it has been associated with congenital disabilities.

The UTL for boron in pregnant teens is 17 mg, and for pregnant adults is 20 mg.

• Paediatrics: When used appropriately, the use of boron is likely safe for children. Age affects the safe dosage for children. If consumed orally at more significant levels, boron may be dangerous. Boron poisoning may occur in large doses.

Boron supplements are the best way to help children get enough boron daily.

Dosage Adjustment for Paediatric Patients

Acceptable safe boron intake:

Children 1-3 years: 3 mg/day

Children 3-8 years: 6 mg/day

Children 8-12 years: 11 mg/day

Children 13-18 years: 17 mg/day

• Geriatrics: There is no sufficient scientific evidence traceable regarding the use and safety of Boron for use in special populations.

• Lactating mothers: There is no sufficient scientific evidence traceable regarding the use and safety of boron for use in special populations.

The UTL for boron in pregnant teens is 17 mg, and for pregnant adults is 20 mg.

Dosage Adjustment in Kidney Impairment

There are no specific dosage adjustments provided.

Dosage Adjustment in Hepatic Impairment

There are no specific dosage adjustments provided.

Dosage Adjustment for Adult Patients

Paroxysmal Supraventricular Tachycardia

Adult Dosage:

1-20 mg/day; maximum tolerable intake approximately 20 mg/day

The physician should be vigilant about the knowledge pertaining to identifying and treating overdosage of boron. Overdosage of boron can show symptoms like headache, hypothermia, restlessness, weariness, renal injury, dermatitis, alopecia, anorexia, and indigestion.

There is no specific antidote or treatment for excessive intake of supplemental Boron. When an overdose is suspected, boron should be terminated immediately. Intravenous fluid intake should be increased along with electrolyte monitoring. Induce vomit, gastric lavage, or activated charcoal may also be used if ingestion is recent but only under the supervision of a medical professional. Supportive therapy should also be given, addressing any symptoms that persist or worsen. Physical treatment might be added if necessary.

1. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Boron-HealthProfessional/
2. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Boron-Consumer/
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4712861/

4. https://www.fssai.gov.in/upload/advisories/2021/07/60f1798019f94Direction_RDA_16_07_2021.pdf