Boron

Boron is a trace mineral the importance of which has for long not been recognized. Boron is important primarily for one purpose: to assure proper calcium absorption. It has long been known that sufficient calcium intake alone is no guarantee that one will not suffer osteoporosis in old age. That proper hormone levels are required as well is obvious from the fact that women after menopause are especially susceptible to osteoporosis. But apart from adequate hormone levels, a minimum intake of boron also plays a role in the utilization of dietary calcium.

The primary source of boron in the diet are vegetables. Food of animal origin are a poor source of boron. While some vegetables are more likely than others to be rich in boron, much also depends on the soil where vegetables are grown. There is a strong connection between the boron content of soil and the incidence of osteoporosis in certain populations. The soil of Israel, for example, is comparatively rich in boron, and Israel has one of the lowest osteoporosis rates. The soil of Jamaica is exceptionally poor in boron, and consequently, the population of Jamaica includes more people than average who suffer from osteoporosis.

An adequate intake of boron is probably in the range of 1 to 3 mg. There is, however, so far no RDA (recommended daily allowance). An intake of 1 mg a day is probably sufficient to avoid outright boron deficiency. Higher amounts may be wished for in order to prevent osteoporosis. Boron supplements typically supply 3 mg per capsule.