Boron

Studies in people

• Benefit

  Bone health in women²

  In studies of women, boron supplements of 3 mg a day were linked to better bone health.

• Open question

  Lung cancer risk in women³

  Women who ate less boron had higher odds of lung cancer, especially those not using hormone replacement therapy.

• Open question

  Calcium balance in women⁴

  In postmenopausal women, boron changed how much calcium was lost in urine, depending on magnesium intake.

• No harm found

  Bone loss after menopause⁷

  In postmenopausal women, taking boron for three weeks did not change their minerals, hormones or bone markers.

Animal and lab studies only

• Open question

  Bone strength¹³

  In animal studies, boron changed how strong and how thick the bones were, but other nutrients in the diet also mattered.

• Benefit

  Prostate tumor growth¹⁴

  In animal studies, boron supplements shrank prostate tumors and lowered PSA, but we don't yet know if this happens in people.

Study type not stated

• Benefit

  Mineral retention in bone⁹

  Boron in food may help bones hold calcium and magnesium, but human proof is still thin.

• Benefit

  Bone health¹²

  Boron in fruits, nuts and beans may help keep bones strong, but scientists have not agreed it is essential.

How it’s made and used

• Brain activity in older women⁵

  In healthy older women, low boron intake changed brain wave patterns during eyes-open tests.

• Blood mineral levels⁶

  In female college students, boron supplements lowered blood phosphorus and raised blood magnesium, and exercise changed these effects.

• Bone mineral loss⁸

  In postmenopausal women, a boron supplement of 3 mg a day changed how the body handled calcium and magnesium.

• Bone, brain and immune health¹⁰

  Low boron intake may affect bone health, brain function and immune response, so eat fruits, vegetables, nuts and pulses.

• Brain and mood¹¹

  Not getting enough boron may slow brain signals and make focus, memory and hand speed worse.

The signal at the top counts the findings in people and in animal and lab studies. A concern in studies of people outranks animal and lab studies, and “No concerns” needs at least one finding in people. When most findings in people point one way, the page leans that way (“Mostly”), and every finding is still shown. Findings whose study type is not stated are shown but not counted. This page is a reference, not medical advice. It describes what regulators and published research say. Talk to a doctor or dietitian about your own diet.