Boron – enhances vitamin D and estrogen, and helps retain calcium
Though some have stated that Boron doesn’t help the bones, Boron is becoming increasingly recognized as an element that has several health benefits, including bone health. (41) Experts, however, believe boron is essential to bone health and treating osteoporosis. Although the exact mechanism of action for boron’s effectiveness for bone health is still unknown, it has been proven to stabilize and increase the half-life of vitamin D and estrogen. This is important considering the roles vitamin D and estrogen play in bone building. Far too little is known about Boron, with few studies having been done, so no RDI has been determined. (39)(41)
Approximately half the population in the United States consumes less than 1 mg of Boron per day. Supplementation with 3 mg of boron per day for post-menopausal women has demonstrated improved calcium and magnesium retention by the kidneys. (41) Increased bone strength has also been demonstrated in pigs fed a diet supplemented with boron. The dose given by some for ages 19 and up is 20 mg. (42) Enough studies have been done to support statements on setting an upper limit of 20 mg per day. More than 20 mg is not suggested by most experts, especially for men, as it can lead to infertility. (42b)
Even calcium-deficient rats “had vertebrae that contained higher calcium content and required more force to break than the vertebrae of rats fed a low boron diet.” Rats were also found to excrete more calcium when deficient in boron. (43)
Some of the better choices of foods that contain Boron are artichokes, avocados, broccoli, carrots, and celery; raw, unpasteurized, organic milk; olive oil, onions, and (non-white) potatoes. Some less desirable foods due to sugar content, which hinders mineral absorption, are fruits (apples, bananas, dates, figs) and sweet potatoes. Other less ideal foods would be nuts (almonds, Brazil, cashews, hazelnuts, pecans, and walnuts), as the oxalates in them may hinder absorption.
Some prefer getting boron from Borax. Although the FDA in the U.S., as well as the ECA in Europe, have both banned the use of Borax in foods, some still use Borax. While some have and do use this, I do not necessarily agree that it is entirely “safe,” though some use it without complaint. While borax is said to be 99% pure, up to 1% mining and refining residues are permitted. What these are and how safe they are is part of what is found to be questionable.
There are two basic protocols for using Borax. One is to use 1/4 tsp borax in 1 liter of fluoride-free water, which allegedly provides 113 mg of boron. Ted from Earth Clinic recommends a daily dose of ¼ teaspoon of borax in 1 liter of water for men and 1/8 teaspoon of borax in 1 liter of water for women. This equates to men consuming about 113* mg of boron daily, while women consume around 56* mg daily. The dosage should start small. If there are no die-off symptoms (herxheimer reaction), it may be slowly increased. The dose suggested is 1/8 tsp borax (women) or 1/4 tsp (men). It is suggested to maintain good hydration. (45)
Another method of dosing borax, recommended by Walter Last, involves adding a heaping teaspoon of borax to a liter of water and taking one or two teaspoons daily with meals, which is said to deliver about 3 mg of boron per dose. The standard dose suggested is 1 teaspoon (5 ml) of concentrate. This has 25 to 30 mg of borax and provides about 3 mg of boron. Take 1 dose per day mixed with a beverage or food. If no negative effects are noticed, then take a second dose with another meal. If there is no specific health problem or for maintenance, you may continue indefinitely with 1 or 2 doses daily. 12
Warning: 1) Do not take a borax/boron supplement if breastfeeding. 2) Long-term use of borax may cause temporary hair loss in some individuals. The hair will gradually recover after discontinuing treatment. 12
*I find issues with this information. The first protocol suggested men take 113 mg and women 56 mg per day. Because the UL, that’s Upper Limit, has been set for men and women at 20 mg per day. This would provide far beyond the UL, which is standard among many organizations that set standards for the intake of nutrients. One or more sources have set an absolute of 20 mg for men, as more can cause infertility.
It is said that only 3 mg of boron can be absorbed at one time. Several doses can be taken daily. But it should be kept in mind that, as with all nutrients, boron needs to be obtained from diet/food first.
Naturally Better Bones 