BORON

Boron

     Boron is a mineral that has been around for some time but it wasn't until 1990 it was deemed an essential element for humans.  Most people relate it to Borax as boron is a large part of its make-up. 
     In 1964, the Navy Dental Research Institute conducted a study in Ohio using 3 different farming regions with high cavity resistance.  They focused their attention on the food and water consumed in those areas.  Water samples were taken from the taps of the homes and schools of 36 cavity free recruits.  These were then shipped to the U.S. Geological Survey for analysis and were compared to the water supplies in seven other cities with an average cavity count.  The differences were found amongst the trace elements.  They found that in the 3 farming areas the water was significantly higher in boron, lithium, vanadium, molybdenum, titanium and strontium.  
      Boron is vital to calcium absorption and utilization in the body.  It can increase its use in the system by as much as 40%.  It has been found that when boron is present in proper amounts that calcium and magnesium lost through urination is less.  It may play a role in the conversion of vitamin D to its active form as well.  It is found in high amounts in the dental enamel and is necessary for healthy bone and joint function.  It seems to affect the way that messages are transmitted across the cell lining although scientists are not sure how.
      There is more boron in the parathyroid than in any other part of the body. Hence its control over steroid hormones such as estrogen and testosterone. Boron is often promoted to the body building community as a muscle builder although there is, as of yet, no evidence in that regard, despite its ability to regulate hormones.  
      Boron is necessary for cartilage formation and repair.  There is a link between osteoarthritis and boron.  In studies done in Mauritius and Jamaica, where boron intake is low, the incidence of osteoarthritis is 50-70%.  In Europe, Australia and the U.S., where boron intake is high, it is only 20%.  Studies have also shown that boron can improve memory and brain function as well.
      A deficiency in boron not only decreases bone growth and strength but can weaken the cell walls, making one more susceptible to bacteria and viral infections.  Boron toxicity is rare.  It usually requires an intake of more that 500 milligrams and then it can cause nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, skin rashes and extreme fatigue.  Some of those may also be due to the loss of B2 which happens when boron is taken in excess.  There is no established RDA for boron. The ODA (Optimal Daily Intake) is believed to be 2-2.5 mg per day for men and 2.5-3 mg per day for women.  
      Boron is found in fruits, vegetables and nuts.  However, the amount of boron found in these foods depends directly on the soil it was grown in.  It is found in the highest amounts in avocados, tomatoes, pears, apples, prunes, raisins, peanuts, almonds, dates, honey, hazelnuts, seafood and wine.  

As is customary for me when I post information I also include links below to other places where you can learn more about boron and its uses.

https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/894.html

https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/minerals/boron.html

http://draxe.com/boron-uses/

http://www.amazon.com/Boron-Challenges-Advances-Computational-Chemistry/dp/3319222813/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1446923510&sr=1-3&keywords=boron

http://www.amazon.com/Boron-Elements-Richard-Beatty/dp/0761419217/ref=sr_1_4?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1446923578&sr=1-4&keywords=boron