Vitamin D3 and Boron 2/2

Back to soil depletion and boron. Perhaps farmers who added supplements to their crops might find it boosted survival, growth and food production. Equaling more money! A happy plant is a ….? Just being silly but serious about being potentially helpful for plants.

Every living thing needs many different substances to survive and often more then what they get to thrive. No, I am not a farmer, agricultural scientist or any form of botany expert. I am curious and have been a life long gardener from everything from carnivorous plants to orchids so not an idiot either.

So back to boron. It helps with magnesium absorption and osteoblast function. Osteoblast create new skeletal bone. Boric acid to wounds speeds up healing by 2/3rds.1 I take the 3mg tablets as that appears to be the only dose sold. 2

Thus, in study to show negative effects I discussed in first part of boron post they went to the trouble to create their own doses? I typically take 3 twice a day though no specific reason I came to that dose.  Like many other supplements too much can cause problems.

Boron can cause poisoning. But it takes massive amounts to be fatal.

Signs of poisoning include:

• skin inflammation and peeling
• irritability
• tremors
• convulsions
• weakness
• headaches
• depression
• diarrhea
• vomiting
• Fatal (in adults at doses of 15-20 grams, essentially 5,000-6,333 of the 3mg capsules)

The NIH states boron may be harmful to those with breast cancer, endometriosis and uterine fibroids. It is eliminated by kidneys so should be avoided in those with disease or reduced kidney function. In doses that total 20mgs or above in males are thought to possibly prevent males from fathering a child.

Boron also may increase estrogen levels in men and women. This may be beneficial for bone. May help boost testosterone levels and reduce inflammation. Also, it is involved in vitamin D metabolism also and may help/prevent the following health issues:

• Diabetes
• High Cholesterol
• Menopause Symptoms
• Osteoporosis
• Osteoarthritis
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Psoriasis
• Yeast infections

This one article I came across spelled out all the beneficial effects of boron. 3

• It is essential for the growth and maintenance of bone
• Greatly improves wound healing
• Beneficially impacts the body’s use of estrogen, testosterone, and vitamin D
• Boosts magnesium absorption
• Reduces levels of inflammatory biomarkers, such as high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α)
• Raises levels of antioxidant enzymes, such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, and glutathione peroxidase
• Protects against pesticide-induced oxidative stress and heavy-metal toxicity
• Improves the brains electrical activity, cognitive performance, and short-term memory for elders
• Influences the formation and activity of key biomolecules, such as S-adenosyl methionine (SAM-e) and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+)
• Has demonstrated preventive and therapeutic effects in a number of cancers, such as prostate, cervical, and lung cancers, and multiple and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
• May help ameliorate the adverse effects of traditional chemotherapeutic agents.

In none of the numerous studies conducted to date, however, do boron’s beneficial effects appear at intakes > 3 mg/d. 3 More proof that the study I referenced concerning low doses would fail. 2   

The point is to receive enough as frequently deficient but not take more then needed. Yes, some recommended supplement(s) appear to be recommended at doses that are too low but that is appears to not be the case with boron nor is that always the case.

That are the recommended doses are too low, or more is better. So, need to educate yourself, work with knowledgeable physician and be cautious as always.

1. Blech MF, Borrelly MC, Harteman P. Treatment of deep wounds with loss of tissue. Value of 3% boric acid solution. Presse Med. 1990 Jun 2;19(22):1050-2.
2. Green, N. R., & Ferrando, A. A. (1994). Plasma boron and the effects of boron supplementation in males. Environmental health perspectives, 102 Suppl 7(Suppl 7), 73-7.
3. Pizzorno L. (2015). Nothing Boring About Boron. Integrative medicine (Encinitas, Calif.), 14(4), 35-48.

*The information posted above is for educational purposes only. Always check with your doctor before initiating any changes in your medical treatment. If you do not, then The Two-Minute Health Fact, Dr. Judson Somerville, nor The Optimal Dose is responsible!