Boron
What is Boron?
Sir Humphry Davy discovered the element in 1808 after observing its special characteristics while working with boric acid. The Latin word for food, boris, is where the element's name originates. In nature, borax is not found free; rather, it is found in a variety of minerals in combination with other elements, such as oxygen.
The most typical boron-containing minerals are tourmaline,ulexite and kernite.Additionally, deposits of coal and petroleum contain boron.Turkey is home to the largest known boron deposit in the world.Numerous industrial applications involve the use of boron.Doping semiconductors is one of its main applications.N-type semiconductors, a crucial component in the production of electronic devices like transistors and diodes, are made from silicon that has been boron-doped.Additionally, glass and ceramics use boron as an additive.It is added to glass to increase durability and heat resistance.Ceramics containing boron are employed in a number of products, including bulletproof clothing and electrical insulation.
Another significant commercial product that contains boron is boric acid, which is created when boron reacts with water. Insecticide, wood preservative, and fire retardant are all uses for boric acid. Additionally, it has some medical uses, including the treatment of osteoarthritis.
Although boron is a relatively non-toxic element, it can irritate the skin and eyes when exposed to high concentrations. Large doses of boric acid can be fatal when consumed.
Boron Side Effects
Boron supplements may cause nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting as side effects. Boron exposure at high doses can harm the kidneys as well. When taking supplements containing boric acid, people with kidney disease or other medical conditions should exercise caution.
Boron supplements shouldn't be taken by people who are pregnant or have young children. Whether boron supplements are safe for these individuals is not proven by sufficient scientific evidence.
Boron Uses
The body of a person contains trace amounts of the mineral boron. An average person's body contains 2 to 3 grams of boron, according to estimates. Since the body does not need boric acid for any known biological function, it is not regarded as an essential nutrient.
However, some studies indicate that boron may be important for bone health and brain function. Although there isn't much solid scientific evidence to back up these claims, boron supplements are occasionally marketed as a way to treat these conditions.
Tablets, capsules, and powders are just a few of the different forms of boron supplements that are offered. Some multivitamin and mineral products also contain them. When taken as directed, boron supplements are generally considered safe.
Boron Supplements for Bone Health
Boron may be important for maintaining healthy bones, according to some research. It is believed that boron aids in the body's absorption of calcium and magnesium, two nutrients crucial for strong bones.
The body absorbs calcium with the aid of vitamin D, which is thought to be increased by boron.
Boron supplements may increase bone density in postmenopausal women and elderly men, according to a few small studies. These studies, however, were insufficient to conclusively demonstrate that boron has these effects.
If boron supplements can improve bone health in people who do not already have a boron deficiency, more research is required to confirm this.
Boron Supplements for Cognitive Function
According to some studies, boron may be important for cognitive function. The body needs magnesium and vitamin D to function properly, and it is thought that boron aids in these processes.
Boron supplements may enhance cognitive abilities in both healthy adults and those suffering from Alzheimer's disease, according to a few small studies. These studies, however, were insufficient to conclusively demonstrate that boron has these effects.
If boron supplements can enhance cognitive function in people who do not have a boron deficiency, further investigation is required.
The Bottom Line
The human body contains small amounts of the trace mineral boron. Due to the lack of a known biological function for which the body needs it, it is not regarded as an essential nutrient.
The health of bones and cognitive function, however, may be influenced by boron, according to some studies. There isn't much scientific data to back up claims that boron supplements can treat these conditions, despite the marketing of these products.
In general, when consumed in the recommended doses, boron supplements are considered safe. However, these supplements should not be taken by those who are pregnant or have young children. The safety of boron supplements for these populations cannot be determined from the available scientific data.
Speak with your doctor first if you're thinking about taking a boron supplement.