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Boron (as Boron Citrate/Glycinate)
Trace mineral. In small human studies, low boron intake gave poorer attention and memory, and one week of boron raised free testosterone in 8 men. Benefits from supplements are not established.
What the evidence says
Most Boron studies are mechanism or observational rather than RCTs that measure a clinical effect — keep findings provisional.
Most evidence is from high-quality randomised trials published 1993–2026 with a typical study size of 19 participants.
Based on 36 studies · 14 RCTs · 152 total participants
Confidence
Moderate confidenceBy outcome
Scores moderate because small human depletion and supplementation studies consistently show boron influences hormones, calcium metabolism, and cognition, but trials are tiny, there are no meta-analyses, and effects are most pronounced when intake is low.
165 trials ongoing or recruiting · 538 completed on ClinicalTrials.gov
213 of the completed trials have posted results
Registered trials show research momentum for Boron, not proof of effect — a registration is a plan, and posted results are sponsor-reported, not peer-reviewed. They are never counted toward the evidence rating above.
Browse these trials on ClinicalTrials.govClinicalTrials.gov · as of Oct 2026
Under EU law (Reg. 1924/2006), EFSA reviews whether a specific health claim for Boron meets the evidence standard. These are independent regulatory decisions on claims — not studies, and never counted toward the evidence score above.
Not authorised by EFSA
“Boron is important for the normal structure of bone”
“Boron as boric acid Boron supports the brain functioning”
“Zinc Boron supports a healthy thyroid function Boron is beneficial for the thyroid function”
“Boron as boric acid Boron is beneficial for prostate health. Boron helps to maintain a healthy prostate”
“Boron as boric acid Boron supports a healthy thyroid function. Boron is beneficial for the thyroid function”
“Boron as boric acid Boron helps build and maintain healthy joints. Boron helps maintain the flexibility and mobility of the joints”
“Not authorised” means the specific claim wording did not meet the EU’s evidence standard — often a matter of dossier or phrasing, not proof of no effect. EFSA judges marketing claims and is kept separate from our study-based evidence score.
Source: EU Register of nutrition and health claims (European Commission / EFSA) · register snapshot Feb 2013
Boron is a trace mineral found in soil and certain foods. Small studies link it to testosterone and estrogen metabolism, bone and brain function: in a 15-person diet study low boron intake gave poorer attention and memory, and in 8 men one week of boron raised free testosterone.
No trial has shown that supplements improve strength, symptoms or cognition.
May reduce sex hormone binding globulin
Supports calcium and vitamin D metabolism
How Boron works — from molecular targets to health outcomes. Click an edge to see supporting research.This visualization is in beta — pathways are being refined and expanded.
Safe at dietary levels; avoid high supplemental doses
Generally safe with medications
Tip: Take with food
Boron has an evidence score of 5.5/10 — moderate evidence based on 36 indexed studies. Trace mineral. In small human studies, low boron intake gave poorer attention and memory, and one week of boron raised free testosterone in 8 men. Benefits from supplements are not established. Representative study: PMID 30909645.
The commonly studied dose of Boron is 3-10mg (a typical label dose, no cited trial states the dose it used). Individual needs vary — start at the lower end of the range and adjust based on how you respond.
The best time to take Boron is with meals. Taking it with food is preferred. Boron is a trace mineral that supports bone metabolism, hormone regulation, and cognitive function.
Boron is generally well-tolerated and considered safe for most healthy adults at recommended doses. Reported side effects are uncommon and include GI upset. Use caution if any of these apply to you: Hormone-sensitive conditions (as precaution).
Zinc
Likely helpsInvolved in 300+ enzymatic reactions — supports immune defense, testosterone production, wound healing, and sleep quality.
Maca
Too few graded studiesAndean root with modest evidence for improving sexual desire — small RCTs are encouraging but reviews still rate the overall evidence as limited.
Magnesium
Mixed evidenceSupports 300+ enzymatic reactions — critical for sleep, stress response, muscle function, and cognitive health.
Ashwagandha
Likely helpsReduces cortisol and anxiety while improving sleep quality and physical recovery in stressed adults.
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Reviewed by Dr. Baher Al Hakim · Last reviewed June 2026 · evidence from 36 studies · how we score · editorial policy
This information is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any supplement or medication.
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