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B8.5
Boron Research
Mostly mechanism / observationalHigh safety
22 peer-reviewed studies
What the evidence says
Mostly mechanism / observational
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 1994–2026 with a typical study size of 19 participants.
Based on 22 studies · 5 RCTs · 616 total participants
Confidence
Moderate
By outcome
Bone healthSupports bone mineral density and skeletal strength · 8-12 weeks
Mostly mechanism / observational18 studies
InflammationSupports bone density and joint health · Ongoing
Joint pain & arthritisSupports joint health and reduces arthritis symptoms in deficiency · 4-8 weeks
Too few graded studies1 study
Cognitive function
Too few graded studies1 study
Safety profile
Too few graded studies1 study
By the numbers
Pulled from 5 studies with measurable effects
Likely real effects
100%
across studies
People studied
616
typical study: 19 people
Strongest designs
5
0 pooled, 5 randomised
Populations Studied
General population2
Postmenopausal women1
Patients with urinary stones after ESWL1
COVID-19 patients1
Active research area
17 studies in the last 5 years
199420102026
1Systematic ReviewCited 61×n=29 · very small study2019
PROSPERO preregistered (CRD42018090502).
Heffernan SM et al. · Nutrients (2019)
Approximately 50% of athletes have reported consuming some form of micronutrient supplement; however, there is limited data confirming their efficacy for improving performance.
Only Iron and Magnesium included articles of sufficient quality to be assigned as 'strong'.
Currently, there is little evidence to support the use of MTE supplementation to improve physiological markers of athletic performance, with the possible exception of Iron (in particular, biological situations) and Magnesium as these currently have the strongest quality evidence.
2Metabolic regulation, neurobiology, and bone healthSystematic Review2026
Although Li-Si-B display compelling mechanistic potential, current human data are insufficient to justify dietary recommendations or supplementation.
Melenikioti E et al. · Nutrients (2026)
Although Li-Si-B display compelling mechanistic potential, current human data are insufficient to justify dietary recommendations or supplementation.
Considerable research gaps-including exposure assessment, dose-response characterization, toxicity thresholds, and controlled human trials-must be addressed before translation into public health policy.
We also discuss their potential application in the treatment of joint diseases.
Bryliński Ł et al. · International journal of molecular sciences (2025)
We describe the molecular mechanisms that explain their interaction with chondrocytes, osteocytes, osteoblasts, osteoclasts, and synoviocytes, as well as their proliferation, apoptosis, and extracellular matrix synthesis.
We also focus on the role of these trace elements in the pathogenesis of joint diseases: rheumatoid arthritis (RA), osteoarthritis (OA), psoriatic arthritis (PsA), ankylosing spondylitis (AS), and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
We describe the roles of increased or decreased concentrations of individual elements in the pathogenesis and development of joint diseases and their impact on inflammation and disease progression, referring to molecular mechanisms.
This paper reviews the evidence supporting the essentiality of the NOB species in the symbiosis between the microbiota and the human/animal hosts, with the stated aim of highlighting the MoA and targets of these species.
Biţă A et al. · International journal of molecular sciences (2022)
New insights into the key role of NOB species in the symbiosis between human/animal hosts and their microbiota will influence the use of natural B-based colon-targeting nutraceuticals.
The mechanism of action (MoA) of NOB species is related to the B signaling molecule (autoinducer-2-borate (AI-2B)) as well as the fortification of the colonic mucus gel layer with NOB species from B-rich prebiotic diets.
Both the microbiota and the colonic mucus gel layer can become NOB targets.
The roles of primary nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium), secondary nutrients (calcium, magnesium and sulphur), micronutrients (zinc, boron, iron and copper), and beneficial nutrients (cobalt, selenium and silicon) in alleviating abiotic stress in crop plants are discussed.
Kumari VV et al. · International journal of molecular sciences (2022)
Abiotic stress during the reproductive stage results in flower drop, pollen sterility, pollen tube deformation, ovule abortion, and reduced yield.
Plant nutrition is one of the most effective ways of reducing abiotic stress in agricultural crops.
In this paper, we have discussed the effectiveness of different nutrients for alleviating abiotic stress.
Finally, three to four times per week of 30-40 min of aerobic and resistance exercises must be performed.
Rondanelli M et al. · Nutrients (2021)
Given this background, aim of this review is to evaluate the latest data regarding ideal dietary approach in order to reduce bone mineral density loss and to construct a food pyramid that allows osteopenia/osteoporosis patients to easily figure out what to eat.
Finally, three to four times per week of 30-40 min of aerobic and resistance exercises must be performed.
9Clinical and biochemical parameters in COVID-19RCTCited 19×n=19 · very small study2022
Supplementation with boron citrate alone or in combination with oleoylethanolamide could improve some clinical and biochemical parameters in COVID-19 patients.
Akbari N et al. · Journal of trace elements in medicine and biology : organ of the Society for Minerals and Trace Elements (GMS) (2022)
Likely real
Supplementation with boron citrate alone or in combination with oleoylethanolamide significantly improved O2 saturation and respiratory rate (p < 0.01).
At the end of the study, significant increases in white blood cell and lymphocyte count were observed in the boron citrate and combined groups (p < 0.001).
Boron citrate supplementation led to a significant decrease in serum lactate dehydrogenase (p = 0.026) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (p = 0.014), compared with other groups.
[Small study, n=8] Acute boron supplementation at 10 mg/day significantly increased free testosterone and reduced estradiol and inflammatory markers within one week.
Naghii MR et al. · Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and Biology (2019)
Free testosterone increased significantly after one week of 10 mg/day boron supplementation
Plasma estradiol was significantly reduced
Inflammatory biomarkers (CRP, TNF-alpha, IL-6) were significantly decreased
11Systematic Review2024
The paper is thus a critical summary for guiding future research in ionic-related regenerative medicine, highlighting the potential and challenges of this approach for muscle regeneration.
Lu HH et al. · Acta biomaterialia (2024)
This literature review covers the field of IM in muscle regeneration with focus on the impact of various ions on skeletal muscle regeneration.
The paper is thus a critical summary for guiding future research in ionic-related regenerative medicine, highlighting the potential and challenges of this approach for muscle regeneration.
In summary, TEs and their NPs present a promising avenue as adjuvant agents for preventing non-target organ toxicity induced by ACT.
Famurewa AC et al. · Biometals : an international journal on the role of metal ions in biology, biochemistry, and medicine (2024)
However, evidence regarding the roles of lncRNA and the Wnt/β-catenin pathway in ACT toxicity remains inconsistent, and the impact of TEs and NPs on ACT efficacy is not fully understood.
Further research is needed to confirm the protective effects of TEs and their NPs against ACT toxicity in cancer patients.
In summary, TEs and their NPs present a promising avenue as adjuvant agents for preventing non-target organ toxicity induced by ACT.
A 2024 systematic review consolidating human trial evidence on boron's hormonal and bone health effects, supporting its classification as a vitality and longevity supplement.
Pizzorno L et al. · Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and Biology (2024)
Boron supplementation consistently increased free testosterone and reduced SHBG in multiple human trials
Markers of bone formation showed favorable responses to boron supplementation in postmenopausal women
Anti-inflammatory effects including reduced hs-CRP were noted in several included studies
Although the mechanism of action of boron on biochemical parameters has not yet been clarified, it would be beneficial to examine its relationship with hormones in more depth.
Kan F et al. · Journal of trace elements in medicine and biology : organ of the Society for Minerals and Trace Elements (GMS) (2023)
Although the mechanism of action of boron on biochemical parameters has not yet been clarified, it would be beneficial to examine its relationship with hormones in more depth.
A good understanding and analysis of the effect of boron, which is widely used, on biochemical parameters will be beneficial in taking necessary precautions for human and environmental health.
The re-exploration of boron's bioactivity as seen through hormetic mechanisms may also underscore the value of this approach to the assessment of micronutrient effects in human health and disease.
Calabrese E et al. · Chemico-biological interactions (2023)
Of particular importance is that numerous hormetic findings have been reported with whole animal studies, with extensive dose response evaluations with the optimal dosing being similar across multiple organ systems.
These findings appear to be underappreciated and suggest that boron may have clinically significant systemic effects beyond that of its putative and more subtle essentiality functions.
The re-exploration of boron's bioactivity as seen through hormetic mechanisms may also underscore the value of this approach to the assessment of micronutrient effects in human health and disease.
Our review highlights the complex interplay between microbiota, inflammation, and neuropathic pain in CRPS and underscores the potential of B as a novel therapeutic approach to target the microbiota-gut-brain axis, offering hope for improved management of this challenging condition.
Biţă CE et al. · Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania) (2023)
Dysbiosis can lead to increased gut permeability and systemic inflammation, contributing to the chronic pain experienced in CRPS.
B, an essential trace element, has shown promise in modulating the gut microbiome positively and exerting anti-inflammatory effects.
Recent preclinical and clinical studies suggest that B supplementation may alleviate neuropathic pain and improve CRPS symptoms by restoring microbiota balance and reducing inflammation.
In this review, information regarding the effects and interaction of these compounds was compiled, as well as the potential application for treating human metabolic disorders is suggested.
Ri CC et al. · Biological trace element research (2023)
Also, some recent findings are showing effects of BCC on lipid metabolism.
In this review, information regarding the effects and interaction of these compounds was compiled, as well as the potential application for treating human metabolic disorders is suggested.
Taking all of the above into account, the expansion is presumably near to having studies on the application of BCC as drugs on specific targets for treating neurodegenerative diseases.
Barrón-González M et al. · Journal of inorganic biochemistry (2023)
However, the observations of several new synthesized compounds suggest their ability to act with attractive potency, efficacy, and long-term action on neuronal receptors or processes related with the origin and evolution of neurodegenerative processes.
The details of BCC-target interactions are currently being elucidated in progress, as those observed from BCC-protein crystal complexes.
Taking all of the above into account, the expansion is presumably near to having studies on the application of BCC as drugs on specific targets for treating neurodegenerative diseases.
Recent epidemiological studies have proven that it will not be possible to reach the critical blood boron concentrations in humans for the reproductive and developmental effects, especially in daily life.
Duydu Y et al. · Critical reviews in toxicology (2023)
The highest mean blood-boron concentration reported for the boron-exposed male workers in Türkiye is 570.6 ng B/g (ppb).
This blood-boron concentration is still much lower than the blood boron concentrations corresponding to the no observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) for both developmental and reproductive effects in rats.