MadSci Network: Biochemistry
Query:

Re: Does the human body require boron?

Date: Fri May 5 20:58:28 2000
Posted By: Lyle Burgoon, Grad student, Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University
Area of science: Biochemistry
ID: 957133526.Bc
Message:

Thank you for your question.

Boron is a trace nutrient, meaning that it is needed by the body, but in small quantities; it cannot be synthesized in any tissues, and must be taken in through the environment (this is typically through food intake). The problem with boron however is that there has not been enough research done to determine a recommended daily allowance. Nielsen suggests that a safe RDA for boron may be in the neighborhood of 1-13mg/day for an adult.

However, I would like to stress that we still need more research to be done. We still need to assess what processes effect boron homeostasis, what the effects of high and low chronic exposure to boron is; the list goes on. We still do not have a satisfactory idea of the role that boron plays in the daily life of the body’s tissues.

I would also caution you about the modus operandi of using boron for the purposes you suggest. If you suggest an oral route of administration for, let’s say a boron dietary supplement, there are the possibilities that you could see unwanted side-effects. Now would be a good time to remember that DOSE makes the toxin. So no matter what your substance is, there is always a dose at which it can be toxic. The same could be said for a topical application of boron, and actually for any mode of administration of the substance. Remember, this suggested use for boron is as a drug (even if it is mainly as an insect repellant). The fact that it is a trace nutrient could complicate attempts in getting it approved for that use. However, there’s no harm in trying!

Good luck, and thank you for your question.

Lyle D. Burgoon
Graduate Research Assistant
Dept. of Pharmacology and Toxicology
College of Human Medicine
National Food Safety and Toxicology Center

References:

Rainey CJ, Nyquist LA, Christensen RE, Strong PL, Culver BD, Coughlin JR. Daily boron intake from the American diet. J Am Diet Assoc 1999 Mar;99(3):335-40

Nielsen FH. The justification for providing dietary guidance for the nutritional intake of boron. Biol Trace Elem Res 1998 Winter;66(1-3):319- 30.

Sutherland B, Strong P, King JC. Determining human dietary requirements for boron. Biol Trace Elem Res 1998 Winter;66(1-3):193- 204.


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