Advantages of taking minerals and natural health supplements in diet

Without a complete and balanced profile of essential and trace minerals, our body becomes less able to benefit from other nutrients such as proteins, carbohydrates, fats and antioxidants. In order for the human body to effectively tap into its energy reserves, an ample supply of minerals must be present.

Boron, essential for efficient absorption of calcium, magnesium and phosphorus, is just one supplement on the growing list of products slated to be pulled off store shelves August 2005 by the European Union, a governing board consisting of 25 European countries that regulate public policy.

During the 1870s, scientists discovered that sodium borate, or borax (a form of boron), worked as a food preservative. Up until the 1920s, sodium borate was used to increase the ‘shelf life’ of such perishables as fish, butter, cream and other meats. In 1904, scientists discovered however, that borate could also be a potential toxin. This was later proven when human volunteers ingesting over 500 mg of sodium borate per day began to experience such symptoms as nausea, decreased appetite, abdominal pain and diarrhea.¹ Once this report was released to the public, manufacturers slowly stopped using this form of boron as a preservative and by the 1950s, boron was for the most part, banned throughout the world.

Studies today show that boron compounds, while not carcinogenic or mutagenic, are poisonous to both animals and humans when ingested in high doses.² On the other hand, it has also been shown that boron, is essential to the body for a number of processes including effective bone, lipid and mineral metabolism, proper immune system and brain functioning, and energy utilization. Studies now also conclude that boron may be the single most important element in the prevention of prostate cancer.

Boron is found naturally in most tissue cells, but high concentrations have been noted in the bone material, the thyroid and spleen leading researchers to conclude that boron may also have a significant role in hormone metabolism.

On study using 12 postmenopausal women between the ages of 48-82 who were fed a diet low in boron (.25mg/day) for 119 days, suggested that supplementing 3 mg of boron per day over a 48-day period, could actually increase the blood levels of estrogen and progesterone.³ A further study conducted by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) showed that testosterone levels in postmenopausal women are 10 times lower than those found in normal men and bodybuilders.⁴

Boron supplementation markedly elevated the serum concentrations of 17 beta-estradiol and testosterone; the elevation seemed more marked when dietary magnesium was low.⁵ Dietary supplements of boron may enhance the effects of estrogen.⁶

Supplementation with 10 mg of Boron resulted in the recovery of 84% of the dose in the urine and a significant increase in plasma estradiol concentration, but no effect on plasma lipoproteins. In rats, increasing the intake of B through the drinking water is reflected in the tissue concentrations, results in an increase in plasma testosterone and vitamin D, and results in a decrease in HDL cholesterol. It is clear that Boron has the potential to impact significantly on a number of metabolic processes.⁷

Despite the ban on boron supplementation in Europe, the therapeutic uses of this mineral are slowly becoming understood. Numerous studies have concluded that boron is essential for normal bone metabolism. Research shows that boron tends to act as a ‘backup’ system for the body in times where magnesium is low. In simple terms, boron will take over for magnesium while reducing the excretion of calcium and magnesium in the urine. The end result is higher levels of both calcium and magnesium being readily available during situations of nutritional stress.⁸

In 1994, a study using college-aged athletic women also suggested that boron supplementation could decrease the levels of phosphorous in the blood, while increasing concentrations of magnesium, both situations proven in the past to be beneficial for bone development⁹

It was further showed that boron acts in a similar fashion in the case of Vitamin D. Research indicates that Vitamin D affects the absorption of calcium through the stomach and small intestine. Boron essentially acts as a bodyguard for calcium, preventing excess urinary loss thereby raising blood levels. It is theorized that boron’s effects on calcium may be a direct result of it enhancing effects on Vitamin D.¹⁰ Some studies suggest that boron may be helpful therefore, in osteoporosis treatment and prevention.

Boron helps to prevent postmenopausal osteoporosis and build muscle. A study conducted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture indicated that within eight days of supplementing their daily diet with 3 milligrams of boron a test group of postmenopausal women lost 40 percent less calcium, one-third less magnesium, and slightly less phosphorus through their urine than they had before beginning boron supplementation.

Boron is also showing great potential in cases of osteoarthritis. Studies indicate that countries such as Jamaica where boron intake is quite low (less than 1 mg per day), show incidences of osteoarthritis ranging from 50 to 70 percent. In the US, Australia and the UK where dietary boron intake is comparable higher (3-10 g/day), incidences of osteoarthritis are only around 10 percent. In one 1990 study of 20 patients suffering from osteoarthritis, 50 percent of those who received 6 mg of boron per day, experienced less pain when moving, compared to the placebo group that only experienced a 10 percent improvement.¹¹

Research also indicates that arthritic joints contain lower concentrations of boron than normal bone joints.¹² Boron is shown to inhibit the production of two specific enzymes, cyclooxygenase (COX) and lipoxygenase (LOX), which are responsible in part for inflammation of tissue.¹³ It is also shown that boron’s inhibitory action on COX and LOX are significant in cancer studies. A reduction in these enzymes ultimately leads to a reduction in prostaglandin and other steroids responsible for cancer growth.

Boron has been shown to have similar properties as S-adenosylmethionine (SAM-e) a natural anti-inflammatory comparable in effectiveness to conventional non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen that can have serious side effects.¹⁴ Research shows that regular use of NSAIDs significantly reduces the risk of Alzheimer’s disease, raising questions as to whether boron can have similar effects on brain function without the safety issues associated with NSAIDs.12 One noteworthy study showed that people who ate a diet low in boron, scored significantly lower on cognitive and psychomotor skills. These findings were similar to those found in patients suffering from malnutrition and heavy-metal poisoning.¹⁴

One of the more exciting findings of boron use however, is that it can reduce the risk of prostate cancer by as much as 64 percent. These findings are backed by a study conducted by the Cancer Epidemiology Training Program at the UCLA School of Public Health, in which the dietary habits of 7,6 51 healthy men were compared to those of 76 men with prostate cancer. Results essentially concluded that those men who ate diets low in boron content (one slice of fruit per day) were at a higher risk of prostate cancer compared to those who ate at least 3.5 servings of fruit plus one serving of nuts per day.¹⁵

Boron can be found naturally in common plant foods such as fruits, like prunes, grapes and plums and vegetables such as avocados. Nuts, especially almonds and peanuts, are also very rich in boron as are soybeans. Boron can also be found in wine, beer and cider. The amount of boron found in fruits and vegetables can vary considerably however, depending on the quality of soil in which they were grown. As a broad guideline though, 1.5 ounces of raisins or prunes, 2 ounces of almonds or peanuts or 4 ounces of red wine all contain about 1 mg of boron each.

Boron is needed in trace amounts for healthy bones and for the metabolism of calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium. It also enhances brain function and promotes alertness. Most people are not deficient in boron. However, elderly people usually benefit from taking a supplement of 2 to 3 milligrams daily because they have a greater problem with calcium absorption.

Boron deficiency accentuates vitamin D deficiency is suggested that people who eat daily portions of fruit, vegetables and nuts, rich in boron are already consuming close to six times the 1 mg per day amount some experts say is reasonable for healthy living. It has been shown that 1-10 mg of boron is within safe levels, but doses of 50 mg or more can be toxic and lead to skin rashes, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhea and fatigue. But according to experts it is highly unlikely that toxicity from natural foods sources can lead to a boron overdose.

References:

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