Category: Mineral

Boron was considered to be an essential mineral for plants as far back as 1910. Its exact role in human nutrition is not well documented. Boron has important influence metabolism of essential minerals like calcium and magnesium. Boron is concentrated in the bone, spleen, and thyroid, thus suggesting potential role of boron in body functions like bone and hormone metabolism. According to the USDA, boron is a trace mineral that helps bones develop and grow normally. In body, boron is found only in combination with other chemicals. More of the intake of boron through the diet is absorbed from intestine. Excess boron is excreted from urine.

Sources of boron:

Fruits and vegetables, especially apples, pears, and carrots are good food sources of boron. Dried fruits, nuts, dark green leafy vegetables, applesauce, grape juice, and cooked dried beans and peas, Meat and fish are poor dietary sources of boron. Dried prunes are a good source of boron.

Deficiency of Boron:

Deficiency symptoms of boron are not fully understood. Deficiency in boron has been shown to contribute to abnormal embryo development, decreased sperm count, Ovarian deterioration, and damage in reproductive function. Boron deficiency have also shown decrease in electrical activity in the brain, Sub optimal mineral metabolism, poor manual dexterity, impaired hand-eye coordination in various control group studies. A severe deficiency of boron with the body may be partially responsible for tumours, cysts and other abnormal growth.