Boron and Prostate Health

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How Boron Intake Positively Affects Prostate, Bone and Joints

Boron is one of the natural minerals whose health benefits are not fully realized and known. It is one of the chemicals that is always present in nature in bound form, that is, not present in free state.

For humans, this is a trace element that you require in very very little quantity. You would like to know about its ability to support health and its preventive benefits.

How It Benefits:

It is beneficial for many physiological activities and organs. Bones, nervous system and reproductive tissues are the organs most benefited with its use. The epidemiological and other studies support it as one of the natural prostate remedies for better and natural prostate health.

For Joints and Bone Health:

It supports health of bones in two ways – first, it helps support the mineralization of bones, second, it checks the outflow of calcium and other minerals. It results in strong bones. This activity makes it useful in conditions like Osteoporosis.

It also has a check on the loss of calcium and magnesium through urine. It keeps the blood levels of these minerals.

Degenerative changes in bones, cartilage and joints are a common feature in different forms of arthritis. Its ability to maintain mineralization of bones and check demineralization makes it a good supplement for preventing degenerative changes in joints.

For Menopausal Women:

It is reported that people who take it as supplements or in diet have better level of serum estrogen and ionized calcium. This is especially important in women menopausal ladies. The improved serum estrogen and ionized calcium tend to relieve menopausal symptoms like vaginal dryness and hot flashes. Better ionized calcium in blood is also helpful in preventing osteoporosis or restricting its severity.

Boron and Prostate Health

Reduced Risk of Prostate Cancer:

In an epidemiological study, researchers evaluated the chances of prostate cancer and intake of boron in diet or as supplements.

The UCLA school of Public Health, LA, USA found that its increased intake is associated with lower risk of prostate cancer. The reached this conclusion after comparing 8720 normal persons against 95 patients of prostate cancer. (Oncol Rep. 2004 Apr;11(4):887-92.)

Positive Changes in Prostate Cancer Cells:

Another research at Center for Life Sciences and Toxicology, Research Triangle Institute, NC, USA experimented further to find out if there is any relevance of the above mentioned epidemiological study.

They found that human prostate cancer cells showed positive results on prolonged exposure to boric acid, a natural compound of Boron. The changes supports its antiproliferative activity like lowered adhesion, migration and invasion and spread to other organs.

Effect on Prostate Size and PSA Activity:

Gallardo-Williams put forward the results of a study published in 2002 Proceedings of the American Association of Cancer Research. Mice receiving 1.7 and 9.0 mg boric acid on a daily basis had a decrease in tumor size by 38 and 25% respectively. The PSA (prostate-specific antigen) also followed with a drop of 88.6 and 86.4%. The control group of mice that was receiving only water had no changes in tumor size and PSA level.

How Much Boron Supplement is Safe:

It is not able to make its place in RDA. However, 3-5 mg once or twice a day is sufficient for most persons.

At this dosage, it is quite safe. However, over-enthusiastic individuals should exercise caution as its overdosage can cause toxicity. The toxicity results after intake of a large dosage over a prolonged period and affects reproductive organs and development.

The toxicity results from 70-130 mg of dosage when taken for a long time. Naturally this dosage is 20-30 times of what is usually suggested and is highly unlikely under normal circumstances. (Reprod Toxicol. 1998 Jan-Feb;12(1):1-18.)

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