Does taking boron supplements help improve bone density?

From the Guidelines

Boron supplements are not a recommended primary treatment for improving bone density, and individuals should focus on proven strategies such as adequate calcium and vitamin D intake, regular exercise, and prescription medications if necessary. The provided evidence does not strongly support the use of boron supplements for bone health, and the most recent and highest quality studies emphasize the importance of other factors in maintaining bone density. For example, a study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine 1 highlights the role of calcium, vitamin D, and other medications in preventing osteoporotic fractures, but does not mention boron as a recommended treatment. Another study published in Clinical Nutrition 1 emphasizes the importance of monitoring and supplementing calcium and vitamin D in patients with inflammatory bowel disease to prevent low bone mineral density, but again does not recommend boron supplements.

Some key points to consider when evaluating the use of boron supplements for bone health include:

• The lack of strong evidence supporting the effectiveness of boron supplements in improving bone density
• The importance of adequate calcium (1000-1200 mg daily) and vitamin D (600-800 IU daily) intake for maintaining bone health
• The role of regular weight-bearing exercise in preventing bone loss and improving bone density
• The potential risks and side effects of excessive boron intake, particularly for individuals with kidney problems or those who are pregnant
• The availability of boron in natural food sources, such as nuts, legumes, fruits, and vegetables, which may provide sufficient amounts without supplementation

Overall, while boron may play a role in bone metabolism, the current evidence does not support its use as a primary treatment for improving bone density. Instead, individuals should focus on proven strategies for maintaining bone health, and consult with their healthcare provider before considering any supplements, including boron.

From the Research

Bone Density and Boron Supplements

• Boron supplements have been studied for their potential role in improving bone density, with some studies suggesting a positive effect 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
• A narrative review of 11 eligible studies found that boron supplementation, alone or with other micronutrients, had a positive effect on bone health, particularly at a daily dosage of 3 mg/day 2.
• Another study found that boron supplementation increased bone mineral density in female athletes, while also affecting serum phosphorus and magnesium levels 4.
• A study on rats found that dietary boron supplement had a therapeutic effect on retinoic acid-induced osteoporosis, increasing bone mineral density and stimulating bone formation 5.
• A study on crossbred calves found that supplementation of boric acid had a positive effect on bone health-related biomarkers, particularly at a level of 200 ppm B 6.

Key Findings

• Boron supplementation may help support bone health and prevent bone loss 2, 3.
• The optimal daily dosage of boron supplementation for bone health is unclear, but 3 mg/day has been suggested as a potentially effective dose 2.
• Boron supplementation may have synergistic effects with other nutrients, such as calcium, vitamin D, and magnesium, to support bone health 3, 4, 6.
• More research is needed to fully understand the effects of boron supplementation on bone density and overall health 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.