Boron, the trace element that may prevent osteoporosis and
oseoarthritis
Boron,
although it is present only in minute amounts, has been
linked to significant improvements in both osteoporosis
and osteoarthritis. Whilst the processes involved are
not yet completely understood, it is likely that they involve
boron's effects on both Vitamin
D and Oestrogen.
It would
appear that Boron is particularly important for the activation
of Vitamin D, which controls the absorption and utilisation
of calcium in the body, converting inactive Vitamin D into
it's most active form.
In addition,
research has shown that Boron, when given to post-menopausal
women has a significant effect on reducing the amount of
calcium that is lost in the urine, probably by its actions
on oestrogen.
Consequently,
most of the Boron found in the body is found in the bones,
although same is also found in the thyroid glands and associated
organs.
Functions of Boron in the body
- Activation of Vitamin D
- Prevention of osteoporosis
- Prevention and treatment of osteoarthritis
Boron
deficiency
Boron deficiency has been shown to have a marked effect
on the amount of calcium excreted in the urine, particularly
of postmenopausal women. As it is not a component of modern
fertilizers, it is likely that produce from modern
farms is lacking in Boron due to soil
depletion. In contrast, produce from organic
farms is
much less likely to be Boron deficient, due to the natural
fertilization methods used.
Symptoms
of Boron deficiency
Bone / joint disease
Depression
Heightened effects of stress (also thought to affect calcium
levels)
Association
with other minerals and vitamins
Activated Vitamin D, may affect oestrogen levels.
Normal amounts of Boron in the diet
No Normal
level of Boron has yet been established, however doses
of up to 3mg/day have been shown to be non-toxic.
Sources of dietary Boron
Boron is mostly found in fruits, vegetables, nuts and pulses,
presuming they have been farmed on soil
with an adequate boron content. Rich sources (in descending
order) are:
Soybeans
Prunes
Raisins
Almonds
Peanuts
Hazelnuts
Dates
Red Wine
Boron supplements
Some multivitamin supplements include Boron. It can also
be bought as sodium borate, boron chelates or sodium tetraborate
decahydrate, all of which are fairly well absorbed and bioavailable.
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