Dosing and uses of Boron
Acceptable Safe Boron Intake
Natural product; no established RDA for this nutrient
1-20 mg/day; maximum tolerable intake ~20 mg/day
Pediatric dosage forms and strengths
Acceptable Safe Boron Intake
1-3 years: 3 mg/day
3-8 years: 6 mg/day
8-13 years: 11 mg/day
13-18 years: 17 mg/day
Boron adverse (side) effects
Frequency not defined
Blue/green discoloration of feces
Dermatitis
Diarrhea
Epigastric pain
Nausea
Renal impairment (rare: high dose)
Vomiting
Warnings
Contraindications
None reported
Cautions
Not yet fully established as required for human nutrition
There is no evidence that boron supplementation higher than levels found in diet is beneficiaL
Pregnancy and lactation
Pregnancy category: Safe when used below epected levels; not for intravaginal use as it has been associated with birth defects
Lactation: Not studied
Pregnancy categories
A: Generally acceptable. Controlled studies in pregnant women show no evidence of fetal risk.
B: May be acceptable. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies not available or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies done and showed no risk.
C: Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies not available or neither animal nor human studies done.
D: Use in LIFE-THREATENING emergencies when no safer drug available. Positive evidence of human fetal risk.
X: Do not use in pregnancy. Risks involved outweigh potential benefits. Safer alternatives exist.
NA: Information not available.
Pharmacology of Boron
Mechanism of action
Has role in mineral metabolism & membrane function; may increase 17-ß-estradiol levels
Supplementation useful when dietary intake is inadequate
