How Nutritionally Relevant is Boron?
A role for Boron has been hypothesized since at least the early 1990’s. Because a biochemical function was never clarified, its nutrition essentiality has never been firmly established. Some scientists believe that dietary guidance should be offered as Boron has proven beneficial in the diet of the individual at various phases in the life cycle. Current Dietary Reference Intake (DRI) guidelines do not exist for infants, but range from 3-6 mg/d for children and 11-17 mg/d for adults.
What do we know for sure? Boron appears to play a role in bone metabolism, probably in conjunction with vitamin D, calcium and magnesium. Boron deficiency depresses growth and is worsened by a vitamin D deficiency. Boron toxicity is identified by a poor appetite, weight loss, decreased sexual activity, decreased seminal volume and sperm count. Boron is found in fruits, nuts, vegetables and legumes with close to 90% of intake absorbed.
Population findings show that despite the widespread availability of Boron, most people do not get more than 1 mg/day in their diets. A recent study published in the April 2008 issue of Nutrition Reviews has recently stated that evidence now exists from numerous laboratories that Boron is a bioactive beneficial element. The evidence cited comes from deprivation studies and shows Boron as a necessary element for some higher animals to complete the life cycle. The study also cited low Boron intakes in impairment of bone health, brain function and immune response. Thus, Boron now enters the scene again as a nutritional area of concern. It appears that with the new importance cited by this study, the Institute of Medicine should address a DRI for Boron for infants.
About the Author
Kathy Shattler received her Master of Science degree from Michigan State University in E. Lansing Michigan in Human Nutrition. Her twenty-two years of practice includes holding positions as a Lecturer, Chief Clinical Dietitian and Program Manager. Kathy is the Founder of Nutri-Care Consulting and is currently the Nutrition Director of www.CEU4U.COM, an online continuing education management company for Registered Dietitians and Dietetic Technicians.
