-Summary:
Boron is a chemical element of the periodic table of elements that has the symbol B and atomic number 5, it reduces SHBG (sex hormone transporter globulin), which, by joining the sex hormones (testosterone), makes it inactive and incapable of producing its effects, remaining as a reserve in circulation.
-Discussion:
We have testosterone that is bound to two different proteins, albumin and sex hormone transport globulin (SHBG). This bound testosterone is not available for use by our androgen receptors and is basically a «reserve» for our male hormones.
Boron is a necessary microelement in the synthesis of hormones, especially steroid hormones such as sex hormones. Testosterone increases low testosterone levels in men and increases estrogen levels in women, especially menopausal women.
In addition, it has beneficial effects on functions such as reproduction and development, calcium metabolism, bone formation, brain function, insulin metabolism, immunity, and the function of steroid hormones, including vitamin D, absorption and use of calcium and magnesium and wound healing.
Boron reduces the levels of inflammatory biomarkers: TNF-alpha, IL-6 and CRP and homocysteine, these anti-inflammatory effects can help relieve arthritis and improve brain function and has shown such significant anticancer effects that boron compounds are now used in treating various types of cancer
Boron supplementation stimulates bone growth in vitamin D-deficient animals and alleviates dysfunctions in mineral metabolism characteristic of vitamin D deficiency.
Boron was found to induce osteoblast mineralization by regulating the expression of genes related to tissue mineralization and the actions of key hormones (17β-estradiol (E2), testosterone, and vitamin D) involved in bone growth and turnover. The induction of tissue mineralization by boron is also the basis for the beneficial effects of boron on wound healing.
-Conclusions:
The significant decrease in plasma E2 in men after 1 week of boron supplementation suggests a higher rate of conversion of total testosterone (T) to free testosterone (FT) in the metabolic pathway of testosterone.
Boron’s beneficial effects on bone metabolism are due in part to its role in both the production and increase of the biological half-life of vitamin D.
On the other hand, boron significantly improves the absorption and deposition of magnesium in the bones, boron is a factor in the myriad beneficial effects of magnesium.
There is human clinical evidence for the use of boron in the treatment of patients with osteoarthritis, in which a significantly favorable response is obtained to a supplement of 6 mg of boron per day.
In humans, boron deprivation (<0.3 mg / d) resulted in poorer performance on tasks of motor speed and dexterity, attention, and short-term memory.
As research on the chemistry of boron-containing compounds has increased, they have been shown to be potent antiosteoporotic, anti-inflammatory, and antineoplastic agents both in vitro and in vivo.
References:
– Nielsen FH. Is boron nutritionally relevant? Nutr Rev. 2008; 66 (4): 183–191.
-Panel on Micronutrients, Subcommittees on Upper Reference Levels of Nutrients and of Interpretation and Uses of Dietary Reference Intakes; Standing Committee on the Scientific Evaluation of Dietary Reference Intakes; Food and Nutrition Board; Institute of Medicine. Dietary Reference Intakes for Vitamin A, Vitamin K, Arsenic, Boron, Chromium, Copper, Iodine, Iron, Manganese, Molybdenum, Nickel, Silicon, Vanadium, and Zinc. Washington, DC: National Academy Press; 2002.
keywords:
Boron and sexual dysfunction, boron and erectile dysfunction, boron and free testosterone, boron and transporter globulin, boron and osteoporosis, boron and vitamin D, boron and inflammation, boron and neoplasia boron and estradiol, boron and osteoarthritis, TNF-alpha, IL- 6 – PCR, homocysteine and boron.
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