Well, I stole that “boring” part from an article on the National Library of Medicine website.
Boron is another favorite supplement that I take and also give to my pets.
Very few understand the importance of this supplement, but I hope that you will after reading this article. The benefits of the trace mineral boron need to shared so more humans and animals can avoid common bone and joint issues so many suffer from today.
I do not think (and many agree) we are getting enough trace minerals from the food we eat due to the way we treat the soil with chemicals, which depletes these vital nutrients.
Trace minerals include boron, which is a micronutrient involved with a wide range of vital metabolic processes that necessitate plant, animal, and human health.
You may not have heard of boron, but this essential mineral plays a vital role in many aspects of human and animal health.
Although boron hasn’t been officially recognized as a human essential nutrient (same with dogs ad cats), recent data from animal and human studies show that it’s possibly crucial for mineral metabolism and membrane function.
What got me interested in Boron?
I have known about Boron for some years and the potential benefits when it comes to arthritis and other bone and joint issues. What got me back is a study I missed before. It is an epidemiological study into why some countries have more or fewer incidents of arthritis than other countries. They found a correlation between boron content in the soil and the level of arthritis. You can read about it here: (Newnham RE. Agricultural practices affect arthritis. Nutr Health. 1991;7(2):89-100. doi: 10.1177/026010609100700204. PMID: 1645463.) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1645463/
What it says is that in places where boron intake (from food and water) is less than 1.0 mg/day estimated incidents of arthritis ranges from 20-70%. Compare that to areas where boron intake is normally 3-10mg estimated incident of arthritis ranges from 0-10%!
In a s double-blind placebo-boron supplementation trial involving 20 subjects with osteoarthritis yielded favorable results for those who received a 6 mg boron/day supplement, as 50% of these individuals experienced improvement compared to only 10% in the placebo group. This data suggests that boron is an essential nutrient for optimal bone and joint health and that further research on its potential therapeutic use for arthritis should be conducted.
There are other observational studies indicating a strong relationship between boron and osteoarthritis and boron. Despite the evidence suggesting boron’s positive effects on bone and joint health, it is still not considered an essential nutrient. This may be because boron is not directly used by the body to build up tissue or activate enzymes and hormones. However, many researchers believe that further studies are necessary to determine if boron should be added to the list of essential nutrients.
Or, could the reason be that Boron has the potential to replace many prescription drugs designed to help people with bone and joint pain?
I found this so interesting and decided to dig deeper into Boron again and also start a small observational study into adding boron into to diet of dogs suffering from arthritis. If you are interested in participating in this study, please contact me.
My experience
When I see any health improvements taking place with my own dogs, I pay attention. My Great Dane Odin is 11 (2022) and has issues with the joint in his rear legs. Over the last couple of years, he displayed noticeable stiffness and restrictions in his ability to run. I have seen very impressive results with boron so far and will write about them in another article. I have several participants in my study that are testing benefits of the trace mineral boron on their dogs.
So, what is Boron?
Boron is the fifth element on the periodic table and is a semi-metallic element. Boron is found in small quantities in almost all rocks and soils. It originally came from the Arabic word “boraq”, meaning white. Boron was discovered in 1808 by Sir Humphry Davy and independently by Joseph Louis Gay-Lussac and Louis Jaques Thénard.
The more I dig into Boron’s health benefits, the more I realize how vital this unheralded nutrient really is. I’m sure you will too. I have known about Bonon for some years, but I never researched it as profoundly as I have now. I wish I had; that’s how impressed I am with boron.
Research
There is not a whole lot of research into the health benefits of boron in humans, but the studies that have been conducted are very promising. I have listed some of them and the end of this article. There are many exciting observations by holistic and naturopathic practitioners when it comes to the effects of boron on human health, but more research is needed to confirm these findings. In the meantime, I am collecting observational information about the use of boron in humans and animals. Since this is a natural product, there is not much interest in any scientific study into the potential health benefits of boron. As far as I know there are no studies into the benefits of the trace mineral boron done on dogs or cats.
Because that is a reality, we can’t use the word ‘treat’ and ‘heal,’ and say much about the benefits of boron without using the words “may” and “possible.” Heal and treat a disease or health condition are claims reserved for products (patented drugs) approved by the FDA. There are hundreds of natural products (if not thousands) that have been used for thousands of years to ‘treat’ and ‘heal’ many diseases and health conditions, but the FDA has only approved a handful of these.
As you may know, the reason that there are few natural products approved by FDA is that there is no money in it for drug companies. They can’t patent nature. So, few companies are interested in spending money on researching and marketing natural products. They would much rather spend billions of dollars researching and marketing a synthetic drug that they can patent and sell for much higher prices.
The FDA only approves drugs (natural or synthetic) that have been proven safe and effective in well-designed, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials. Since the FDA will not approve most natural products due to a lack of quality trials, we are left to our own devices to find out if they are safe and effective. We can, however, look at the available evidence and make an informed decision as to whether or not a natural product is worth trying.
The purpose of this article is to provide information on the reported benefits of boron based on the available anecdotal evidence. You must decide if this is something you would consider using as a part of your health regimen.
OK, back to Boron.
Boron is a trace mineral that is involved in the metabolism of calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium. It also plays a role in the synthesis of collagen and osteocalcin. It also plays a role in vitamin D metabolism and the synthesis of sex hormones. All of these functions are crucial for maintaining a sound immune system.
Animals and Boron
How does boron work for animals? Animals need boron for many of the same reasons that humans do. Boron seems to help animals maintain healthy bones and joints and also plays a role in reproduction. Boron may be essential for nervous system functions. I have seen reports that dogs behave calmer under stressful situations like fireworks and thunder, but I’m only referring to very few so no conclusion can be drawn from this.
As with human studies into boron, there a very few done on animals like dogs and cats. Again I have done a few observational studies among my clients, and I have seen positive results and planning on expanding this to include more dogs and cats.
I like observing things and taking detailed notes in case I see a repetition. I have discovered many supplements that are effective and also not effective this way. It is an essential part of my research into developing natural modalities for different conditions.
My personal observations when it comes to Boron.
After taking boron for three months consistently. I also gave it to my 11-year-old Dane (born 8-20-11). I also give it to my 3-year-old Dane as a part of a prevention protocol.
I have no joint issues, so I can’t speak to that potential benefit. My oldest Dane shows signs of stiffer joints and some shaking of his hind legs. This is common in Danes (and other large and giant breeds), even when they are raw-fed. In kibble-fed Danes, we see this much earlier on, it can be as early as 4 years old, But it normally starts around 6-8 years.
My Dane is noticeably better, less shaking, and a bit more flexible. He gets up faster. It is still early, and I’m looking forward to see if the improvements continue.
One thing I noticed myself is an increase in free testosterone. I have been working out all my life, I also studied nutrition, especially how to keep my testosterone from declining as I age. I know when my free testosterone is up or down. I can feel that “high.” I get it when I work out. After taking 3mg of boron 3 times a day, I feel that high most of the day. I have also gained muscle mass faster than I normally do. Another thing I noticed is that I sleep better, and I feel more alert and focused. These are quite settled changes, but after hearing from other people sharing their experiences, I can expect more improvements over the next months. I will keep you all posted.
This is the Boron I use. Made from 99.9% pure borax. I tsp = 3mg of boron. Total servings: 96
Lack of scientific evidence
I get this a lot when it comes to my raw feeding study and the modalities I use for cancer prevention and recovery in my practice. As with many products I am testing and have tested, the lack of studies backing up the claims will never stop me from testing a product. That’s how we move forward and look outside the box and open the path for science to test hypotheses. I am extremely curious and open to the idea that we have everything we need on earth to stay healthy.
Why is this such a crazy idea? To me, that makes more sense than creating unnatural products to heal a body. The side effects that come with that are often worse than the health issue these products are supposed to help with. We have all seen the drug commercial on TV listing all the side effects, some directly contradict what the drug is meant to treat.
If I strictly followed the science and never looked into anything that was not backed up by it, many dogs would still suffer, and many will not be alive today. I have used natural products that are listed online as toxic to dogs that have helped them recover from serious health issues, even cancer. The bottom line for me is that I only trust what I see and hear from trusted resources. Most are from the thousands of participants in my raw feeding study.
Here are the top 12 possible benefits of boron.
I have indicated with the letter H and P that the benefit may help humans (H) and Pets (P). This is mostly based on my opinion since little or no research on boron has been done on pets like dogs and cats.
1. May Help Maintain Healthy Bones (H), (P)
Boron is necessary for the formation and maintenance of bones. This mineral helps the body absorb calcium and magnesium, two minerals that are essential for healthy bones. A lack of boron can lead to bone loss and an increased risk of osteoporosis. This mineral also helps to produce collagen, a protein that gives structure to bones and teeth. Boron also helps reduce the amount of calcium lost through urine. Getting sufficient amounts of boron may help prevent bone loss and improve bone density. (8)
2. Improves Muscle Function (H), (P)
Boron is necessary for muscle development and function. This mineral helps increase muscle mass and strength. In addition, boron helps improve coordination and balance. Getting sufficient amounts of boron may help improve exercise performance and protect against exercise-induced injuries. (2)
3: Boosts Brain Function (H)
Boron helps improve cognitive function and memory by affecting neurotransmitters in the brain. This mineral also protects against age-related cognitive decline by reducing inflammation in the brain. Getting sufficient amounts of boron may help improve attention span, memory, and reasoning ability. (3)
4: Increases Hormone Levels. Impacts the body’s use of testosterone, estrogen, and vitamin D. (H), (P)
Boron affects hormone levels in the body. This mineral helps increase testosterone levels, which play a role in muscle development. A lack of boron can lead to low testosterone levels. Getting sufficient amounts of boron may help increase testosterone levels. Boron beneficially impacts the body’s use of estrogen and vitamin D. (8),(8), (9)
5: Reduces Inflammation (H), (P)
Boron has anti-inflammatory effects and can help reduce inflammation throughout the body. Inflammation is a response to infection or injury that causes redness, swelling, and pain. Chronic inflammation can lead to a number of serious health conditions, including heart disease, cancer, and arthritis. (4)
6: Boron Aids in Wound Healing (H), (P)
Boron is involved in cell proliferation and new tissue growth, both of which are essential for wound healing. This mineral has been shown to speed up the healing process by reducing inflammation and cramping. In one study, people who took a boron supplement experienced significantly faster wound healing compared to those who did not take a supplement. (8) (4)
7: Decalcification of the pineal gland (H)
The pineal gland is a small endocrine gland in the brain. It produces melatonin, which helps to regulate the sleep-wake cycle. Boron appears to play a role in the proper function of the pineal gland. Research also shows that it may reverse the calcification of the pineal gland. That is, in my opinion, huge! (11)
Note: Many of those that I have shared my boron experience with report the same, better sleep.
8: Boost magnesium absorption (H), (P)
Boron has been shown to increase magnesium levels in the body. This is important because magnesium is involved in over 600 reactions in the body and is essential for good health. Getting sufficient amounts of boron may help increase magnesium levels. (1), (5)
9: Raises levels of antioxidant enzymes (H), (P
Such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, and glutathione peroxidase, all of which help to protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.
Boron is necessary for the proper function of many enzymes in the body. Enzymes are proteins that catalyze chemical reactions in the body. (8)
10: Protects against oxidative stress caused by pesticides and heavy-metal toxicity (H), (P)
Pesticides and heavy metals are known to cause oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is a condition in which there is an imbalance between the production of free radicals and the body’s ability to repair the damage they cause. Boron has been shown to protect against oxidative stress caused by pesticides and heavy metals. (8)
11: Cancer (H), (P)
Multiple studies have revealed that boron is an effective cancer preventative and treatment for various cancers, including prostate, cervical, and lung. Furthermore, boron has shown to be beneficial in treating multiple instances of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. (8), (6)
12: Improves cognitive performance (H)
Boron has been shown to improve cognitive performance. In one study, people who took a boron supplement performed better on tests of mental flexibility, reasoning, and short-term memory compared to those who did not take a supplement. (8), (7)
Toxicity of Boron/Borax
The toxicity of borax is lower than that of table salt! It’s practically impossible to overdose on boron! This has been proved time and time again. However, you should abstain from self-administering therapeutic dosages!
Conclusion
As you can see, boron is an essential mineral with many health benefits for humans and animals. . It is important to get enough of this mineral through diet or supplementation to maintain optimal health. Including foods rich in boron such as dark leafy greens, nuts, and seeds in your diet can help ensure that you are getting enough of this essential nutrient.
Since dogs and cats cannot get Boron from plants, most dogs and cats (even raw fed) are most likely deficient in boron. I add it to my pet’s food. As mentioned before, I have seen very encouraging results and improvements in my 11-year-old Great Dane. I will document his condition in a separate blog post.
*This product has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Results may vary from individual to individual, depending on a variety of factors, including age and health condition. Always consult your healthcare professional before taking any dietary supplement.
More about Boron
Dosage:
Here is a common daily dosage used by many:
- Week 1-2: 3 mg/Boron (morning)
- Week 3-4: 6 mg/Boron (3 mg in the morning & 3mg in the evening)
- Week 5-6: 9 mg/Boron (3 mg in the morning, 3 mg midday, 3 mg in the evening)
- From week 7-12 mg/Boron (6 mg in the morning and 6 mg in the evening)
This dosage works well for many. But you must find out for yourself. Listen to your body. The best advice I learned from starting to use boron is to be patient.
How much Boron should you give your dog?
It varies depending on the condition it on. I give my dogs Borong for prevention and treatment if needed. following this Boron Dosage Calculator.
Can you give Boron to cats?
Yes, you can but in very small amounts. Cats are very sensitive to boron. I would not give more than 1-2 drops/day of the solution I make. Listed above.
Citations
- Rondanelli M, Faliva MA, Peroni G, Infantino V, Gasparri C, Iannello G, Perna S, Riva A, Petrangolini G, Tartara A. Pivotal role of boron supplementation on bone health: A narrative review. J Trace Elem Med Biol. 2020 Dec;62:126577. doi: 10.1016/j.jtemb.2020.126577. Epub 2020 Jun 6. PMID: 32540741. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32540741/
- Jin E, Hu Q, Ren M, Jin G, Liang L, Li S. Effects of Selenium Yeast in Combination with Boron on Muscle Growth and Muscle Quality in Broilers. Biol Trace Elem Res. 2019 Aug;190(2):472-483. doi: 10.1007/s12011-018-1548-y. Epub 2018 Nov 3. PMID: 30392019. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30392019/
- Turkez H, Arslan ME, Tatar A, Mardinoglu A. Promising potential of boron compounds against Glioblastoma: In Vitro antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anticancer studies. Neurochem Int. 2021 Oct;149:105137. doi: 10.1016/j.neuint.2021.105137. Epub 2021 Jul 19. PMID: 34293392.
- Demirci S, Doğan A, Aydın S, Dülger EÇ, Şahin F. Boron promotes streptozotocin-induced diabetic wound healing: roles in cell proliferation and migration, growth factor expression, and inflammation. Mol Cell Biochem. 2016 Jun;417(1-2):119-33. doi: 10.1007/s11010-016-2719-9. Epub 2016 May 20. PMID: 27206737.
- Nielsen FH. Studies on the relationship between boron and magnesium which possibly affects the formation and maintenance of bones. Magnes Trace Elem. 1990;9(2):61-9. PMID: 2222801.
- Cebeci E, Yüksel B, Şahin F. Anti-cancer effect of boron derivatives on small-cell lung cancer. J Trace Elem Med Biol. 2022 Mar;70:126923. doi: 10.1016/j.jtemb.2022.126923. Epub 2022 Jan 4. PMID: 35007916.
- Penland JG. Dietary boron, brain function, and cognitive performance. Environ Health Perspect. 1994 Nov;102 Suppl 7(Suppl 7):65-72. doi: 10.1289/ehp.94102s765. PMID: 7889884; PMCID: PMC1566632.
- Pizzorno L. Nothing Boring About Boron. Integr Med (Encinitas). 2015 Aug;14(4):35-48. PMID: 26770156; PMCID: PMC4712861.
- Ghanizadeh G, Babaei M, Naghii MR, Mofid M, Torkaman G, Hedayati M. The effect of supplementation of calcium, vitamin D, boron, and increased fluoride intake on bone mechanical properties and metabolic hormones in rat. Toxicol Ind Health. 2014 Apr;30(3):211-7. doi: 10.1177/0748233712452775. Epub 2012 Jul 10. PMID: 22782709.
- Naghii MR, Ebrahimpour Y, Darvishi P, Ghanizadeh G, Mofid M, Torkaman G, Asgari AR, Hedayati M. Effect of consumption of fatty acids, calcium, vitamin D and boron with regular physical activity on bone mechanical properties and corresponding metabolic hormones in rats. Indian J Exp Biol. 2012 Mar;50(3):223-31. PMID: 22439438.
- Article (not verified beyond what they write) https://medicinal-foods.com/pineal-gland/decalcify/
Disclaimer:
The suggested benefits of this supplement product are based on research and anecdotal evidence and are provided for informational purposes only. They should not be construed as medical advice or a substitute for professional healthcare consultation. Individual results may vary, and the efficacy of this supplement has not been confirmed by FDA-approved research. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your diet, exercise routine, or supplement regimen, particularly if you have any pre-existing medical conditions or are taking medications. The manufacturer and seller of this product disclaim any liability for any adverse effects or consequences that may arise from the use or reliance on the information provided herein or the product itself. This product does not come with any warranty, either express or implied.
Thomas Sandberg CSAN, CCNC, AADP
Thomas Sandberg is a board certified animal naturopath and carnivore nutritionist. He founder of Long Living Pets Research Projects, a 30-year observational study into raw-fed dogs and cats. Thomas also consults in animal naturopathy, including the prevention of chronic diseases and longevity using all-natural modalities. With more than 20 years of experience with hundreds of cancer cases, he has a deep understanding of why so many dogs and cats get cancer today and how we can lower the risk significantly.
Need help with your pet?
Do you have health issues that you cannot resolve with conventional therapies? Are you looking for a natural approach to help your pet live a long healthy life?
This is possible, and what I do. My approach is to restore the immune system in dogs and cats so they can achieve homeostasis. That is the best protection against pathogens that can lead to diseases.
Regarding this claim, I check your the reference along with the other references as well. I cannot find a study about this claim.
Can you double check please?
7: Decalcification of the pineal gland (H)
The pineal gland is a small endocrine gland in the brain. It produces melatonin, which helps to regulate the sleep-wake cycle. Boron appears to play a role in the proper function of the pineal gland. Research also shows that it may reverse the calcification of the pineal gland. That is, in my opinion, huge! (9)
Hi
I concur with your point, and I must find this information that I recall encountering in the past. It’s logical to assume it will, yet I require validation for it. I appreciate your insightful observation.