Preliminary research suggests that boron might affect bone and joint health, but very little is known regarding specifics. The most promising research with boron has linked supplementation to reduced loss of calcium in urine. This effect might help prevent osteoporosis , but so far decreased loss of calcium from boron supplementation occurs mostly when people are not eating enough magnesium in their diets. The ability to use energy and to think clearly may also depend somewhat on boron, but details are poorly understood. Raisins, prunes, and nuts are generally excellent sources.
Actual amounts vary widely, however, depending upon boron levels in soil where the food is grown.
A leading boron expert has suggested 1 mg per day of boron is a reasonable amount to consume per day. 2 People who eat adequate amounts of produce, nuts, and legumes are likely to already be eating two to six times this amount. Therefore, whether the average person would benefit by supplementing this mineral remains unclear. Accidental acute exposure to high levels of boron can cause nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, rash, convulsions, and other symptoms. Supplemental levels do not lead to accumulations within the body.