Historical and recent aspects of boron in human and animal health

Abstract

Evidence that boron is a beneficial bioactive trace element is substantial. The evidence has come from numerous laboratories that have use a variety of experimental models, including humans. In nutritional amounts, boron promotes bone health and brain function, modulates the immune or inflammatory response, and influences the response to oxidative stress. Boron apparently has diverse effects through influencing a cell signaling system or the formation and/or activity of an entity involved in many biochemical processes. Based on findings from both animal and human experiments, and intake of boron near 1.0 mg/day would be a reasonable suggestion for an adequate intake that would assure the benefits provided by boron. Increased intakes of boron through consuming fruits, vegetables, nuts, and pulses should be recognized as a reasonable dietary recommendation.