Boron (B) is a substance once used as a preservative in foods (i.e., 50 years ago) thought to be a beneficial element, but is currently not considered essential to the human diet (Gropper et al., 2018). Although B is not essential, said micronutrient does exert influence over selected physiological processes to include bone development, mediation of inflammatory events, and glucose metabolism (Gropper et al., 2018). The following will consider the same.
Gropper et al. (2018) indicated that B has a beneficial effect upon bone composition and strength; B is thought to modulate the activity of osteoblasts and osteoclasts in addition to controlling extracellular matrix turnover. Furthermore, an association between B and bone growth/development appears to be inversely correlated; low B levels occurs with slowed bone growth and development Gropper et al., 2018).
B also participates in anti-inflammatory processes; Gropper et al. (2018) stated that animal-based experiments showed compromised production of cytokines (chemical messengers) and lymphocytes (attack antigens) when B consumption was eliminated. Furthermore, B also exerts its affects upon glucose metabolism. In a study by Kurcukkurt, Akbel, Karabag, and Ince (2015), 30 rats (Sprague Dawley) were split between 3 equal groups; group #1 were fed a standard rodent diet (containing 6.4 mg B/kg), group #2 were fed the same diet with boric acid (100 mg B/kg) while group #3 consumed the same diet but with a salt of boric acid, known as borax (100 mg B/kg) throughout a 28-day period (Kurcukkurt et al., 2015).
Interestingly, group #3 exhibited decreased plasma insulin levels at the end of the trial. Furthermore, B reduced plasma insulin concentrations, in the absence of magnesium or vitamin D, in addition to reducing peak pancreatic insulin release in rats (Kurcukkurt et al., 2015). Such evidence suggests that B may help reduce the amount of insulin required to maintain plasma glucose, thereby increasing insulin sensitivity (Kurcukkurt et al., 2015).
In conclusion, B is a beneficial micronutrient in the diet although it is not considered essential. Despite its lack of rank amongst other micronutrients, B still participates in key physiological processes to include bone growth/development, anti-inflammatory processes, and glucose metabolism; events relevant in maintaining homeostasis.
References
Gropper, S. S., Smith, J. L., & Carr, T. P. (2018). Advanced nutrition and human metabolism (7thed.). Boston, MA: Cengage Learning.
Kurcukkurt, I., Akbel, E., Karabag, F., & Ince, S. (2015). The effects of dietary boron compounds in supplemented diet on hormonal activity and some biochemical parameters in rats. Toxicology and Industrial Health, 31(3), 255-260.
-Michael McIsaac