Overview

Boron is an element. Boron has been consumed for menstrual cramps and boric acid has been used vaginally for yeast infections, but evidence is limited.

Boron seems to affect the way the body handles other minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus. It also seems to increase estrogen levels post-menopause. Boric acid, a common form of boron, can kill yeast that cause vaginal infections. Boron may have antioxidant effects.

People commonly use boron for boron deficiency and vaginal yeast infections. It is also used for athletic performance, menstrual cramps, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support many of these uses.

Uses & Effectiveness

Likely Effective for

  • Boron deficiency. Taking boron by mouth treats and prevents boron deficiency.

Possibly Effective for

  • Skin damage caused by radiation therapy (radiation dermatitis). Applying boron gel to the skin might help prevent skin damage caused by radiation therapy.
  • Vaginal yeast infections. Applying boric acid inside the vagina can help treat yeast infections (candidiasis), including infections that do not seem to get better with other medications and treatments.

Possibly Ineffective for

  • Athletic performance. Taking boron by mouth doesn't seem to improve body mass, muscle mass, or testosterone levels in male bodybuilders.

There is interest in using boron for a number of other purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Boron is likely safe when used in doses that don't exceed 20 mg daily. Boron is possibly unsafe when taken in higher doses. Doses over 20 mg daily might cause male fertility problems. Large doses can also cause poisoning. Signs of poisoning include irritability, tremors, weakness, headaches, diarrhea, vomiting, and other symptoms.

When applied to the skin: Sodium pentaborate pentahydrate gel, which contains boron, is likely safe when applied to the skin for up to 5 weeks.

When applied into the vagina: Boric acid, a common form of boron, is likely safe when used for up to 6 months. It can cause vaginal burning.

Special Precautions and Warnings

When taken by mouth: Boron is likely safe when used in doses that don't exceed 20 mg daily. Boron is possibly unsafe when taken in higher doses. Doses over 20 mg daily might cause male fertility problems. Large doses can also cause poisoning. Signs of poisoning include irritability, tremors, weakness, headaches, diarrhea, vomiting, and other symptoms.

When applied to the skin: Sodium pentaborate pentahydrate gel, which contains boron, is likely safe when applied to the skin for up to 5 weeks.

When applied into the vagina: Boric acid, a common form of boron, is likely safe when used for up to 6 months. It can cause vaginal burning.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Boron is likely safe when taken by mouth during pregnancy or breast-feeding. For those 19-50 years old, do not take more than 20 mg daily; for those 14-18 years old, do not take more than 17 mg daily. Taking boron by mouth in higher doses is possibly unsafe and has been linked to lower birth weights and birth defects. Applying boric acid into the vagina during the first 4 months of pregnancy has also been linked to birth defects.

Children: Boron is likely safe when used appropriately. The amount that is safe depends on the child's age. Boron is possibly unsafe when taken by mouth in higher doses. Large quantities of boron can cause poisoning. Boric acid powder, a common form of boron, is possibly unsafe when applied in large amounts to prevent diaper rash.

Hormone-sensitive condition such as breast cancer, uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, endometriosis, or uterine fibroids: Boron might act like estrogen. If you have any condition that might be made worse by estrogen, avoid supplemental boron or high amounts of boron from foods.

Kidney disease: Do not take boron supplements if you have kidney problems. The kidneys have to work hard to flush out boron.

Interactions

We currently have no information for Boron overview.

Dosing

Boron is naturally found in water and foods such as nuts and vegetables. There aren't any specific dietary recommendations for boron, but it's estimated that most adults consume about 1-1.5 mg daily.

In supplements, adults shouldn't consume more than 20 mg daily. For children, the amount that is safe depends on age. Speak with a healthcare provider to find out what dose might be best for a specific condition.
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CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

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