The importance of boron nutrition for brain and psychological function

Abstract

Boron (B) nutriture has been related to bone, mineral and lipid metabolism, energy utilization, and immune function. As evidence accumulates that B is essential for humans, it is important to consider possible relationships between B nutriture and brain and psychological function. Five studies conducted in our laboratory are reviewed. Assessments of brain electrical activity in both animals and humans found that B deprivation results in decreased brain electrical activity similar to that observed in nonspecific malnutrition. Assessments of cognitive and psychomotor function in humans found that B deprivation results in poorer performance on tasks of motor speed and dexterity, attention, and short-term memory. However, little support was found for anecdotal reports that supplementation with physiologic amounts of B helps alleviate the somatic and psychological symptoms of menopause. Parallels between nutritional and toxicological effects of B on brain and psychological function are presented, and possible biological mechanisms for dietary effects are reviewed. Findings support the hypothesis that B nutriture is important for brain and psychological function in humans.

Boron supplementation of peri-menopausal women affects boron metabolism and indices associated with macromineral metabolism, hormonal status and immune function

“…As reported elsewhere [5], a large number of women reported more frequent and severe hot flashes (P < 0.05) and night sweats (P < 0.05) when they were receiving the boron supplement. Exacerbating effects of supplemental boron were reported by 46%, or 21 of 43 of the women.…”

Boron supplementation and activated factor VII in healthy men

“…Researchers have proposed a role for this non-metallic element, which possesses properties that are intermediate between metals and non-metals (Naghii & Samman, 1997), in several major physiological processes in animals. These include cognitive function (Penland, 1998) and bone formation (Chapin et al, 1998;Armstrong et al, 2000). Embryonic defects related to boron depletion have been reported for zebra fish (Rowe & Eckhert, 1999), frogs (Fort et al, 1998(Fort et al, , 1999(Fort et al, , 2000 and trout (Eckhert, 1998).…”

Anti-inflammatory effects of boron alone or as adjuvant with dexamethasone in animal models of chronic and granulomatous inflammation

“…Adequate evidences indicate that subjects consume less boron than required demonstrate health related problems in the bone and brain, and inflammatory reactions suggesting a highly expected role in maintaining normal health. 1,2 There are only limited number of data that correlate boron intake or plasma levels with human pathologies other than certain kinds of tumors. However, decreased hair contents of boron, 3 and low environmental boron 4 have been associated with Kashin-Beck disease in China, and low plasma boron level has been associated with rheumatoid arthritis.…”