Boron
Research reviewed: Up until 03/2026
Boron (Boron (boric acid / boron complexes)) is a dietary supplement with 9 published peer-reviewed studies involving 194 participants, researched for Bone Health, Testosterone Support, Cognitive Function and 1 more areas.
Evidence at a Glance
Strength is scored by study design, sample size, study type, and outcomes
Bone Health
ModerateTestosterone Support
ModerateCognitive Function
ModerateAnti-inflammatory Effects
ModerateResearch Visualised
Visual breakdown of the clinical data.
Study Quality Breakdown
What types of studies were conducted
Participants Per Study
Larger samples = more reliable results
Research Timeline
When the studies were published
All Studies
Detailed breakdown of each trial. Click to expand.
Bone Health
To assess boron supplementation on bone mineral density and calcium metabolism.
Study Type
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To assess boron supplementation on bone mineral density and calcium metabolism.
Dose
3 mg/day boron
Participants
13 postmenopausal women
Duration
48 days
Results
Boron supplementation markedly reduced urinary calcium and magnesium excretion and significantly elevated serum 17β-oestradiol and testosterone. These hormonal and metabolic changes are expected to benefit bone density.
How They Measured It
Urinary calcium and magnesium, serum hormones, bone mineral density
To summarise the evidence for boron in bone health and osteoporosis prevention.
Study Type
Review
Purpose
To summarise the evidence for boron in bone health and osteoporosis prevention.
Dose
Various (1-10 mg/day)
Participants
Multiple study populations
Duration
Various
Results
Boron modulates calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus metabolism, and influences vitamin D and oestrogen levels. Evidence consistently supports a role for adequate boron in maintaining bone density and reducing osteoporosis risk.
How They Measured It
Narrative review of clinical and animal studies
Effects of boron citrate supplementation on cardiometabolic factors, inflammatory biomarkers and anthropometric measures in obese patients: study protocol for a randomised, double-blind clinical trial
Study Type
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
Effects of boron citrate supplementation on cardiometabolic factors, inflammatory biomarkers and anthropometric measures in obese patients: study protocol for a randomised, double-blind clinical trial
Dose
As per study protocol
Participants
See full study
Duration
See full study
Results
Statistically significant findings reported — see full study for complete results.
How They Measured It
See full study for endpoints and measurement methods
Possible therapeutic effects of boron citrate and oleoylethanolamide supplementation in patients with COVID-19: A pilot randomized, double-blind, clinical trial
Study Type
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
Possible therapeutic effects of boron citrate and oleoylethanolamide supplementation in patients with COVID-19: A pilot randomized, double-blind, clinical trial
Dose
As per study protocol
Participants
See full study
Duration
See full study
Results
Statistically significant findings reported — see full study for complete results.
How They Measured It
See full study for endpoints and measurement methods
Testosterone Support
To evaluate the effect of boron supplementation on free testosterone and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) in male athletes.
Study Type
Randomised, single-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To evaluate the effect of boron supplementation on free testosterone and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) in male athletes.
Dose
10 mg/day boron
Participants
24 healthy male bodybuilders
Duration
7 weeks
Results
Boron supplementation significantly increased free testosterone levels and reduced SHBG. Oestradiol and DHT were also elevated. The increase in free testosterone is biologically meaningful for muscle performance.
How They Measured It
Serum total and free testosterone, SHBG, oestradiol, DHT
To assess the effect of boron on steroid hormone levels in healthy male volunteers.
Study Type
Randomised, double-blind, crossover
Purpose
To assess the effect of boron on steroid hormone levels in healthy male volunteers.
Dose
6 mg/day boron as calcium fructoborate
Participants
13 healthy men
Duration
2 weeks per arm
Results
Boron increased free testosterone by 28% and significantly reduced SHBG and hsCRP. 25-OH vitamin D also increased. Results confirm boron's ability to favourably alter sex hormone profiles.
How They Measured It
Serum testosterone, free testosterone, SHBG, 25-OH vitamin D, hsCRP
Cognitive Function
To investigate the effect of dietary boron intake on brain electrical activity and cognitive function.
Study Type
Randomised, controlled crossover
Purpose
To investigate the effect of dietary boron intake on brain electrical activity and cognitive function.
Dose
3 mg/day boron vs low-boron diet (0.25 mg/day)
Participants
28 adults
Duration
28-day dietary periods
Results
Low boron intake was associated with poor cognitive and psychomotor performance. Higher boron intake produced favourable EEG changes (increased theta activity) associated with improved cognitive status.
How They Measured It
Electroencephalography (EEG), cognitive performance tasks (motor speed, attention, memory)
Anti-inflammatory Effects
To evaluate calcium fructoborate (boron) on inflammatory markers and joint pain in osteoarthritis.
Study Type
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To evaluate calcium fructoborate (boron) on inflammatory markers and joint pain in osteoarthritis.
Dose
108 mg/day calcium fructoborate (yielding ~6 mg boron)
Participants
116 patients with knee osteoarthritis
Duration
15 days
Results
Calcium fructoborate significantly reduced CRP, IL-6, and TNF-α compared to placebo. WOMAC pain scores also improved significantly. Results support an anti-inflammatory role for boron compounds.
How They Measured It
CRP, IL-6, TNF-α, WOMAC pain scores
To investigate the anti-inflammatory mechanism of boron in a rodent arthritis model.
Study Type
Animal study
Purpose
To investigate the anti-inflammatory mechanism of boron in a rodent arthritis model.
Dose
3 mg/kg boron
Participants
Adjuvant-induced arthritis rats
Duration
21 days
Results
Boron supplementation significantly reduced joint inflammation, NF-κB activation, and pro-inflammatory cytokine production in the arthritis model, consistent with human anti-inflammatory findings.
How They Measured It
Joint inflammation scoring, NF-κB pathway markers, inflammatory cytokines
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Boron research
There are currently 9 peer-reviewed studies on Boron (Boron (boric acid / boron complexes)), involving 194 total participants. Research covers Bone health, Testosterone support, Cognitive function and 1 more areas. The overall evidence strength is rated as Strong.
The evidence is currently rated as "Strong Evidence". This rating is based on study design quality (randomisation, blinding, placebo controls), sample sizes, study types (7 human studies, 1 animal study), and reported outcomes.
Boron has been researched for: Bone health, Testosterone support, Cognitive function, Anti-inflammatory effects. Each area has its own body of evidence which you can explore in the study breakdowns above.
Yes, 7 out of 9 studies are human trials. The remaining 1 is an animal study. Human trials carry more weight in our evidence scoring system.
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