B8.5

Boron

Boron (as Boron Citrate/Glycinate)

Often-overlooked trace mineral that supports testosterone, bone health, and cognitive function.

immunitytestosteronebone healthmineralcognitive
Last reviewed: January 1, 2025
8.5/10
40+ studies
Evidence
high
Safety
3-10mg
Dose
2-8 weeks
Time to Effect
Boron citrate or boron glycinate
Best Form

Boron is a trace mineral found in soil and certain foods. Despite being often overlooked, research shows it plays roles in testosterone metabolism, bone health, and brain function. Many people don't get adequate boron from diet, and supplementation may benefit testosterone levels, especially in those with low intake.

Mechanisms of Action

💪
SHBG Modulation

May reduce sex hormone binding globulin

🦴
Bone Metabolism

Supports calcium and vitamin D metabolism

Recommended Dose

3-10mg

3mg20mg

Optimal Timing

  • With a meal

Take with food

Best Form

Boron citrate or boron glycinate

Alternatives: Boron from calcium fructoborate

Various forms are well-absorbed. Often included in testosterone or bone support formulas.

Duration

Minimum: 2 weeks

Optimal: 8 weeks

Cycling: Not required

Note: Can be taken any time of day with food.

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📈
Testosterone Support

May increase free testosterone

1-4 weeks
55% of users notice thispositive
🦴
Bone Health

Supports bone mineral density

Ongoing
50% of users notice thispositive
High SafetyMax safe dose: 20mg/day (upper limit)
🔴
Pregnant/nursing

Safe at dietary levels; avoid high supplemental doses

Who Should NOT Take This

  • Hormone-sensitive conditions (as precaution)

Drug Interactions

No significant interactions knownmild

Generally safe with medications

Possible Side Effects

GI upsetrare

Tip: Take with food

Warnings

  • Stay within recommended doses — toxicity possible at very high levels
  • Benefits most pronounced if dietary intake is low

Top studies from 40+ peer-reviewed papers

systematic-review
DOI

Gui JY et al. • The Science of the total environment (2022)

“Published by Elsevier B.V.”
Key Findings:
  • The regulatory mechanisms of Se on these micronutrients are also analyzed.
  • Based on the current understanding of the interaction between Se and these essential elements, future directions for research are suggested.Copyright © 2022.
  • Published by Elsevier B.V.
systematic-reviewn=29
DOI

Heffernan SM et al. • Nutrients (2019)

“PROSPERO preregistered (CRD42018090502).”
Key Findings:
  • Approximately 50% of athletes have reported consuming some form of micronutrient supplement; however, there is limited data confirming their efficacy for improving performance.
  • Only Iron and Magnesium included articles of sufficient quality to be assigned as 'strong'.
  • Currently, there is little evidence to support the use of MTE supplementation to improve physiological markers of athletic performance, with the possible exception of Iron (in particular, biological situations) and Magnesium as these currently have the strongest quality evidence.
  • Regardless, some MTEs may possess the potential to improve athletic performance, but more high quality research is required before support for these MTEs can be given.
meta-analysisn=361
DOI

Sun X et al. • Critical reviews in oncology/hematology (2026)

“BNCT has shown favorable efficacy and safety in LRHNC.”
Key Findings:
  • The ORR was 70 % (95 % CI: 65 %-75 %; P = 0.8187) and the 2-year OS rate was 45 % (95 % CI: 39 %-50 %; P < 0.0001).
  • The ORR of patients with non-squamous cell carcinoma (NSCC) was higher than those with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) (82 % vs. 72 %), while the 2-year OS rates were similar (50 % vs. 49 %).
  • The most frequent acute AEs included hyperamylasemia (75 %, 95 % CI: 70 %-80 %), alopecia (61 %, 95 % CI: 55 %-67 %), and submandibular gland inflammation (61 %, 95 % CI: 49 %-72 %).
  • The most common late AEs were alopecia (72 %, 95 % CI: 61 %-82 %), fatigue (35 %), and pain (27 %, 95 % CI: 12 %-46 %).
systematic-review
DOI

Mao H et al. • International journal of radiation oncology, biology, physics (2025)

“All rights reserved.”
Key Findings:
  • In this review, we integrate the latest studies to provide a comprehensive and detailed description of the direct and indirect mechanisms by which BNCT induces cell killing, as well as the subsequent cellular responses.
  • More importantly, we propose that BNCT exhibits a stronger immunologic foundation and immunogenicity than traditional radiation therapy, indicating significant potential for its combined application with immunotherapy.
  • These results offer a robust theoretical foundation for the future clinical use of BNCT and indicate that continued investigation of BNCT in conjunction with immunotherapy may pave the way for more advanced cancer treatment strategies.Copyright © 2025 Elsevier Inc.
  • All rights reserved.
systematic-reviewn=925
DOI

Younous K et al. • International journal of radiation biology (2024)

“BNCT shows substantial promise as a treatment modality for multiple cancer types, offering potential benefits with acceptable safety profiles.”
Key Findings:
  • BNCT shows substantial promise as a treatment modality for multiple cancer types, offering potential benefits with acceptable safety profiles.
  • Nonetheless, further research is essential to refine its clinical application and ensure consistent safety and efficacy.
  • Further research warranted to confirm findings
39
Total Studies
8.3/10
Avg Quality
8-925
Sample Size Range
1994-2026
Research Span

Study Type Distribution

RCT
27
Systematic Review
8
Meta-Analysis
2
Animal
1
Review
1

This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting any supplement.