Boron is a trace mineral vital for various body functions. This element originates from space matter like meteoroids and is only found in small amounts in the soil.
Does Boron Increase Testosterone Levels?
Owing to its small size and ability to bind with organic compounds, boron interacts with vitamins such as riboflavin as well as polysaccharides, which makes it beneficial for health. However, it is still debatable whether or not boron can be classified as an essential mineral.
Boron is associated with bone and muscle health and is linked to mental ability and coordination. It has been used for centuries as a food preservative. Boric acid is commonly used as an eyewash and for the treatment of skin rashes and vaginal yeast infections.
Health benefits of boric acid
Apart from the uses mentioned above, boron is also used for the various health benefits it offers. It is believed to:
- Help maintain sexual and reproductive health
- Improves the brain’s electrical activity, short-term memory, and cognitive performance for elders
- Has preventive and therapeutic effects on certain types of cancers
- Prevent bone diseases such as arthritis
- Reduces levels of inflammatory biomarkers
- Increase dihydrotestosterone (DHT)
Lately, boron has generated much interest as a testosterone booster and is used in various supplements for men’s health.
Table of Contents
How does boron work?
Boron is believed to work by:
Increasing magnesium and vitamin D serum levels
Vitamin D and magnesium are known to help testosterone levels by either providing the raw material for its production or supporting the structures involved in the production. Boron helps store these minerals, and with this, the body can produce testosterone and other sex hormones, such as DHT, at a higher rate.
Decreases Estradiol and SHBG levels
Boron inhibits aromatase, the enzyme responsible for converting testosterone to estradiol. It is also known to reduce estrogens to less potent estrogen forms from harmful testosterone-killing forms.
Boron also works by inhibiting sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), which diminishes testosterone expression by binding testosterone in the bloodstream.
So, boron works not only by boosting testosterone production but also by safeguarding the levels in the bloodstream.
Efficacy of boron as a T-booster: What the research says
Several studies, both on animals and humans, have been conducted to study the effects of boron on hormone levels.
Animal Research
The effect of boron on plasma testosterone and plasma lipids in rats
In this study, rats were administered 2 mg boron per day for four weeks, researchers found:
- an increase in both testosterone and vitamin d levels
- an increase in the female hormone estrogen
- reduction in HDL cholesterol levels
Impact of boron deficiency on Xenopus laevis: a summary of biological effects and potential biochemical roles
This study was conducted on South African clawed frogs to examine the effects of boron deficiency on testosterone levels. The study revealed that:
- boron deficiency led to a reduced sperm count, and testis weight
- boron plays a crucial biochemical role in male development
However, we cannot conclude that boron will have the same effect on humans. So, let us check out what some of the
Human Research
Comparative effects of daily and weekly boron supplementation on plasma steroid hormones and proinflammatory cytokines
The study examined the effects of acute boron intake on men. Eight males were administered 10 mg of boron supplements daily for a week. Regular blood tests were conducted over the study period, and it was revealed that:
- Boron supplements caused a significant increase in testosterone levels.
- It was also observed that boron supplements caused an increase in Dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone responsible for manly traits, and Vitamin D, which is required for producing testosterone
- There was a drop in the female hormone estradiol and sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG). These compounds restrict the effects of testosterone in the blood.
- It also caused an increase in cortisol levels, which is the stress hormone.
The Effect of Boron Supplementation on Lean Body Mass, Plasma Testosterone Levels, and Strength in Male Bodybuilders
The study was conducted to investigate the effect of boron supplementation in 19 male bodybuilders in the age group 20–27 years. Ten participants were given a 2.5 mg boron supplement, and nine were given a placebo every day for seven weeks. The study found that:
- Seven weeks of bodybuilding can increase lean body mass, strength, and total testosterone in lesser-trained bodybuilders
- Boron supplementation did not affect these measures
While human studies have shown mixed results, the effects of boron on testosterone, vitamin D, and magnesium levels cannot be completely overlooked. However, whether or not it is a potent testosterone booster can only be said after more research is conducted on the subject.
What is the best way to get boron?
Some natural sources of boron include apples, milk, coffee, potatoes, avocado, berries, grapes, cocoa, and red wine. These foods can give you enough boron to bring the levels within the optimal range. However, for noticeable results, experts recommend a 3-5 mg daily dose of boron supplement.
Boron Dosage
There is no recommended daily dosage for boron since a vital biological role for it has not been established. However, people take varying amounts depending on their diet. For example, boron-rich diets provide about 3.2mg of boron per 2000 kcal daily. On the other hand, those with lower levels of boron provide 0.25mg.
However, the highest tolerable level of boron one should consume should not surpass 20mg daily for adults and breastfeeding or pregnant women over 19 years of age. For kids between 9 and 14 years, the upper intake level is 11mg per day, while that of adolescents is 17mg per day.
Boron Side Effects
Boron is safe for children and adults when consumed in doses less than the UL or Upper Tolerable Limit. However, there is some concern that when one consumes more than 20mg of boron per day, which is the upper limit for adults, it may harm one’s ability to father a child. In addition, when taken by mouth in high doses, it is possibly unsafe for children and adults because large quantities can lead to poisoning.
Some of the common signs of boron poisoning include irritability, skin peeling and inflammation, convulsions, tremors, headaches, weakness, diarrhea, vomiting, depression, and other symptoms. Finally, the boric acid powder is possibly harmful when applied in huge amounts. It is a form of boron.
So Does Boron Increase Testosterone?
Yes, the body needs boron, which is a trace mineral, in small amounts to support several functions, including testosterone production. I usually find it in foods such as apples, pears, oranges, red grapes, hazelnuts, avocados, prunes, and almonds, among others. You could also try taking Boron supplements (make sure they are at least 5mg dosage to have any significant impact).
Conclusion
While human studies have shown mixed results, the effects of boron on testosterone, vitamin D, and magnesium levels cannot be completely overlooked.
However, whether or not it is a potent testosterone booster can only be said after more research is conducted on the subject. Testosterone boosters that contain Boron can only be helpful and certainly cannot hurt.
Recommendation
You should take Boron in dosages of around 5mg daily to be effective and safe. I personally take a supplement that combines Boron with other testosterone-enhancing vitamins and minerals all into one pill.