Boron is needed in trace amounts for healthy bones and muscle growth because it assists in the production of natural steroid compounds within the body. It is also necessary for the metabolism of calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium.
Boron deficiency accentuates vitamin D deficiency. Boron helps to prevent postmenopausal osteoporosis and build muscle. New research indicates that taking supplemental Boron can shrink prostate tumor size, lower blood levels of prostate-specific antigen (PSA, a marker for prostate cancer), and may help prostate cancer. Boron alleviates joint discomfort by reducing levels of both COX-2 and LOX enzymes and helps to preserve cognitive function. Studies have shown that in areas of the world where the level of boron in the soil is low there are a greater number of people suffering from arthritis. A study conducted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture indicated that within eight days of supplementing their daily diet within 3 milligrams of boron, a test group of postmenopausal women lost 40% less calcium, one third less magnesium, and slightly less phosphorus through their urine than they had before beginning boron supplementation.
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