systematic_review
    2012

    Boron and bone health: a systematic review

    Hunt, C.D.

    Published in Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine

    Abstract

    Systematic review of boron effects on bone metabolism and osteoporosis prevention

    Methodology

    Systematic review of experimental animal studies and human depletion-repletion and observational studies examining boron intake and markers of bone and mineral metabolism.

    Key Findings

    This review of human and animal data found boron influences calcium, magnesium and vitamin D metabolism and steroid hormone levels, with depletion-repletion studies suggesting boron may reduce urinary calcium loss, but no clinical trials demonstrating reduced fracture risk or improved bone mineral density in humans.

    Conclusions

    Boron plausibly supports bone-related mineral and hormone metabolism, yet clinical evidence that supplementation improves bone health outcomes is absent.

    Limitations

    Narrative/systematic review dominated by small depletion-repletion studies and animal models, no adequately powered randomised trials, inconsistent dosing, and no fracture or bone density endpoints.

    Supplements Studied

    Calcium
    Mineral

    This review of human and animal data found boron influences calcium, magnesium and vitamin D metabolism and steroid hormone levels, with depletion-repletion studies suggesting boron may reduce urinary calcium loss, but no clinical trials demonstrating reduced fracture risk or improved bone mineral density in humans.

    Magnesium
    Mineral

    This review of human and animal data found boron influences calcium, magnesium and vitamin D metabolism and steroid hormone levels, with depletion-repletion studies suggesting boron may reduce urinary calcium loss, but no clinical trials demonstrating reduced fracture risk or improved bone mineral density in humans.

    Boron
    Mineral

    This review of human and animal data found boron influences calcium, magnesium and vitamin D metabolism and steroid hormone levels, with depletion-repletion studies suggesting boron may reduce urinary calcium loss, but no clinical trials demonstrating reduced fracture risk or improved bone mineral density in humans.

    Vitamin D
    Vitamin

    This review of human and animal data found boron influences calcium, magnesium and vitamin D metabolism and steroid hormone levels, with depletion-repletion studies suggesting boron may reduce urinary calcium loss, but no clinical trials demonstrating reduced fracture risk or improved bone mineral density in humans.

    Outcomes Measured

    This review of human and animal data found boron influences calcium, magnesium and vitamin D metabolism and steroid hormone levels, with depletion-repletion studies suggesting boron may reduce urinary calcium loss, but no clinical trials demonstrating reduced fracture risk or improved bone mineral density in humans.

    Study Details

    Year:2012
    Quality Score:4/10

    Access Study

    Disclosures

    Funding

    US Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service

    This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen.