Skip to main content

Advertisement

SpringerLink
Log in

The Physiological Role of Boron on Health

  • Published:
Biological Trace Element Research Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Boron is an essential mineral that plays an important role in several biological processes. Boron is required for growth of plants, animals, and humans. There are increasing evidences of this nutrient showing a variety of pleiotropic effects, ranging from anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects to the modulation of different body systems. In the past few years, the trials showed disease-related polymorphisms of boron in different species, which has drawn attention of scientists to the significance of boron to health. Low boron profile has been related with poor immune function, increased risk of mortality, osteoporosis, and cognitive deterioration. High boron status revealed injury to cell and toxicity in different animals and humans. Some studies have shown some benefits of higher boron status, but findings have been generally mixed, which perhaps accentuates the fact that dietary intake will benefit only if supplemental amount is appropriate. The health benefits of boron are numerous in animals and humans; for instance, it affects the growth at safe intake. Central nervous system shows improvement and immune organs exhibit enhanced immunity with boron supplementation. Hepatic metabolism also shows positive changes in response to dietary boron intake. Furthermore, animals and human fed diets supplemented with boron reveal improved bone density and other benefits including embryonic development, wound healing, and cancer therapy. It has also been reported that boron affects the metabolism of several enzymes and minerals. In the background of these health benefits, low or high boron status is giving cause for concern. Additionally, researches are needed to further elucidate the mechanisms of boron effects, and determine the requirements in different species.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. Devirian TA, Volpe SL (2003) The physiological effects of dietary boron. Crit Rev Food Sci 43(2):219–231

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  2. Ricardo A, Carrigan MA, Olcott AN, Benner SA (2004) Borate minerals stabilize ribose. Science 303(5655):196

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  3. Kot FS (2009) Boron sources, speciation and its potential impact on health. Rev Environ Sci Biotechnol 8(1):3–28

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  4. Smith RA, McBroom RB (2000) Boron Oxides, Boric Acid, and Borates. Kirk-Othmer Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology

    Google Scholar 

  5. Mogoşanu GD, Biţă A, Bejenaru LE, Bejenaru C, Croitoru O, Rău G, Rogoveanu OC, Florescu DN, Neamţu J, Scorei ID, Scorei RI (2016) Calcium fructoborate for bone and cardiovascular health. Biol Trace Elem Res 172(2):277–281

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  6. Armstrong TA, Spears JW, Crenshaw TD, Nielsen FH (2000) Boron supplementation of a semipurified diet for weanling pigs improve feed efficiency and bone strength characteristics and alters plasma lipid metabolites. J Nutr 130(10):2575–2581

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  7. Kurtoğlu F, Kurtoğlu V, Celik I, Kececi T, Nizamlioğlu M (2005) Effects of dietary boron supplementation on some biochemical parameters, peripheral blood lymphocytes, splenic plasma cells and bone characteristics of broiler chicks given diets with adequate or inadequate cholecalciferol (vitamin D3) content. Br Poult Sci 46(1):87–96

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  8. Kabu M, Civelek T (2012) Effects of propylene glycol, methionine and sodium borate on metabolic profile in dairy cattle during periparturient period. Rev Med Vet 163(8):419–430

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  9. Haseeb K, Wang J, Xiao K, Yang KL, Sun PP, Wu XT, Song H, Liu HZ, Zhong JM, Peng KM (2017) Effects of boron supplementation on expression of Hsp70 in the spleen of African ostrich. Biol Trace Elem Res:1–11

  10. Nielsen FH, Shuler TR (1992) Studies of the interaction between boron and calcium, and its modification by magnesium and potassium, in rats. Biol Trace Elem Res 35(3):225–237

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  11. Volpe SL, Taper LJ, Meacham S (1993) The relationship between boron and magnesium status and bone mineral density in the human: a review. Magnes Res 6(3):291–296

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  12. Ghanizadeh G, Babaei M, Naghii MR, Mofid M, Torkaman G, Hedayati M (2014) The effect of supplementation of calcium, vitamin D, boron, and increased fluoride intake on bone mechanical properties and metabolic hormones in rat. Toxicol Ind Health 30(3):211–217

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  13. Panza L, Prosperi D (2012) Boron Chemistry. In: Neutron Capture Therapy. Springer Berlin Heidelberg, pp 77–98

    Google Scholar 

  14. Muetterties EL (1967) The chemistry of boron and its compounds. New York, John Wiley and Sons, pp 1-2:329

    Google Scholar 

  15. Windholz M, Budavari S, Blemetti RF, Otterbein ES (1983) The Merck index, 10th edn, Rahway, New Jersey, Merck and Co., Inc., pp 185-187. In: 1231-1239

    Google Scholar 

  16. Dembitsky VM, Smoum R, Al-Quntar AA, Ali HA, Pergament I, Srebnik M (2002) Natural occurrence of boron-containing compounds in plants, algae and microorganisms. Plant Sci 163(5):931–942

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  17. Kabu M, Akosman MS (2013) Biological effects of boron. Rev Environ Contam Toxicol 225:57–75

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  18. Edwards M (2005) Boron in the environment. Crit Rev Environ Sci Technol 35(2):81–114

    Google Scholar 

  19. Woods WG (1994) An introduction to boron: history, sources, uses, and chemistry. Environ Health Perspect 102(7):5–11

    CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  20. Bhasker TV, Gowda NKS, Pal DT, Bhat SK, Pattanaik AK (2015) Boron profile in common feedstuffs used in tropical livestock systems. Anim Feed Sci Technol 209:280–285

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  21. Hunt CD, Shuler TR, Mullen LM (1991) Concentration of boron and other elements in human foods and personal-care products. J Am Diet Assoc 91(5):558–568

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  22. Vanderpool RA, Johnson PE (1992) Boron isotope ratios in commercial produce and boron-10 foliar and hydroponic enriched plants. J Agricult Food Chem 40(3):462–466

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  23. Nielsen FH (1988) Boron-an overlooked element of potential nutritional importance. Nutr Today 23(1):4–7

    Google Scholar 

  24. Anderson DL, Kitto ME, McCarthy L, Zoller WH (1994) Sources and atmospheric distribution of particulate and gas-phase boron. Atmos Environ 28(8):1401–1410

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  25. Travis NJ, Cocks EJ (1984) The Tincal Trail. A history of borax. Harrap, London 311:115–124

    Google Scholar 

  26. Sprague RW (1992) Boron. Metals and Minerals Annual Review. Metals Minerals 2 pp 106

  27. Kistler RB, Helvaci C (1994) Boron and borates. Industrial minerals and rocks 6:171–186

    Google Scholar 

  28. Ball RW, Harrass MC, Culver BD (2012) Boron. Patty's. Toxicology 45

  29. Sirin Y (2003) Mining, Metallurgy, and Chemistry, Eti Mine Works General Managemenet. Annual Report, Ankara-Turkey

    Google Scholar 

  30. Řezanka T, Sigler K (2008) Biologically active compounds of semi-metals. Stud Nat Prod Chem 35:835-921

  31. Chen X, Schauder S, Potier N, Van Dorsselaer A, Pelezer I, Bassler BL, Hughson FM (2002) Structural identification of a bacterial quorum-sensing signal containing boron. Nature 415:545–549

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  32. Amin SA, Kupper FC, Green DH, Harris WR, Carrano CJ (2007) Boron binding by a siderophore isolated from marine bacteria associated with the toxic dinoflagellate gymnodinium catenatum. J Am Chem Soc 129(3):478–479

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  33. Bolanos L, Lukaszewski K, Bonilla I, Blevins D (2004) Why boron? Plant Physiol Biochem 42(11):907–912

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  34. Wolkenstein K, Gross JH, Falk H (2010) Boron-containing organic pigments from a Jurassic red alga. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 107(45):19374–19378

    CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  35. Miwa K, Fujiwara T (2010) Boron transport in plants: co-ordinated regulation of transporters. Ann Bot 105(7):1103–1108

    CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  36. Ahmed I, Yokota A, Fujiwara T (2007) A novel highly boron tolerant bacterium, Bacillus boroniphilus sp. nov., isolated from soil, that requires boron for its growth. Extremophiles 11(2):217–224

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  37. Bolaños L, Redondo-Nieto M, Bonilla I, Wall LG (2002) Boron requirement in the Discaria trinervis (Rhamnaceae) and Frankia symbiotic relationship. Its essentiality for Frankia BCU110501 growth and nitrogen fixation. Physiol Plant 115(4):563–570

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  38. Bolaños L, Redondo-Nieto M, Rivilla R, Brewin NJ, Bonilla I (2004) Cell surface interactions of Rhizobium bacteroids and other bacterial strains with symbiosomal and peribacteroid membrane components from pea nodules. Mol Plant-Microbe Interact 17(2):216–223

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  39. Bonilla I, Garcia-González M, Mateo P (1990) Boron requirement in cyanobacteria its possible role in the early evolution of photosynthetic organisms. Plant Physiol 94(4):1554–1560

    CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  40. Hunt CD (2003) Dietary boron: an overview of the evidence for its role in immune function. J Trace Elem Exp Med 16(4):291–306

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  41. Tanaka M, Fujiwara T (2008) Physiological roles and transport mechanisms of boron: perspectives from plants. Eur J Physiol 456(4):671–677

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  42. Goldbach HE, Wimmer MA (2007) Boron in plants and animals: Is there a role beyond cell-wall structure? J Plant Nutr Soil Sci 170(1):39–48

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  43. Kohorn BD, Kobayashi M, Johansen S, Friedman HP, Fischer A, Byers N (2006) Wall-associated kinase 1 (WAK1) is crosslinked in endomembranes, and transport to the cell surface requires correct cell-wall synthesis. J Cell Sci 119:2282–2290

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  44. Brown PH, Bellaloui N, Wimmer MA, Bassil ES, Ruiz J, Hu H, Pfeffer H, Dannel F, Römheld V (2002) Boron in plant biology. Plant Biol 4(2):205–223

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  45. MA O‘N, Ishii T, Albersheim P, Darvill AG (2004) Rhamnogalacturonan II: Structure and function of a borate cross-linked cell wall pectic polysaccharide. Ann Rev Plant Biol 55:109–139

    Google Scholar 

  46. Ryden P, Sugimoto-Shirasu K, Smith AC, Findlay K, Reiter WD, McCann MC (2003) Tensile properties of Arabidopsis cell walls depend on both a xyloglucan cross-linked microfibrillar network and rhamnogalacturonan II-borate complexes. Plant Physiol 132(2):1033–1040

    CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  47. Ishii T, Matsunaga T, Iwai H, Satoh S, Taoshita J (2002) Germanium does not substitute for boron in cross-linking of rhamnogalacturonan II in pumpkin cell walls. Plant Physiol 130(4):1967–1973

    CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  48. O‘Neill M, Eberhard S, Albersheim P, Darvill A (2001) Requirement of borate cross-linking of cell wall rhamnogalacturonan II for Arabidopsis growth. Science 294:846–849

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  49. Noguchi K, Ishii T, Matsunaga T, Kakegawa K, Hayashi H, Fujiwara T (2003) Biochemical properties of the cell wall in the Arabidopsis mutant bor1–1 in relation to boron nutrition. J Plant Nutr Soil Sci 166(2):175–178

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  50. Goldbach HE, Yu Q, Wingender R, Schulz M, Wimmer M, Findeklee P, Baluska F (2001) Rapid response reactions of roots to boron deprivation. J Plant Nutr Soil Sci 164(2):173–181

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  51. Barranco WT, Eckhert CD (2004) Boric acid inhibits human prostate cancer cell proliferation. Cancer Lett 216(1):21–29

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  52. Moustafa SR (2015) Clinical association between alterations of boron, cesium, rhenium and rubidium with the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Am J Clin Exp Med 3(5):247–254

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  53. Sogut I, Paltun SO, Tuncdemir M, Ersoz M, Hurdag C (2017) The antioxidant and anti-apoptotic effect of boric acid on hepatoxicity in chronic alcohol-fed rats. Can J Physiol Pharmacol. https://doi.org/10.1139/cjpp-2017-0487

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  54. Coates PM, Blackman M, Betz JM, Cragg GM, Levine MA, Moss J, White JD (2010) Boron: In Encyclopedia of Dietary Supplements. Informa Healthcare

    Google Scholar 

  55. Nielsen FH (2008) Is boron nutritionally relevant? Nutr Rev 66(4):183–191

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  56. Henderson K, Stella SL, Kobylewski S, Eckhert CD (2009) Receptor activated Ca(2+) release is inhibited by boric acid in prostate cancer cells. PLoS One 4(6):e6009

    PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  57. Sogut I, Oglakci A, Kartkaya K, Ol KK, Sogut MS, Kanbak G, Inal ME (2015) Effect of boric acid on oxidative stress in rats with fetal alcohol syndrome. Exp Ther Med 9(3):1023–1027

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  58. Ustundag A, Behm C, Follmann W, Duydu Y, Degen GH (2014) Protective effect of boric acid on lead and cadmium-induced genotoxicity in V79 cells. Arch Toxicol 88(6):1281–1289

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  59. Coban FK, Ince S, Kucukkurt I, Demirel HH, Hazman O (2015) Boron attenuates malathion-induced oxidative stress and acetylcholinesterase inhibition in rats. Drug Chem Toxicol 38(4):391–399

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  60. Ince S, Keles H, Erdogan M, Hazman O, Kucukkurt I (2012) Protective effect of boric acid against carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatotoxicity in mice. Drug Chem Toxicol 35(3):285–292

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  61. Ince S, Kucukkurt I, Cigerci IH, Fatih FA, Eryavuz A (2010) The effects of dietary boric acid and borax supplementation on lipid peroxidation, antioxidant activity, and DNA damage in rats. J Trace Elem Med Biol 24(3):161–164

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  62. Ince S, Kucukkurt I, Demirel HH, Acaroz DA, Akbel E, Cigerci IH (2014) Protective effects of boron on cyclophosphamide induced lipid peroxidation and genotoxicity in rats. Chemosphere 108:197–204

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  63. Goldbach HE, Huang L, Wimmer MA (2007) Boron functions in plants and animals: recent advances in boron research and open questions. In: Advances in Plant and Animal Boron Nutrition pp 3-25

  64. Wang W, Xiao K, Zheng X, Zhu D, Yang Z, Tang J, Sun P, Wang J, Peng K (2014) Effects of supplemental boron on growth performance and meat quality in African ostrich chicks. J Agricult Food Chem 62(46):11024–11029

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  65. Çinar M, Küçükyilmaz K, Bozkurt M, Çatli AU, Bintaş E, Akşit H, Konak R, Yamaner Ç, Seyrek K (2015) Effects of dietary boron and phytase supplementation on growth performance and mineral profile of broiler chickens fed on diets adequate or deficient in calcium and phosphorus. Br Poult Sci 56(5):576–589

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  66. Fort DJ (2002) Boron deficiency disables Xenopus laevis oocyte maturation events. Biol Trace Elem Res 85(2):157–169

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  67. Rossi A, Miles R, Damron B, Flunker L (1993) Effects of dietary boron supplementation on broilers. Poult Sci 72(11):2124–2130

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  68. Fassani EJ, Bertechini AG, Brito JAG, Kato RK, Fialho ET, Geraldo A (2004) Boron supplementation in broiler diets. Braz J Poult Sci 6(4):213–217

    Google Scholar 

  69. Armstrong TA, Spears JW, Lloyd KE (2001) Inflammatory response, growth, and thyroid hormone concentrations are affected by long-term boron supplementation in gilts. J Ani Sci 79(6):1549–1556

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  70. Goihl J (2002) More research needed on boron supplementation of swine diets. Feedstuffs 74(4):10–27

    Google Scholar 

  71. Page JK, Wulf DM, Schwotzer TR (2001) A survey of beef muscle color and pH. J Anim Sci 79(3):678–687

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  72. Gońi MV, Beriain MJ, Indurain G, Insausti K (2007) Predicting longissimus dorsi texture characteristics in beef based on early post-mortem colour measurements. Meat Sci 76(1):38–45

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  73. Zhang ZY, Jia GQ, Zuo JJ, Zhang Y, Lei J, Ren L, Feng DY (2012) Effects of constant and cyclic heat stress on muscle metabolism and meat quality of broiler breast fillet and thigh meat. Poult Sci 91(11):2931–2937

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  74. Feng J, Zhang M, Zheng S, Xie P, Ma A (2008) Effects of high temperature on multiple parameters of broilers in vitro and in vivo. Poult Sci 87(10):2133–2139

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  75. Silva JA, Patarata L, Martins C (1999) Influence of ultimate pH on bovine meat tenderness during ageing. Meat Sci 52(4):453–459

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  76. Qiao M, Fletcher DL, Smith DP, Northcutt JK (2001) The effect of broiler breast meat color on pH, moisture, water-holding capacity, and emulsification capacity. Poult Sci 80(5):676–680

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  77. Geyikoğglu F, Türkez H (2007) Acute toxicity of boric acid on energy metabolism of the breast muscle in broiler chickens. Biologia 62(1):112–117

    Google Scholar 

  78. Hunt CD (1998) Regulation of enzymatic activity. One possible role of dietary boron in higher animals and humans. Biol Trace Elem Res 66(1):205–225

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  79. Shirley RB, Parsons CM (2001) Effect of ash content on protein quality of meat and bone meal. Poult Sci 80(5):626–632

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  80. Olgun O, Yildiz AÖ (2014) The effects of supplementation boron, zinc and their cadmium combinations on performance, eggshell quality, reproductive and biomechanical properties of bone in quail breeders. Indian J Anim Res 48(6):564–570

    Google Scholar 

  81. Shang C, Gu Y, Chen H, Yang J, Bu X, Zha L, Wu Q, Wang Y (2003) Influence of boron on the content of copper, zinc, iron and manganese in chicken meat. Stud Trace Elem Health 21(6):1–3

    Google Scholar 

  82. Eren M, Güçlü BK, Uyanık F, Karabulut F (2006) The effects of dietary boron supplementation on performance, carcass composition and serum lipids in Japanese quails. J Anim Vet Adv 5(12):1105–1108

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  83. Hedstrom L (2002) Serine protease mechanism and specificity. Chem Rev 102(12):4501–4524

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  84. Hall IH, Spielvogel BF, Griffin TS, Docks EL, Brotherton RJ (1989) The effects of boron hypolipidemic agents on LDL and HDL receptor binding and related enzyme activities of rat hepatocytes, aorta cells and human fibroblasts. Res Commun Chem Pathol Pharmacol 65(3):297–317

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  85. Basoglu A, Baspinarz N, Ozturk AS, Akalirr PP (2010) Effects of boron administration on hepatic steatosis, hematological and biochemical profiles in obese rabbits. Trace Elem Electrolytes 27(4):225–231

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  86. Uysal T, Ustdal A, Sonmez MF, Ozturk F (2009) Stimulation of bone formation by dietary boron in an orthopedically expanded suture in rabbits. Angle Orthod 79(5):984–990

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  87. Gümüşderelioğlu M, Tunçay EÖ, Kaynak G, Demirtaş TT, Aydın ST, Hakki SS (2015) Encapsulated boron as an osteoinductive agent for bone scaffolds. J Trace Elem Med Biol 31:120–128

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  88. Hakki SS, Bozkurt BS, Hakki EE (2010) Boron regulates mineralized tissue-associated proteins in osteoblasts (MC3T3-E1). J Trace Elem Med Biol 24(4):243–250

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  89. Miljkovic D, Scorei RI, Cimpoiaşu VM, Scorei ID (2009) Calcium fructoborate: plant-based dietary boron for human nutrition. J Diet Suppl 6(3):211–226

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  90. Naghii MR, Torkaman G, Mofid M (2006) Effects of boron and calcium supplementation on mechanical properties of bone in rats. Biofactors 28(3-4):195–201

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  91. Capati ML, Nakazono A, Igawa K, Ookubo K, Yamamoto Y, Yanagiguchi K, Kubo S, Yamada S, Hayashi Y (2016) Boron accelerates cultured osteoblastic cell activity through calcium flux. Biol Trace Elem Res 174(2):300–308

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  92. Scorei ID, Scorei RI (2013) Calcium fructoborate helps control inflammation associated with diminished bone health. Biol Trace Elem Res 155(3):315–321

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  93. Chapin RE, Ku WW, Kenney MA, McCoy H (1998) The effects of dietary boric acid on bone strength in rats. Biol Trace Elem Res 66(1-3):395–399

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  94. Nielsen FH, Stoecker BJ (2009) Boron and fish oil have different beneficial effects on strength and trabecular microarchitecture of bone. J Trace Elem Med Biol 23(3):195–203

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  95. Gorustovich AA, Steimetz T, Nielsen FH, Guglielmotti MB (2008) A histomorphometric study of alveolar bone modelling and remodeling in mice fed a boron-deficient diet. Arch Oral Biol 53(7):677–682

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  96. Cheng J, Peng KM, Jin E, Zhang Y, Liu Y, Zhang N, Song H, Liu H, Tang Z (2011) Effect of additional boron on tibias of African ostrich chicks. Biol Trace Elem Res 144(1-3):538–549

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  97. Güzel Y, Golge UH, Goksel F, Vural A, Akcay M, Elmas S, Turkon H, Unver A (2016) The efficacy of boric acid used to treat experimental Osteomyelitis caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus: an in vivo study. Biol Trace Elem Res 173(2):384–389

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  98. Akcakus M, Kurtoglu S, Koklu E, Kula M, Koklu S (2007) The relationship between birth weight leptin and bone mineral status in newborn infants. Neonatology 91(2):101–106

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  99. Steppan CM, Crawford DT, Chidsey-Frink KL, Ke H, Swick AG (2000) Leptin is a potent stimulator of bone growth in ob/ob mice. Regul Pept 92(1):73–78

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  100. Wu C, Miron R, Sculean A, Kaskel S, Doert T, Schulze R, Zhang Y (2011) Proliferation, differentiation and gene expression of osteoblasts in boron-containing associated with dexamethasone deliver from mesoporous bioactive glass scaffolds. Biomaterials 32(29):7068–7078

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  101. Balasubramanian P, Hupa L, Jokic B, Detsch R, Grünewald A, Boccaccini AR (2017) Angiogenic potential of boron-containing bioactive glasses: in vitro study. J Mater Sci 52(15):8785–8792

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  102. Scorei RI, Rotaru P (2011) Calcium fructoborate potential anti-inflammatory agent. Biol Trace Elem Res 143(3):1223–1238

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  103. Juza RM, Pauli EM (2014) Clinical and surgical anatomy of the liver: a review for clinicians. Clin Anat 27(5):764–769

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  104. Rishi G, Subramaniam VN (2017) The liver in regulation of iron homeostasis. Am J Physiol-Gastrointest Liver Physiol. https://doi.org/10.1152/ajpgi.00004.2017

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  105. Basoglu A, Sevinc M, Birdane FM, Boydak M (2002) Efficacy of sodium borate in the prevention of fatty liver in dairy cows. J Vet Intern Med 16(6):732–735

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  106. Pawa S, Ali S (2006) Boron ameliorates fulminant hepatic failure by counteracting the changes associated with the oxidative stress. Chem Biol Interact 160(2):89–98

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  107. Basoglu A, Baspinar N, Ozturk AS, Akalin PP (2011) Effects of long-term boron administration on high energy diet-induced obesity in rabbits: NMR-based metabonomic evaluation. J Anim and Veterinary Adv 10(12):1512–1515

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  108. Basoglu A, Sevinc M, Guzelbektas H, Civelek T (2000) Effect of borax on serum lipid profile in dogs. Online J. Vet Res 4:153–156

    Google Scholar 

  109. Ross MG, Desai M (2013) Developmental programming of offspring obesity, adipogenesis, and appetite. Clin Obstet Gynecol 56(3):529–536

    PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  110. Nielsen FH (1996) Evidence for the nutritional essentiality of boron. J Trace Elem Exp Med 9(4):215–229

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  111. Nielsen FH (1994) Biochemical and physiological consequences of boron deprivation in humans. Env Health Perspect 102(7):59–63

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  112. Hunt CD (1989) Dietary boron modified the effects of magnesium and molybdenum on mineral metabolism in the cholecalciferol deficient chick. Biol Trace Elem Res 22(2):201–220

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  113. Dupre JN, Keenan MJ, Hegsted M, Brudevold AM (1994) Effects of dietary boron in rats fed a vitamin D deficient diet. Env Health Perspect 102(7):55–58

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  114. Eckhert CD (1998) Boron stimulates embryonic trout growth. J Nutr 128(12):2488–2493

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  115. Rowe RI, Eckhert CD (1999) Boron is required for zebrafish embryogenesis. J Exp Biol 202(12):1649–1654

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  116. Lanoue L, Taubeneck MW, Muniz J, Hanna LA, Strong PL, Murray FJ, Nielsen FH, Hunt CD, Keen CL (1998) Assessing the effects of low boron diets on embryonic and fetal development in rodents using in vitro and in vivo model systems. Biol Trace Elem Res 66(1-3):271–298

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  117. Fort DJ, Propst TL, Stover EL, Strong PL, Murray FJ (1998) Adverse reproductive and developmental effects in Xenopus from insufficient boron. Biol Trace Elem Res 66(1):237–259

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  118. Apdik H, Doğan A, Demirci S, Aydın S, Şahin F (2015) Dose-dependent effect of boric acid on myogenic differentiation of human adipose-derived stem cells (hADSCs). Biol Trace Elem Res 165(2):123–130

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  119. Hegsted M, Keenan MJ, Siver F, Wozniak P (1991) Effect of boron on vitamin D deficient rats. Biol Trace Elem Res 28(3):243–255

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  120. Penland JG (1998) The importance of boron nutrition for brain and psychological function. Biol Trace Elem Res 66(1):299–317

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  121. Soriano-Ursúa MA, Farfán-García ED, López-Cabrera Y, Querejeta E, Trujillo-Ferrara JG (2014) Boron-containing acids: preliminary evaluation of acute toxicity and access to the brain determined by Raman scattering spectroscopy. Neurotoxicology 40:8–15

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  122. Penland JG (1995) Quantitative analysis of EEG effects following experimental marginal magnesium and boron deprivation. Magnes Res 8:341–358

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  123. Nielsen FH, Penland JG (2006) Boron deprivation alters rat behaviour and brain mineral composition differently when fish oil instead of safflower oil is the diet fat source. Nutr Neurosci 9(1-2):105–112

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  124. Tang J, Zheng XT, Xiao K, Wang KL, Wang J, Wang YX, Wang K, Wang W, Lu S, Yang KL, Sun PP, Khaliq H, Zhong J, Peng KM (2016) Effect of boric acid supplementation on the expression of BDNF in African ostrich chick brain. Biol Trace Elem Res 170(1):208–215

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  125. Nielsen FH (2000) The emergence of boron as nutritionally important throughout the life cycle. Nutrition 16(7-8):512–514

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  126. Nielsen FH, Hunt CD, Mullen LM, Hunt JR (1987) Effect of dietary boron on mineral, estrogen, and testosterone metabolism in postmenopausal women. FASEB J 1(5):394–397

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  127. Naghii MR, Samman S (1997) The effect of boron on plasma testosterone and plasma lipids in rats. Nutr Research 17(3):523–531

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  128. Green NR, Ferrando AA (1994) Plasma boron and the effects of boron supplementation in males. Env Health Perspect 102(7):73–77

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  129. Sheng MH, Taper LJ, Veit H, Thomas EA, Ritchey SJ, Lau KW (2001) Dietary boron supplementation enhances the effects of estrogen on bone mineral balance in ovariectomized rats. Biol Trace Elem Res 81(1):29–45

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  130. Samman S, Naghii MR, Wall PL, Verus AP (1998) The nutritional and metabolic effects of boron in humans and animals. Biol Trace Elem Res 66(1-3):227–235

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  131. Nielsen FH (2014) Update on human health effects of boron. J Trace Elem Med Biol 28(4):383–387

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  132. Miljkovic D, Miljkovic N, McCarty MF (2004) Up-regulatory impact of boron on vitamin D function–Does it reflect inhibition of 24-hydroxylase? Med Hypotheses 63(6):1054–1056

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  133. Sheng MHC, Taper LJ, Veit H, Thomas EA, Ritchey SJ, Lau KHW (2001) Dietary boron supplementation enhanced the action of estrogen, but not that of parathyroidhormone, to improve trabecular bone quality in ovariectomized rats. Biol Trace Elem Res 82:109–123

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  134. Bakken NA, Hunt CD (2003) Dietary boron decreases peak pancreatic in situ insulin release in chicks and plasma insulin concentrations in rats regardless of vitamin D or magnesium status. J Nutr 133(11):3577–3583

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  135. Blech MF, Martin C, Pichon M, Borrelly J, Hartemann P (1990) Clinical and bacteriologic course of wounds as a function of various protocols of local antisepsis. Rev Chir Orthop Reparatrice Appar Mot 76(1):55–61

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  136. Benderdour M, Van Bui T, Hess K, Dicko A, Belleville F, Dousset B (2000) Effects of boron derivatives on extracellular matrix formation. J Trace Elem Med Biol 14(3):168–173

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  137. Nzietchueng RM, Dousset B, Franck P, Benderdour M, Nabet P, Hess K (2002) Mechanisms implicated in the effects of boron on wound healing. J Trace Elem Med Biol 16(4):239–244

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  138. Benderdour M, Hess K, Dzondo-Gadet M, Nabet P, Belleville F, Dousset B. Boron modulates extracellular matrix and TNFα synthesis in human fibroblasts. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 246(3):746-751

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  139. Chebassier N, El Houssein O, Viegas I, Dreno B (2004) In vitro induction of matrix metalloproteinase-2 and matrix metalloproteinase-9 expression in keratinocytes by boron and manganese. Exp Dermatol 13(8):484–490

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  140. Chebassier N, Ouijja El H, Viegas I, Dreno B (2004) Stimulatory effect of boron and manganese salts on keratinocyte migration. Acta Derm Venereol 84(3):191–194

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  141. Tepedelen BE, Soya E, Korkmaz M (2016) Boric acid reduces the formation of DNA double strand breaks and accelerates wound healing process. Biol Trace Elem Res 174(2):309–318

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  142. Demirci S, Doğan A, Karakuş E, Halıcı Z, Topçu A, Demirci E, Sahin F (2015) Boron and poloxamer (F68 and F127) containing hydrogel formulation for burn wound healing. Biol Trace Elem Res 168(1):169–180

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  143. Gölge UH, Kaymaz B, Arpaci R, Kömürcü E, Göksel F, Güven M, Güzel Y, Cevizci S (2015) Effects of boric acid on fracture healing: an experimental study. Biol Trace Elem Res 167(2):264–271

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  144. El-Demerdash FM, Nasr HM (2014) Antioxidant effect of selenium on lipid peroxidation, hyperlipidemia and biochemical parameters in rats exposed to diazinon. J Trace Elem Med Biol 28(1):89–93

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  145. El-Demerdash FM (2011) Lipid peroxidation, oxidative stress and acetylcholinesterase in rat brain exposed to organophosphate and pyrethroid insecticides. Food Chem Toxicol 49(6):1346–1352

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  146. Balabanli B, Balaban T (2015) Investigation into the effects of boron on liver tissue protein carbonyl, MDA, and glutathione levels in endotoxemia. Biol Trace Elem Res 167(2):259–263

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  147. Hu Q, Li S, Qiao E, Tang Z, Jin E, Jin G, Gu Y (2014) Effects of boron on structure and antioxidative activities of spleen in rats. Biol Trace Elem Res 158(1):73–80

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  148. Cao J, Jiang L, Zhang X, Yao X, Geng C, Xue X, Zhong L (2008) Boric acid inhibits LPS induced TNF-alpha formation through a thiol-dependent mechanism in THP-1 cells. J Trace Elem Med Biol 22(3):189–195

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  149. Yazici S, Aksit H, Korkut O, Sunay B, Celik T (2014) Effects of boric acid and 2- aminoethoxydiphenyl borate on necrotizing enterocolitis. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr 58(1):61–67

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  150. Zafar H, Ali S (2013) Boron inhibits the proliferating cell nuclear antigen index, molybdenum containing proteins and ameliorates oxidative stress in hepatocellular carcinoma. Arch Biochem Biophys 529(2):66–74

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  151. Turkez H, Geyikoglu F, Tatar A, Keles MS, Kaplan I (2012) The effects of some boron compounds against heavy metal toxicity in human blood. Exp Toxicol Pathol 64(1-2):93–101

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  152. Xiao K, Ansari AR, Rehman ZU, Khaliq H, Song H, Tang J, Peng KM (2015) Effect of boric acid supplementation of ostrich water on the expression of Foxn1 in thymus. Histol Histopathol 30(11):1367–1378

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  153. Li SH, Zhu HG, Wang J, Jin GM, Gu YF, Liu DY (2009) Effect of environmental estrogen boron on microstructure of thymus in rats. J Anhui Sci Technol Uni 6:002

    Google Scholar 

  154. Jin E, Gu Y, Wang J, Jin G, Li S (2014) Effect of supplementation of drinking water with different levels of boron on performance and immune organ parameters of broilers. Ital J Anim Sci 13(2):3152

    Google Scholar 

  155. Jin E, Li S, Ren M, Hu Q, Gu Y, Li K (2017) Boron affects immune function through modulation of splenic T lymphocyte subsets, cytokine secretion, and lymphocyte proliferation and apoptosis in rats. Biol Trace Elem Res 178(2):261–275

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  156. Hunt CD, Idso JP (1999) Dietary boron as a physiological regulator of the normal inflammatory response: a review and current research progress. J Trace Elem Exp Med 12(3):221–234

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  157. Bai Y, Hunt CD, Newman SM (1997) Dietary boron increases serum antibody (IgG and IgM) concentrations in rats immunized with human typhoid vaccine. Proc North Dakota. Acad Sci 51:181

    Google Scholar 

  158. Bourgeois AC, Scott ME, Sabally K, Koski KG (2007) Low dietary boron reduces parasite (Nematoda) survival and alters cytokine profiles but the infection modifies liver minerals in mice. J Nutr 137(9):2080–2086

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  159. Armstrong TA, Spears JW (2003) Effect of boron supplementation of pig diets on the production of tumor necrosis factor-α and interferon-γ. J Anim Sci 81(10):2552–2561

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  160. Kelley DS, Taylor PC, Nelson GJ, Mackey BE (1998) Dietary docosahexaenoic acid and immunocompetence in young healthy men. Lipids 33:559–566

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  161. Kelley DS, Taylor PC, Nelson GJ, Schmidt PC, Mackey BE, Kyle D (1997) Effects of dietary arachidonic acid on human immune response. Lipids 32:449–456

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  162. Nielsen FH, Poellot R, Anke M, Kisters KG (2004) Boron status affects differences in blood immune cell populations in rats fed diets containing fish oil or safflower oil. In: Macro and Trace Elements (Mengen-und Spurenelemente) Workshop 22 pp 959-964

  163. Nielsen FH (2002) Does boron have an essential function similar to an omega-3 fatty acid function. Macro and Trace Element–Mengen-und Spurenelemente. Leipzig, Germany: SCHUBERT-Verlag, 1238-1250

  164. Travers RL, Rennie GC, Newnham RE (1990) Boron and arthritis: the results of a double-blind pilot study. J Nutr Med 1(2):127–132

    Google Scholar 

  165. Barranco WT, Kim DH, Stella Jr SL, Eckhert CD (2009) Boric acid inhibits stored Ca2+ release in DU-145 prostate cancer cells. Cell Biol Toxicol 25(4):309–320

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  166. Barranco WT, Eckhert CD (2006) Cellular changes in boric acid-treated DU-145 prostate cancer cells. Br J Cancer 94(6):884–890

    CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  167. Belenky P, Bogan KL, Brenner C (2007) NAD+ metabolism in health and disease. Trends Biochem Sci 32(1):12–19

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  168. Pollak N, Dölle C, Ziegler M (2007) The power to reduce: pyridine nucleotides–small molecules with a multitude of functions. Biochem J 402(2):205–218

    CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  169. Henderson K, Stella Jr SL, Kobylewski S, Eckhert CD (2009) Receptor activated Ca2+ release is inhibited by boric acid in prostate cancer cells. PloS one 4(6):e6009

    PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  170. Henderson KA, Kobylewski SE, Yamada KE, Eckhert CD (2015) Boric acid induces cytoplasmic stress granule formation, eIF2α phosphorylation, and ATF4 in prostate DU-145 cells. Biometals 28(1):133–141

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  171. Barranco WT, Hudak PF, Eckhert CD (2007) Evaluation of ecological and in vitro effects of boron on prostate cancer risk (United States). Cancer Causes Control 18(1):71–77

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  172. Kobylewski SE, Henderson KA, Yamada KE, Eckhert CD (2017) Activation of the EIF2α/ATF4 and ATF6 pathways in DU-145 cells by boric acid at the concentration reported in men at the US mean boron intake. Biol Trace Elem Res 176(2):278–293

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  173. Gallardo-Williams MT, Chapin RE, King PE, Moser GJ, Goldsworthy TL, Morrison JP, Maronpot RR (2004) Boron supplementation inhibits the growth and local expression of IGF-1 in human prostate adenocarcinoma (LNCaP) tumors in nude mice. Toxicol Pathol 32(1):73–78

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  174. Saikali Z, Setya H, Singh G, Persad S (2008) Role of IGF-1/IGF-1R in regulation of invasion in DU145 prostate cancer cells. Cancer cell Int 8(1):10

    PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  175. Kawada M, Inoue H, Arakawa M, Ikeda D (2008) Transforming growth factor-β1 modulates tumor-stromal cell interactions of prostate cancer through insulin-like growth factor-I. Anticancer Res 28(2A):721–730

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  176. McAuley EM, Bradke TA, Plopper GE (2011) Phenylboronic acid is a more potent inhibitor than boric acid of key signaling networks involved in cancer cell migration. Cell Adhes Migr 5(5):382–386

    Google Scholar 

  177. Mahabir S, Spitz MR, Barrera SL, Dong YQ, Eastham C, Forman MR (2008) Dietary boron and hormone replacement therapy as risk factors for lung cancer in women. Am J Epidemiol 167(9):1070–1080

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  178. Hosmane NS, Maguire JA, Zhu Y, Takagaki M (2012) Boron and gadolinium neutron capture therapy for cancer treatment. World Scientific Publishing Co. Ltd., Singapore pp 55-82

  179. Luderer MJ, de la Puente P, Azab AK (2015) Advancements in tumor targeting strategies for boron neutron capture therapy. Pharma Res 32(9):2824–2836

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  180. Wittig A, Collette L, Moss R, Sauerwein WA (2009) Early clinical trial concept for boron neutron capture therapy: a critical assessment of the EORTC trial 11001. Appl Radiation Isot 67(7):59–62

    Google Scholar 

  181. Barth RF, Vicente MH, Harling OK, Kiger WS, Riley KJ, Binns PJ, Wagner FM, Suzuki M, Aihara T, Kato I, Kawabata S (2012) Current status of boron neutron capture therapy of high grade gliomas and recurrent head and neck cancer. Radiat Oncol 7(1):146

    PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  182. Commission Regulation (EU) (2011) No. 1129/2011 amending Annex II to Regulation (EC) No. 1333/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council by establishing a Union list of food additives. Official Journal of the European Union, 12.11.2011, L 295/1

  183. Hunt CD (2010) Boron. In: Encyclopedia of dietary supplements. 2nd Ed. New York, London: Informa Healthcare pp 82-90

    Google Scholar 

  184. Rotaru P, Scorei R, Harabor A, Dumitru MD (2010) Thermal analysis of a calcium fructoborate sample. Thermochim Acta 506(1):8–13

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  185. Dembitsky VM, Al-Quntar AA, Srebnik M (2011) Natural and synthetic small boron-containing molecules as potential inhibitors of bacterial and fungal quorum sensing. Chem Rev 111(1):209-237

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  186. Scorei R (2013) Regulation of therapeutic potential of boron containing compounds. In: Kretsinger H, Uversky VN, Permyakov EA (eds) Encyclopedia of Metalloproteins, Ist edn. Springer, Berlin, p 100

  187. Scorei R, Mitrut P, Petrisor I, Scorei ID (2011) A double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study to evaluate the effect of calcium fructoborate on systemic inflammation and dyslipidemia markers for middle-aged people with primary osteoarthritis. Biol Trace Elem Res 144(1-3):253–263

    CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  188. Reyes-Izquierdo T, Nemzer B, Gonzalez AE, Zhou Q, Argumedo R, Shu C, Pietrzkowski ZB (2012) Short-term intake of calcium fructoborate improves WOMAC and McGill scores and beneficially modulates biomarkers associated with knee osteoarthritis: a pilot clinical double-blinded placebo controlled study. J Biomed Sci 4(2):111–122

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  189. Militaru C, Donoiu I, Craciun A, Scorei ID, Bulearca AM, Scorei RI (2013) Oral resveratrol and calcium fructoborate supplementation in subjects with stable angina pectoris: effects on lipid profiles, inflammation markers, and quality of life. Nutrition 29(1):178–183

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  190. Scorei R, Popa R (2010) Boron-containing compounds as preventive and chemotherapeutic agents for cancer. Anti-Cancer Agents Med Chem 10(4):346–351

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  191. Scorei RI, Popa R (2013) Sugar-borate esters-potential chemical agents in prostate cancer chemoprevention. Anti-Cancer Agents Med Chem 13(6):901–909

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  192. Moore JA (1997) An assessment of boric acid and borax using the IEHR Evaluative process for assessing human developmental and reproductive toxicity of agents. Reprod Toxicol 11(1):123–160

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  193. Bundesinstitut für Risikobewertung (BfR) Health assessment No. 005/2006 (2006) Addition of boric acid or borax to food supplements

  194. Schubert DM (2003) Borates in Industrial Use. In: Roesky HW, Atwood DA (eds) Group 13 Chemistry III. Structure and Bonding, vol 105. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg pp 1-40

  195. Riederer A, Caravanos J (2013) Borax–Summary of Health Human Risks Associated with Borax in Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining. Global Alliance on Health and Pollution

    Google Scholar 

  196. Sayin Z, Ucan US, Sakmanoglu A (2016) Antibacterial and antibiofilm effects of boron on different bacteria. Biol Trace Elem Res 173(1):241–246

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  197. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2015) Vaccine excipient and media summary. CDC. gov February

  198. Parpia R (2018) The Puzzling Presence of Borax in Our Vaccines. The Vaccine Reaction

    Google Scholar 

  199. SCCS (Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety) (2010) Opinion on boron compounds. http://ec.europa.eu/health/scientific_committees/consumer_safety/docs/sccs_o_027.pdf

  200. Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (2007) Australian web site advertisements for authorized products cited in the Registry; personal communication from TGA to the NHPD

  201. EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) (2004) Opinion of the scientific panel on dietetic products, nutrition and allergies on a request from the Commission related to the Tolerable Upper Intake Level of Boron (Sodium Borate and Boric Acid). EFSA J 80:1-22

  202. World Health Organization (1998) International Programme on Chemical Safety. Environmental Health Criteria. Boron. Geneva, Switzerland, p 204

    Google Scholar 

  203. Trumbo P, Yates AA, Schlicker S, Poos M (2001) Dietary reference intakes: vitamin A, vitamin K, arsenic, boron, chromium, copper, iodine, iron, manganese, molybdenum, nickel, silicon, vanadium, and zinc. J Am Diet Assoc 101(3):294–301

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  204. Olgun O, Yazgan, O, Cufadar Y (2013) Effect of supplementation of different boron and copper levels to layer diets on performance, egg yolk and plasma cholesterol. J Trace Elem Med Biol 27(2):132-136

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  205. Eren M, Uyanik F, Küçükersan S (2004) The influence of dietary boron supplementation on egg quality and serum calcium, inorganic phosphorus, magnesium levels and alkaline phosphatase activity in laying hens. Res Vet Sci 76(3):203–210

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  206. Eren M, Uyanik F (2007) Influence of dietary boron supplementation on some serum metabolites and eggyolk cholesterol in laying hens. Acta Vet Hung 55(1):29–39

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  207. Kucukkurt I, Akbel E, Karabag F, Ince S (2015) The effects of dietary boron compounds in supplemented diet on hormonal activity and some biochemical parameters in rats. Toxicol Ind Health 31(3):255–260

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  208. Pizzorno L (2015) Nothing boring about boron. Integr Med (Encinitas) 14(4):35–48

    Google Scholar 

  209. Hunt CD, Nielsen FH (1988) Dietary boron affects bone calcification in magnesium and cholecalciferol deficient chicks. Trace Elements in Man and Animals, Springer US 6:275–276

    Google Scholar 

  210. Bhasker TV, Gowda NKS, Pal DT, Bhat SK, Krishnamoorthy P, Mondal S, Verma AK (2017) Influence of boron supplementation on performance, immunity and antioxidant status of lambs fed diets with or without adequate level of calcium. PloS one 12(11):e0187203

    PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  211. Hunt CD (1994) The biochemical effects of physiologic amounts of dietary boron in animal nutrition models. Environ Health Perspect 102(7):35–43

    CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  212. Skinner JT, McHargue JS (1945) Response of rats to boron supplements when fed rations low in potassium. Am J Physiol--Legacy Content 143(3):385–390

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  213. Bharti VK, Gupta M, Lall D (2008) Ameliorative effects of boron on serum profile in buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) fed high fluoride ration. Trop Anim Health Prod 40(2):111–116

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  214. Yildirim S, Celikezen FC, Oto G, Sengul E, Bulduk M, Tasdemir M, Cinar DA (2017) An investigation of protective effects of lithium borate on blood and histopathological parameters in acute cadmium-induced rats. Biol Trace Elem Res:1–8

  215. Blevins DG, Lukaszewski KM (1998) Boron in plant structure and function. Annu Rev Plant Biol 49(1):481–500

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  216. Kabu M, Uyarlar C, Żarczyńska K, Milewska W, Sobiech P (2015) The role of boron in animal health. J Elem 20(2):535–541

    Google Scholar 

  217. Kabu M, Birdane FM, Civelek T, Uyarlar C (2013) Effects of boron administration on serum Ca, Mg and P for peripartum cows. Arch Tierz 56(73):733–741

    Google Scholar 

  218. Eren M, Uyanik F, Guclu BK, Atasever A (2012) The influence of dietary boron supplementation on performance, some biochemical parameters and organs in broilers. Asian J Anim Vet Adv 7(11):1079–1089

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  219. Cakir S, Eren M, Senturk M, Sarica ZS (2017) The effect of boron on some biochemical parameters in experimental diabetic rats. Biol Trace Elem Res:1–8

  220. Basoglu A, Baspinar N, Tenori L, Vignoli A, Gulersoy E (2017) Effects of boron supplementation on peripartum dairy cows’ health. Biol Trace Elem Res 179(2):218–225

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  221. Kabu M, Uyarlar C (2015) The effects of borax on milk yield and selected metabolic parameters in Austrian Simmental (Fleckvieh) cows. Vet Med 60(4):175–180

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  222. Keklik E, Keklik M, Bakkaloğlu U, Yürük M, Çoksevim B (2016) The effect of borax on hematological parameters and immunoglobulin values in rats. West Indian Med J 1:1–1

    Google Scholar 

  223. Tibbitts J, Sambol NC, Fike JR, Bauer WF, Kahl SB (2000) Plasma pharmacokinetics and tissue biodistribution of boron following administration of a boronated porphyrin in dogs. J Pharm Sci 89(4):469–477

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  224. Sutherland B, Strong P, King JC (1998) Determining human dietary requirements for boron. Biol Trace Elem Res 66(1):193–204

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  225. Murray FJ (1998) A comparative review of the pharmacokinetics of boric acid in rodents and humans. Biol Trace Elem Res 66(1):331–341

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  226. Moseman RF (1994) Chemical disposition of boron in animals and humans. Environ Health Perspect 102:113–117

    CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  227. Massie HR, Whitney SJ, Aiello VR, Sternick SM (1990) Changes in boron concentration during development and ageing of Drosophila and effect of dietary boron on life span. Mech Ageing Dev 53(1):1–7

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  228. Naghii MR, Samman S (1997) The effect of boron supplementation on its urinary excretion and selected cardiovascular risk factors in healthy male subjects. Biol Trace Elem Res 56(3):273–286

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  229. Ralston NV, Hunt CD (2001) Diadenosine phosphates and sadenosylmethionine: novel boron binding biomolecules detected by capillary electrophoresis. Biochim Biophys Acta 1527(1):20–30

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  230. Loenen WAM (2006) S-adenosylmethionine: jack of all trades and master of every-thing? Biochem Soc Trans 34(2):330–333

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  231. Nielsen FH (2009) Boron deprivation decreases liver S-adenosylmethionine and spermidine and increases plasma homocysteine and cystine in rats. J Trace Elem Med Biol 23(3):204–213

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  232. Wimmer MA, Lochnit G, Bassil E, Muhling KH, Goldbach HE (2009) Membrane-associated, boron-interacting proteins isolated by boronate affinity chromatography. Plant Cell Physiol 50:1292–1304

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  233. Word Health Organization (WHO) (1998) Boron: short term toxicity and poisoning incidents. Environmental health criteria 204: Geneva. Switzerland: World Health Organization 8:1

    Google Scholar 

  234. Weinthal E, Parag Y, Vengosh A, Muti A, Kloppmann W (2005) The EU drinking water directive: the boron standard and scientific uncertainty. Environ Policy Gov 15(1):1–12

    Google Scholar 

  235. Fail PA, Chapin RE, Price CJ, Heindel JJ (1998) General, reproductive, developmental, and endocrine toxicity of boronated compounds. Reprod Toxicol 12(1):1–18

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  236. Heindel JJ, Price CJ, Field EA, Marr MC, Myers CB, Morrissey RE, Schwetz BA (1992) Developmental toxicity of boric acid in mice and rats. Fundam Appl Toxicol 18(2):266–277

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  237. Price CJ, Marr MC, Myers CB, Seely JC, Heindel JJ, Schwetz BA (1996) The developmental toxicity of boric acid in rabbits. Toxicol Sci 34(2):176–187

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  238. Price CJ, Strong PL, Marr MC, Myers CB, Murray FC (1996) Developmental toxicity NOAEL and postnatal recovery in rats fed boric acid during gestation. Toxicol Sci 32(2):179–193

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  239. Sun PP, Luo Y, Wu XT, Ansari AR, Wang J, Yang KL, Xiao K, Peng KM (2016) Effects of supplemental boron on intestinal proliferation and apoptosis in African ostrich chicks. Int J Morphol 34(3):830–835

    Google Scholar 

  240. Kabu M, Tosun M, Elitok B, Sirri AM (2015) Histological evaluation of the effects of borax obtained from various sources in different rat organs. Int J Morphol 33(1):255–261

    Google Scholar 

  241. Lee IP, Sherins RJ, Dixon RL (1978) Evidence of germinal aplasia in male rats by environmental exposure to boron. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 45(2):577–590

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  242. Weir RJ, Fisher RS (1972) Toxicologic studies on borax and boric acid. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 23(3):351–364

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  243. Ku WW, Chapin RE, Wine RN, Gladen BC (1993) Testicular toxicity of boric acid (BA): relationship of dose to lesion development and recovery in the F344 rat. Reprod Toxicol 7(4):305–319

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  244. Ku WW, Shih LM, Chapin RE (1993) The effects of boric acid (BA) on testicular cells in culture. Reprod Toxicol 7(4):321–331

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgements

This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China, No. 31272517, 31672504.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, People’s Republic of China

    Haseeb Khaliq, Zhong Juming & Peng Ke-Mei

  2. College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA

    Zhong Juming

Authors
  1. Haseeb Khaliq
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Zhong Juming
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Peng Ke-Mei
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Peng Ke-Mei.

Ethics declarations

Conflict of interest

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Khaliq, H., Juming, Z. & Ke-Mei, P. The Physiological Role of Boron on Health. Biol Trace Elem Res 186, 31–51 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12011-018-1284-3

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12011-018-1284-3

Keywords

Search

Navigation