What are the symptoms of boron deficiency in humans?

October 4, 2025 •

3 min read

While boron has long been recognized as essential for plant health, its role in humans is still being researched, and as a result, specific deficiency symptoms are not yet firmly established. Nevertheless, limited data suggest that insufficient intake might affect brain function, bone density, and hormone levels, offering insights into what are the symptoms of boron deficiency in humans.

Quick Summary

Boron deficiency may be linked to reduced bone strength, impaired brain function, and imbalanced hormone levels, but clinical signs are not well-defined. Research suggests correlations with altered mineral metabolism and decreased mental acuity.

Key Points

Subtle Deficiency Signs: Unlike more common mineral deficiencies, signs of low boron intake are not yet firmly established and can be subtle and non-specific, often overlapping with other health issues.
Bone and Joint Health: A primary concern related to boron deficiency is its effect on bone metabolism, potentially leading to increased urinary excretion of calcium and magnesium, which can weaken bones over time.
Cognitive Impairment: Limited research suggests that low boron can impair brain function, affecting mental alertness, executive function, motor speed, and short-term memory.
Hormonal Regulation: Boron appears to influence steroid hormone metabolism, and deficiency has been linked to lower serum estrogen levels in postmenopausal women and disrupted vitamin D metabolism.
Diagnosis is Challenging: Diagnosing a deficiency is not standard clinical practice, and assessments typically involve reviewing dietary habits and evaluating related mineral markers, not direct boron tests.
Rich Dietary Sources: Including boron-rich foods like fruits (avocados, raisins), nuts, and legumes in your daily diet is the most effective way to prevent a deficiency.

Understanding the Role of Boron in Human Health

Boron is a trace mineral present in many plant foods. While not yet classified as essential for humans, research indicates its potential benefits for various functions. Boron is thought to influence calcium metabolism, bone formation, brain function, and steroid hormone activity. However, symptoms of boron deficiency are often subtle and non-specific, making diagnosis challenging. This leads researchers to focus on indirect markers and potential health issues associated with low boron intake.

Potential Manifestations of Boron Deficiency

Low boron intake may impact several areas of health, particularly when other nutrients like magnesium or vitamin D are also deficient. Monitoring for potential signs linked to insufficient boron levels is important.

Bone Health

Boron is believed to aid the absorption and use of minerals crucial for bone strength, such as calcium and magnesium. Studies show that low-boron diets can increase urinary excretion of these minerals. Animal studies suggest boron deficiency can lead to decreased bone strength and impaired development, potentially increasing risk for weakened bones and conditions like osteoporosis in humans, although more research is required. A correlation between lower boron intake and a higher incidence of osteoarthritis has also been observed, possibly linked to boron's anti-inflammatory properties.

Neurological and Cognitive Function

Early research from the USDA suggests a link between boron intake and brain function, associating low levels with cognitive and psychomotor issues. This includes reduced mental alertness and impaired performance on tasks involving motor speed, dexterity, attention, and short-term memory. Boron deprivation may also decrease brain electrical activity, similar to generalized malnutrition.

Hormone Imbalance

Boron influences the metabolism of steroid hormones like estrogen and testosterone. Low-boron diets have been shown to result in lower serum estrogen concentrations in postmenopausal women. Boron supplementation can decrease urinary excretion of sex hormones, suggesting deficiency could increase their loss. Low boron intake may also reduce serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D, affecting calcium absorption.

Potential Boron Deficiency Symptoms vs. Other Health Concerns

Potential boron deficiency symptoms are non-specific and can overlap with other conditions. For more detailed information on differential diagnosis, you can refer to {Link: ScienceDirect https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0946672X20301425}.

Dietary and Supplemental Sources of Boron

To prevent potential boron deficiencies, a diet rich in boron-containing plant foods is recommended. Excellent sources include avocados, prune juice, nuts (peanuts, pecans), dried fruits (raisins), peaches, apples, grapes, beans, legumes, and leafy greens (spinach, kale).

Supplementation may be an option for individuals with low dietary intake. The World Health Organization suggests a safe intake of 1–13 mg/day for adults, with a Tolerable Upper Intake Level of 20 mg/day. Always consult a healthcare professional before taking supplements, as high doses can be toxic. More information on dietary minerals is available from the {Link: NIH Office of Dietary Supplements https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Boron-HealthProfessional/} at the National Institutes of Health.

Diagnosis and Risks

Diagnosing boron deficiency is not routine clinical practice. Healthcare providers may assess related markers like calcium, magnesium, and vitamin D levels if a deficiency is suspected and may take a dietary history. The main risks of deficiency, based on current knowledge, relate to its impact on bone health, brain function, and hormone regulation. Early recognition of subtle symptoms is important for those at risk.

Conclusion

While specific symptoms of boron deficiency in humans are not definitively established, research highlights its potential impact on bone strength, cognitive function, and hormonal balance. Due to the subtle and non-specific nature of these potential signs, consuming a diet rich in boron is a key preventative measure. Consulting a healthcare professional is advisable for individuals with health concerns or those considering supplementation. Research continues to clarify boron's role and deficiency signs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Boron is a trace mineral found primarily in plant-based foods that influences the body's use of minerals like calcium and magnesium, affects steroid hormone metabolism, and impacts brain and immune function.

No, definitive symptoms of boron deficiency in humans have not been firmly established, and the signs are often non-specific and subtle.

A low boron intake can lead to increased urinary excretion of calcium and magnesium, potentially resulting in lower bone strength and possibly contributing to conditions like osteoporosis and arthritis-like symptoms.

Yes, limited research suggests that low boron intake can affect brain function, potentially leading to reduced mental alertness, poor attention, impaired short-term memory, and lower motor speed and dexterity.

Boron can influence the metabolism of steroid hormones, including estrogen and testosterone. Low intake has been associated with lower serum estrogen levels in postmenopausal women and can affect vitamin D metabolism.

Foods rich in boron include avocados, dried fruits like raisins, nuts, legumes (beans, lentils), and various fruits and vegetables like peaches, grapes, and spinach.

Boron deficiency is not routinely diagnosed with specific tests; instead, healthcare providers might assess related mineral levels and consider dietary history. Treatment generally involves increasing the intake of boron-rich foods or, in some cases, supplements under medical supervision.

Boron supplementation is generally safe at recommended doses, with a Tolerable Upper Intake Level of 20 mg per day for adults. However, excessive intake can be toxic, so consultation with a healthcare provider is important.