Natalie Rohr

KNH 413
Matuszak
Nutrient for Nutrition Care Manual Boron
1. What is the nutrient?
- The nutrient is boron. Boron plays an important role in the body by
helping block uptake of heavy metals and help expel them. When
someone has calcium, potassium, iodine, and other mineral
deficiencies, then this can lead to an increased uptake of toxic
radioactive elements. Boron helps to raise the levels of these minerals
to prevent toxicity in the body.
2. What is the RDA/DRI for this nutrient?
- There is no RDA set for boron, and requirements vary from 1 6
milligrams per day, though most diets provide only about 1-3
milligrams per day.
3. How is the nutrient metabolized?
- There is little research that has been done about boron metabolism
but it is known that it is absorbed very efficiently. It helps with the
metabolism of other mineral metabolism such as calcium, potassium,
and magnesium. Boron is then excreted through urine.
4. What are food sources of the nutrient?
- Lots of fruits and vegetables are good sources of boron. This includes
dried fruits, nuts, bananas, and apples. Depending on the geographic
location, water could also contribute a major portion. Ten foods with
the highest boron concentration reported were avocado, peanut butter,
peanuts, prune and grape juice, chocolate powder, wine, pecans, and
granola and raisin bran cereals. IT can also be found in coffee, but in
low amounts.
5. What disease states alter the nutrients metabolism?
- There is not sufficient research done on disease states that alter
borons metabolism. It is said, however, that boron may be helpful
when reducing the risk of osteoporosis and arthritis.

6. What are the tests or procedures to assess the nutrient

level in the body?
- Boron is excreted by the body through urine. In order to test levels of
boron in the body, a urinalysis can be done. If boron is found in the
blood in a concentration that is over 0.2 micrograms/mL, this would
also be an adequate indicator of excessive intake.
7. What is the drug nutrient interactions?
- No known drug-nutrient interactions.
8. How is the nutrient measured?
- The nutrient is measured in micrograms.
9. What is the Upper Tolerable Limits?
UL for Infants
012 months Not possible to establish; source of intake should be
from food and formula only
UL for Children
13 years 3 mg/day of boron
48 years 6 mg/day of boron
913 years 11 mg/day of boron
UL for Adolescents
1418 years 17 mg/day of boron
UL for Pregnancy
1418 years 17 mg/day of boron
1950 years 20 mg/day of boron
UL for Lactation
1418 years 17 mg/day of boron
1950 years 20 mg/day of boron
10. What are the physical signs of deficiency?
- Physical signs of boron deficiency include an increase of calcium and
magnesium through urine excretion. Because of lowered amounts of

calcium and magnesium in the body, this can cause problems with
bone health. Brain function may also be altered if there is enough of a
deficiency.
11. What are physical signs of toxicity?
- Boron is very safe and even extremely high levels of the nutrient (18
mg) would be safe for adults even for a long period of time. However,
symptoms of acute toxicity typically include nausea, diarrhea, and
abdominal cramps.

Resources:
Arsenic, Boron, Nickel, Silicon, and Vanadium. (n.d.). Retrieved April
18, 2016, from
https://fnic.nal.usda.gov/sites/fnic.nal.usda.gov/files/uploads/502553_150.pdf
Fisher, H. W. (n.d.). The physiological impact of boron. Retrieved April
18, 2016, from
http://www.nutronix.com/nutronix/images/products/boron_informat
ion.pdf
Vitamin A, Vitamin K, Arsenic, Boron, Chromium, Copper, Iodine, Iron,
Manganese, Molybdenum, Nickel, Silicon, Vanadium, and Zinc.
(n.d.). Retrieved April 18, 2016, from
https://fnic.nal.usda.gov/dietary-guidance/dri-nutrientreports/vitamin-vitamin-k-arsenic-boron-chromium-copper-iodineiron