It's estimated that 68% of Americans aren't getting enough calcium. The problem lies in poor dietary habits. Gone are the days of family meals around the kitchen table. Ironically, the more people diet and work to get healthier, the worse the problem gets. Fad diets and fast food add to our calcium deficiencies. Children are offered soda instead of milk with meals, for example. Even without a healthy diet, there is help available. An inexpensive mineral, boron helps support healthy bones when paired with a daily multivitamin.

What is Boron?

Boron is trace minimal that the body needs in small amounts. Boron works to promote healthy bones and better brain functions. Boron prevents osteoporosis, builds and maintains strong bones and is used to reduce the pain, swelling and inflammation often associated with various forms of arthritis. It also reduces the amount of calcium lost through urine, making it a necessity for the majority of people who aren't getting enough calcium.

Support for Healthy Bones

Arthritis is a condition that affects roughly 30% of our population. Arthritis causes unbearable pain, swelling, redness and deteriorates the bones. Some studies suggest that boron helps arthritis sufferers. It reduces the pain and inflammation. It also helps heal bone fractures.

While some consumers fear taking boron because of potential poisoning, taken in healthy doses, boron relieves pain associated with arthritis and makes everyday activities doable again. Not only does it build and maintain strong bones, it also works to prevent osteoporosis.

Why Haven't I Heard of Boron Before?

Boron doesn't usually make the front page of the latest health magazines. One reason for this is that boron doesn't account to much on its own. Only when the mineral interacts with calcium and other supplements does it show any real benefits. All it really does is promote the optimum mineral balance in the body and allow other supplements to perform better.

Boron is found in water and soil, therefore some of the best sources for boron are fruits and vegetables. Other foods with high sources of boron are almonds, hazel nuts, dried apricots, avocado, Brazil nuts, walnuts, peanut butter and red kidney beans. It is also found in many leafy vegetables and legumes.

Low-carb diets are virtually void of boron. The foods that contain boron are the same foods that typically are recommended for a balanced, healthy diet. When a diet is based mainly on meat and dairy, it leaves the body in short supply of the mineral boron.

Boron Deficiency and Recommendations

Boron is useful in many ways. It promotes healthful estrogen and testosterone levels, stimulates hormones and is essential to normal growth. It's also used as an eye rinse solution and an insecticide (in high doses). A toxic level of boron is unhealthy. Just 15 to 20 g per day will cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and fatigue.

The safe and recommended daily amount of boron that the body is able to handle is a 3 mg dose per day with a maximum of 10 mg per day. It works especially well when taken with calcium, magnesium, vitamin B12 and manganese. Each of these ingredients is found in quality multivitamins.