Posted by
Katherine Tudsbury
✓ Medically Reviewed and Fact-Checked by Dr. Jesse Ropat, PharmD, RPh, B.Sc.
The human body relies on minerals for every physiological process ever. Your body needs macro minerals (like calcium, magnesium, and potassium) and trace minerals in the correct concentrations for overall health.
Boron is one of these trace minerals. You may have seen it in supplements for osteoarthritis and osteoporosis.
Today, we’ll explore boron for promoting joint health, bone strength, brain function, and hormone balance. Furthermore, we’ll list the 10 best (and most bioavailable) boron supplements on the market.
What is Boron?
Boron is a bioactive trace mineral naturally present in the environment and consumed via plant foods. Unfortunately, it flies under the radar as “nonessential” because boron deficiency is difficult to determine.
As it turns out, a small but promising pool of research suggests this trace element has numerous health benefits. It may promote testosterone production, improve cognitive performance, support joint health, and even minimize the risk of osteoporosis.
11 Best Boron Supplements in 2024
Here is our list of the best boron supplements you can order today.
They’re all made according to strict cGMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) standards and thoroughly tested for purity.
*Note: We have affiliate links throughout this article, which means we receive a commission if you purchase from any of our links. This supports our mission to bring complicated health and fitness info in an entertaining package. And it keeps us from putting up annoying things like banner ads. Those suck.
1) Upgraded Formulas: Upgraded Boron
Upgraded Boron stands out because of its ultra-high quality, and high bioavailability. This means you actually absorb the boron you take.
Upgraded Formulas has tested their product, and it’s 99% – 99.99% absorbable, making it the highest quality Boron on the market.
A conventional boron supplement does not absorb well. In fact, most report between 4%-20% absorption. Upgraded Boron uses Stabilized Nano Mineral Technology to improve absorption.
Simply, this means they use smaller particles, so it gets absorbed easier and faster.
In addition, Upgraded Boron is 100 % natural, organic, gluten-free, keto, and vegan-friendly. It has no fillers or artificial flavors.
It also comes with a 100-day money-back guarantee.
Upgraded is the brand we personally use, trust, and recommend.
We also love that Upgraded gives back to charity and donates a portion of all money to Charity:Water. This organization provides clean and sustainable water to millions of people around the world.
It provides testosterone support, memory support, and fatigue support. It’s the best choice for boron supplements for testosterone.
Every bottle comes with 60 servings, and 7mg per serving in a convenient dropper.
For all of these reasons, Upgraded Boron is our clear #1 pick.
2) Vibrant Health Supernatural Boron
Vibrant Health Supernatural Boron is simple, pure, and affordable.
A 2-capsule serving delivers 6 mg of boron derived from calcium fructoborate called FruiteX-B® OsteoBoron. This patented complex of boric acid, fructose, and calcium is highly bioavailable and well-tolerated. Interestingly, it’s considered the most advanced form of boron, similar to what’s found in plants.
Each serving also contains 676 mg of organic broccoli powder – a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compound.
The capsules are 100% vegan, non-GMO, and free from gluten, dairy, and soy. And a month’s supply costs $13.37 on iHerb.
Founded by a nutrition scientist, Vibrant Health only allows third-party tested ingredients into their cGMP-certified facilities. Plus, every batch is analyzed by a National Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (NELAP) certified lab.
It’s no wonder Vibrant Health Super Natural Boron is high up on our list.
3) Codeage Supreme Joint Health Formula
If you’re interested in boron for relieving joint pain, you may like Codeage’s Supreme Joint Health Formula. Each serving delivers 216 mg of calcium fructoborate and 5 mg of boron glycinate.
This all-in-one blend is also packed with anti-inflammatory enzymes and herbs such as:
- 400 mg of Turmeric Extract
- 300 mg of Whole Tart Cherry Extract
- 200 mg of Bromelain
- 150 mg of Andrographis
- 100 mg of Boswellia extract
- 40 mg of UC-II® standardized cartilage
- 25 mg of Hyaluronic Acid
The vegan-friendly capsules are non-GMO, keto-friendly, and free from dairy, soy, gluten, artificial flavors, colors, sweeteners, or preservatives.
At $49.99, this is a pricier choice. However, you get so much more than just boron. It also comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee. They’re that confident you’ll love it.
Codeage products are manufactured in the USA in a cGMP-certified facility and third-party tested for purity.
4) Transparent Labs Vitality Testosterone Optimization
Looking to boron to improve your testosterone levels naturally?
Transparent Labs has a third-party tested testosterone-boosting supplement that uses 5 mg of boron per serving.
TL Vitality also includes Tongkat Ali extract, ashwagandha extract, PrimaVie® shilajit extract, L-OptiZinc®, Quercetin, and Diindolylmethane (DIM).
In addition, 10 mg of BioPerine® (black pepper extract) is used to enhance absorption.
Again, this product is pricey – a month’s supply is $54.99. That said, it’s a comprehensive hormone-support formula.
5) NOW Foods Boron Capsules
NOW Boron is a simple, effective supplement from a cGMP quality-assured brand. Each capsule delivers 3 mg of boron derived from high-absorption Albion bororganic glycine.
It’s non-GMO, gluten-free, kosher, and vegan. Finally, a bottle contains a whopping 250 capsules.
6) Transparent Labs Joint Support
Transparent Labs has a comprehensive joint support supplement using boron with four other clinically studied, patented ingredients.
Each 2-capsule serving includes:
- 110 mg of calcium fructoborate from FruiteX-B®
- 500 mg of Curcumin C3 Complex®
- 75 mg of Boswellin® Super
- 40 mg of UC-II® Collagen
- 10 mg of Bioperine®
7) Life Extension Bone Restore
Life Extension Bone Restore is a cGMP-certified calcium magnesium formula with boron.
Every serving delivers 700 mg of three forms of calcium and 3 mg of Life Extension boron from Fruitex B OsteoBoron.
In addition, you get:
- 25 mcg of vitamin D3
- 200 mcg of vitamin K2
- 200 mg of magnesium oxide
- 2 mg of zinc
- 1 mg of manganese
- 5 mg of silicon
The only downside is you need to take 4 capsules per day.
Life Extension products are cGMP-certified and third-party tested. You can request a Certificate of Analysis for extra peace of mind.
8) Blue Bonnet Triple Boron
BlueBonnet’s Triple Boron Complex provides a 3 mg blend of boron citrate, aspartate, and glycinate for maximum absorption.
The easy-to-swallow capsules are kosher, vegan, and made with gluten-free and non-GMO ingredients – making them suitable for various diets. A bottle contains 90 capsules.
9) Source Naturals Triple Boron
Source Naturals Triple Boron checks all the boxes for a quality boron supplement. One serving delivers 3 mg of boron from boron citrate, aspartate, and glycinate.
A bottle holds 200 capsules – all free from preservatives, artificial colors, flavors, gluten, yeast, and soy. However, they contain gelatin and aren’t vegan-friendly.
10) Nature’s Way Boron
Nature’s Way Boron provides 3 mg of boron aspartate per capsule. And a bottle contains 100 capsules.
It’s free from gluten, yeast, soy, artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives.
Nature’s Way has been making quality nutritional supplements for over 50 years. They are cGMP-accredited by the NSF (National Sanitation Foundation Institute).
11) Thorne Research Trace Minerals
Thorne Research Trace Minerals is a comprehensive micronutrient formula.
Each capsule contains a collection of trace elements zinc, selenium, manganese, chromium, and boron in an ideal ratio for optimal absorption.
That said, it provides just 700 mcg of boron per serving. It’s great for newbies. But if you’re looking to take boron for joint pain or hormone health, you want a product with 3 mg or more.
Health Benefits of Boron
So, is it worth taking extra boron?
Let’s dig into the science.
Promotes Healthy Testosterone Levels in Men
Attention: dudes. Supplementing with boron may free up more of the good stuff (AKA testosterone) without having to turn to TRT.
Testosterone is the male sex hormone that drives muscle building, motivation, and sexual vitality. However, T levels decline with poor sleep, chronic stress, and aging.
This study on men found taking 10 mg of boron daily for one week significantly increased free testosterone levels. It also lowered levels of the female hormone estrogen AND sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG). Too much SHBG in your bloodstream makes hormones unusable, so keeping it relatively low is good.
Stanford neuroscientist Dr. Huberman has even mentioned using boron for boosting testosterone (listen to his podcast on hormone health here).
Promotes Strong Bones
While often overlooked, boron is a critical cofactor for bone mineralization. It supports the absorption of magnesium, phosphorus, calcium, and vitamin D. These nutrients work synergistically to promote bone mineral density as you age.
This study on postmenopausal women found 3 mg of boron per day prevented urinary loss of calcium and magnesium. It also slowed the rate of bone demineralization. This is significant because declining hormone levels in menopause is a risk factor for osteoporosis.
Boron also has a close relationship with vitamin D. If your vitamin D levels are low, you may need more boron.
Supports Joint Health
Boron may offer powerful protection against osteoarthritis. Researchers have found the risk of arthritis is much higher in parts of the world where boron consumption is low (0-1 mg per day).
It’s not exactly clear what the mechanism is, but boron’s role in bone mineralization may promote a healthy joint structure.
Improves Cognitive Performance
Boron deficiency has been shown to not only reduce brain activity, but also negatively impacts your performance on tasks of motor speed, and those requiring attention and short-term memory. Interestingly, these results largely mimicked what we see in people with heavy-metal toxicity. It was found that restricting boron for around a month and a half or more caused reduced cognitive performance and brain function – even more reason to ensure you’re not missing out on this key mineral.
(Skip to the end of the article for more answers to your burning boron FAQs)
How We Ranked The Best Boron Supplements
We chose what we believe are the best boron products on the market. But you need to make the best decision for your needs.
Here’s what we took into consideration when ranking the products.
Strict Testing Standards
The FDA doesn’t regulate the supplement industry. This gives dodgy companies free rein to make false claims. This makes it tricky when buying trace minerals like boron because taking too much can be dangerous.
For this reason, we only chose cGMP-certified and third party-tested products. We also prioritize companies that make their test results public.
Bioavailability
Every dietary supplement on this list uses bioavailable forms of boron.
Plus, we included supplements containing a blend of ingredients that work synergistically to enhance boron’s benefits.
Dose
You only need a small amount of boron to see the benefits. We looked for products with doses of 700 mcg to 6 mg — this range is most commonly reported in the literature, and is considered therapeutic and safe.
Value
Boron is an inexpensive mineral. However, when paired with other nutrients, the costs creep up.
We chose high-quality boron supplements that suit a range of budgets.
FAQ
Can Boron Improve Erectile Dysfunction?
Boron is not a treatment for erectile dysfunction (ED). But if you can’t get it up due to low testosterone, upping your boron levels may offer relief.
Does Boron Improve Brain Function?
Research has shown that boron-deficient people struggle more with cognitive performance. This older study on adults found consuming just 3.25 mg of boron improved memory and hand-eye coordination during cognitive and psycho-motor tests.
However, a supplement probably won’t offer any extra benefit if you’re getting enough boron already.
Is There a Difference Between Boron and Borax?
Boron and borax are not the same – they have different chemical natures and uses.
Boron is a trace mineral. On the other hand, borax is a boric acid salt used as an insecticide, household cleaner, and food preservative.
Why Do I Need a Boron Supplement?
That’s a good question. After all, you get boron from avocados, potatoes, legumes, oranges, apricots, apples, raisins, prunes, and peanuts.
Unfortunately, with declining soil quality worldwide, it’s near impossible to determine how much dietary boron you’re actually getting. Not to mention that most people don’t eat enough fruit and veggies in general (this is one of the few times when vegans and vegetarians have an advantage).
Ideally, you want to consume 2-3 mg of boron minimum daily. But the average boron intake sits around 1 mg. Given the role boron plays in bone, joint, and hormone health, a supplement may be worth the investment.
What Is the Best Form of Boron to Take?
Several forms of boron are well-absorbed by the body – like boron citrate, boron glycinate, and boron aspartate.
However, calcium fructoborate may be the easiest to absorb because it mimics the boron found in fruits and veggies. It’s also clinically studied to support bone health.
Calcium fructoborate is in many supplements as FruiteX B® OsteoBoron™.
How Much Boron Should I Take Daily?
As I mentioned, boron often flies under the radar. So, it doesn’t have an official recommended dietary allowance (RDA). In clinical studies, taking 3-10 mg of boron per day is most effective.
The upper tolerable limit (UL) is 20 mg per day for adults. However, you probably won’t see any additional health benefits from doses above 10-15 mg.
Should I Cycle Boron?
Boron is safe to take every day. That said, if you’re using higher doses to increase your free testosterone, some experts suggest taking it for two weeks on and one week off.
This may prevent an unwanted increase in estrogen levels from taking boron long-term.
Can I Take Too Much Boron?
Boron is a safe supplement taken at the suggested doses – a little goes a long way. Side effects are rare at doses at or below 20 mg per day.
That said, too much can disrupt mineral ratios and build-up in your body. It may even be fatal at doses above 20 grams (there’s no reason for anyone to take that much).
Finally, we must add the usual disclaimer about speaking to your healthcare provider before taking any new supplement.
