Boron

Boron is widely marketed as a «natural testosterone booster». The pitch traces to a small Naghii 2011 study (8 men, one week of 10 mg/day boron) with a 28 % rise in free testosterone. Larger RCTs have failed to reproduce the effect: the Pizzorno 2015 review and NIH ODS 2022 fact sheet note that data in men with normal testosterone are insufficient and inconsistent. Endocrine Society 2018 and ISSAM 2022 do not include boron in hypogonadism guidelines. In men with confirmed symptomatic hypogonadism (testosterone below 12 nmol/L on two morning samples plus symptoms) testosterone replacement is discussed with urology. If boron was bought to raise testosterone, consider seeking a second opinion and start with measuring the level.

Boron in «bone» supplements is sold on the basis of 1980s epidemiology linking boron intake to reduced urinary calcium and magnesium excretion. Clinical RCTs showing that boron reduces fracture risk or raises bone mineral density in osteoporosis do not exist. NIH ODS notes «insufficient evidence»; EFSA has not approved any bone-related health claim for boron. Proven options in osteoporosis: dietary calcium plus vitamin D if deficient, resistance exercise, bisphosphonates, denosumab and anabolic therapy in severe cases. If boron was bought or prescribed as osteoporosis treatment, consider seeking a second opinion.