Last verified: 17 days ago
Boron
Also known as: boron neutron capture therapy, BNCT, boronophenylalanine, BPA, boron-10
Evidence under review. — Not yet rated
Trace mineral used in cancer therapy research. No evidence from these studies for common supplement claims.
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What it does
Boron is a trace mineral found in food and sold as a dietary supplement. The research provided focuses almost entirely on Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT), a specialized cancer treatment where...
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Evidence quality
Evidence base hasn't been formally rated yet. See research below.
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Clinical dose
No established dose from provided studies
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Found in
Medino, Thorne Basic Nutrients 2/Day, Organicbasicfood and 6 more
What the Science Says
Boron is a trace mineral found in food and sold as a dietary supplement. The research provided focuses almost entirely on Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT), a specialized cancer treatment where boron-containing drugs are injected into patients and then activated by neutron beams to destroy tumor cells. One uncontrolled case series included boron as part of a multi-ingredient testosterone-boosting formula, but the independent effect of boron could not be determined.
What It Doesn't Do
No evidence from these studies that boron supplements boost testosterone on their own. No evidence it builds bone, improves joint health, or enhances athletic performance. The cancer treatment research (BNCT) has nothing to do with taking boron capsules from a health food store. Don't confuse a hospital radiation therapy with a supplement.
Evidence-Based Benefits
Boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) significantly extends survival in recurrent glioblastoma patients.
Moderate EvidenceEffective at: Medical procedure — not a supplement dose
Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):
BNCT improved progression-free survival in patients with recurrent high-grade meningiomas vs. standard care.
Moderate EvidenceEffective at: Medical procedure — not a supplement dose
Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):
BNCT showed a 70% response rate in patients with scalp angiosarcoma and malignant melanoma.
Weak EvidenceEffective at: Medical procedure — not a supplement dose
Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):
Absorption & Bioavailability
Unknown — the provided studies do not address oral bioavailability of dietary boron supplements
Red Flags to Watch For
- BNCT cancer research is frequently misrepresented to imply boron supplements have anti-cancer properties — they do not
- The only testosterone-related study used a multi-ingredient formula; boron's individual contribution cannot be determined
- No dosing safety data for supplemental boron is provided in any of these studies
- Most papers in this dataset are about industrial, agricultural, or oncology uses of boron — not dietary supplementation
Products Containing Boron
See how Boron is used in these analyzed products:
Medino
Supplement
Thorne Basic Nutrients 2/Day
Supplement
Organicbasicfood
Supplement
Life Extension Two-Per-Day Multivitamin
Supplement
Ritual Essential for Women Prenatal Multivitamin
Supplement
Juna Nightcap Sleep Gummies
Supplement
Purolabs Pregnancy Complex
Supplement
Life Extension Mix Capsules
Supplement
Brain Defender
Supplement
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Boron do?
Trace mineral used in cancer therapy research. No evidence from these studies for common supplement claims.
What is the effective dose of Boron?
No established dose from provided studies
Is Boron safe?
BNCT cancer research is frequently misrepresented to imply boron supplements have anti-cancer properties — they do not
What doesn't Boron do?
No evidence from these studies that boron supplements boost testosterone on their own.
Research Sources
- PubMed
- NIH DSLD
This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen. Last updated: 2026-05-25