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Mobility/Inflammation

Boron

Trace mineral from prunes, avocado, and nuts that may modestly ease knee osteoarthritis symptoms and lower some inflammatory markers.

Boron
48
score
C
evidence
Safe
risk

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Quick Take

Mostly a low-cost joint trial for mild knee OA; testosterone, cognition, and anti-aging claims are weak.

Boron is a trace mineral found in prunes, raisins, avocado, nuts, and legumes, though there is no formal deficiency cutoff. It appears to affect calcium and magnesium handling, vitamin D activity, steroid hormone metabolism, and inflammatory signaling. Small human trials, especially with calcium fructoborate, suggest modest improvements in knee osteoarthritis symptoms and hs-CRP, while bone, hormone, and cognition findings are weaker and less consistent. It is most relevant for adults with mild knee OA or very low-boron diets.

Potential benefits

01
Improves knee OA pain/function
02
May lower inflammatory markers
03
May support bone density

Protocol

Amount
3-6 mg
Frequency
Once daily
When
With food; consistency matters more than timing.

Onset Time

2-4 weeks for joint symptoms; 8-12 weeks for biomarker changes.

Who Should Consider

Adults with mild knee osteoarthritis
Older adults with low fruit and nut intake
Postmenopausal adults focused on bone health
People trying a low-risk joint add-on

Food Sources

  • Prunes (~1-1.5 mg per 5-6 prunes)
  • Avocado (~1-2 mg per whole avocado)
  • Raisins (~0.5-1 mg per 40 g)
  • Almonds or hazelnuts (~0.5-1 mg per 30 g)
  • Peanuts or peanut butter (~0.3-0.6 mg per serving)
  • Chickpeas and other legumes (~0.3-0.6 mg per cooked cup)

How It Works

Boron influences mineral transport and cell signaling. It may reduce urinary calcium and magnesium losses, affect vitamin D and steroid hormone metabolism, and dampen inflammatory pathways linked to CRP and cytokines. These effects may help joint comfort and bone turnover, but human confirmation is limited.

Updated 5/19/2026

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