Boron (Citrate/Glycinate Complex)
Also known as: boron citrate, boron glycinate, boron amino acid chelate, boron aspartate citrate glycinate, calcium fructoborate (related)
Boron supplied as a blend of citrate, aspartate, and glycinate complexes, the usual form in bone, joint, and men's-hormone formulas. No RDA exists, but NIH ODS reports common supplement amounts of 0.15–6 mg and a 20 mg adult UL, and the WHO considers 1–13 mg/day an acceptable safe range. Human studies summarized in the Pizzorno review have mostly used 3–10 mg/day and examined bone markers, sex-hormone levels, and inflammatory markers.
Research summary
Boron influences the metabolism of calcium, magnesium, and vitamin D and the half-life of estrogen and testosterone; it also affects several enzymes and inflammatory mediators.
Dosage
Daily amounts, elemental (5% of the compound is the element).
| Lowest studied | Typical range | Highest studied | Upper limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 mg | 3–10 mg | 10 mg | 20 mg |
NIH ODS — UL of 20 mg/day for adults
Doses are milligrams of elemental boron. Boron citrate (approximate formula C6H5BO7, MW ≈ 200) is about 5.4% boron (10.81 ÷ 200); glycinate and aspartate complexes are in the same range, so 0.05 is used for the blend — verify against the supplier's certificate of analysis, since many premixes are diluted to 5% or 10% boron. Pizzorno 2015 summarizes trials at 3 mg/day (bone and hormone markers), 6 mg/day, and 10 mg/day (short-term hormone study). Taken once daily with food.
Source material: synthetic boron citrate/aspartate/glycinate complex, often diluted on a carrier
As supplied: ≈ 5% B in complexes; premixes commonly 5–10% boron
Format suitability
- Capsule
- Powder
- Tablet
- Softgel
- Gummy
- Liquid
Small dose; fits any format. Mildly bitter at high inclusion in liquids.
Formulation notes
Complements calcium, magnesium, and vitamin D in bone formulas. High doses may alter estrogen levels, which is relevant to hormone-sensitive products.
- Has an upper limit
Sources
Related ingredients
Collagen Peptides (Bovine, Type I/III)
ProteinEnzymatically hydrolyzed collagen from bovine hide or bone, delivering short peptides rich in glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline.
Typical: 2.5–15 g
Glucosamine Sulfate
OtherAn amino sugar that is a building block of cartilage glycosaminoglycans, sold as the sulfate salt stabilized with potassium or sodium chloride.
Typical: 1,500 mg
Chondroitin Sulfate
OtherA sulfated glycosaminoglycan that is a major structural component of cartilage, where it holds water and resists compression.
Typical: 800–1,200 mg
Glucosamine Hydrochloride
OtherThe hydrochloride salt of glucosamine, which is more concentrated and more stable than the sulfate form and therefore cheaper per milligram of glucosamine.
Typical: 1,500 mg
Horny Goat Weed (Epimedium)
BotanicalHorny goat weed is the common name for several Epimedium species used in traditional Chinese herbalism.
Typical: 500–1,000 mg