Boron
Boron is absorbed by humans through food, including drinking water and mineral waters. Other sources through which we can come into contact with boron are products such as medicinal and cosmetic products, consumer goods in contact with food, toys, detergents, adhesives or carpets that contain boron compounds because of their antiseptic, preservative, softening or flame-retardant properties.
According to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSAshort forEuropean Food Safety Authority), boron has not been proven to be an essential nutrient. So far, no specific physiological, biochemical function of the mineral in humans or higher animals has been identified. Recommended intakes are not given by EFSAshort forEuropean Food Safety Authority or by the nutrition societies in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. However, EFSAshort forEuropean Food Safety Authority has derived tolerable maximum daily intakes for adults and children based on animal experiments.
These can be exceeded in children and adolescents with high boron intakes - via boron-rich foods and boron-rich mineral water as well as boron intakes from food contact materials. Food supplements containing boron should therefore carry a notice stating that they are not suitable for children and adolescents.
Proposed maximum level for the addition of boron to food supplements (per daily dose)
In order to enable adult consumers to make a significant additional intake via food supplements when needed and at the same time protect people from excessive intake of boron, the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfRshort forGerman Federal Institute for Risk Assessment) recommends not adding more than 0.5 milligrams (mgshort formilligram) per daily dose to a food supplement.
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