Boron Uses, Benefits & Side Effects - Drugs.com Herbal Database

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# Boron

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jun 2, 2022.

## What are other common names?

- Borate
- Borates
- Borax Sodium
- Bore
- Boric Acid
- Boric Anhydride
- Boric Tartrate
- Boro
- Boron
- Sodium Borate

## What is this product used for?

Boron is a mineral found in many foods and drinks. It is also sold as a dietary supplement product. It is used to help some people who have low levels of boron. It may also be used to maintain healthy bones and joints. Boron has been used to help with painful periods. A form of this product called boric acid used inside the vagina may help to treat a vaginal yeast infection.

## What are the precautions when taking this product?

- Always check with your doctor before you use a natural product. Some products may not mix well with drugs or other natural products.

- Keep this product away from open sores and abrasions on the skin.

- Do not use this product if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant soon. Use birth control you can trust while taking this product.

- Do not use this product in the vagina if you are pregnant.

- Be sure to tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks of using this natural product.

- This product may interfere with some lab tests. Be sure to talk with your doctor about this and all drugs you are taking.

- Take extra care if you are taking drugs that contain estrogen. These are drugs like birth control pills and hormone replacement therapy.

- Take extra care if you have health problems that are sensitive to hormones. These are problems like breast cancer, prostate cancer, endometriosis, or uterine fibroids.

- Take extra care and check with your doctor if you have:

  - Kidney problems

  - Cancer

## What should I watch for?

- Heartburn or loss of appetite

- Red skin rash

- Hair loss

- Vaginal burning if used inside the vagina

## When do I need to call the doctor?

- Signs of a very bad reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; seizures; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat. Go to the ER right away.

- Very bad belly pain

- Very bad loose stools

- Throwing up

- Bad headaches

- Shakiness

- Weak and tired

## Where can I learn more?

National Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements

https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Boron-Consumer/

## Last Reviewed Date

2021-03-26

## Consumer information use

This generalized information is a limited summary of diagnosis, treatment, and/or medication information. It is not meant to be comprehensive and should be used as a tool to help the user understand and/or assess potential diagnostic and treatment options. It does NOT include all information about conditions, treatments, medications, side effects, or risks that may apply to a specific patient. It is not intended to be medical advice or a substitute for the medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment of a health care provider based on the health care provider's examination and assessment of a patient’s specific and unique circumstances. Patients must speak with a health care provider for complete information about their health, medical questions, and treatment options, including any risks or benefits regarding use of medications. This information does not endorse any treatments or medications as safe, effective, or approved for treating a specific patient. UpToDate, Inc. and its affiliates disclaim any warranty or liability relating to this information or the use thereof. The use of this information is governed by the Terms of Use, available at https://www.wolterskluwer.com/en/know/clinical-effectiveness-terms

## Copyright

Copyright © 2022 UpToDate, Inc. and its affiliates and/or licensors. All rights reserved.

## More about boron

### Professional resources

- Advanced Reading

### Related treatment guides

- Vitamin/Mineral Supplementation and Deficiency

## Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer