Boron

testosterone

Abstract

Boron is a trace mineral that influences steroid hormone levels, yet most people get very little of it from food. Early research suggests it may increase free testosterone while reducing estradiol — though the evidence base is still small and more studies are needed to confirm these effects at typical supplement doses.

We include boron as boron citrate, a chelated form designed for absorption. It works through a mechanism distinct from the herbal ingredients in our formula, giving the testosterone-support stack another angle that doesn't overlap with ashwagandha, tongkat ali, or fenugreek.

The statements on this page have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Boron Benefits — What Studies Found

Some nutrients take months to move the needle. Boron may support free testosterone levels faster than you’d expect.

+28%

Rapid Free T Increase

Free Testosterone

Rapid Free T Increase

Small study (n=8, no placebo) at 10mg/day — RBRN uses 5mg. Effects at our dose haven't been separately studied. See full context below.

View study →
-39%

Estrogen Reduction

Estradiol

Estrogen Reduction

Same small study (n=8, 10mg/day) — RBRN uses 5mg. See the full findings and limitations below.

View study →

Why a 5mg dose of Boron

Typical supplemental doses of boron range from 3-10mg. We chose 5mg as a reasonable dose given the available research.

  • Within the Research Range 5mg falls in the 3-10mg range used in clinical studies on steroid hormone metabolism.
  • Boron Citrate Form A well-absorbed chelated form that delivers consistent elemental boron per serving.
  • Distinct Mechanism May affect free testosterone and estradiol through pathways different from the herbal ingredients in the formula.
  • Moderate Given Limited Data The key testosterone study used 10mg/day; we chose 5mg given that long-term data at higher amounts is limited.

The study showing rapid testosterone increase used 10mg/day. We chose a somewhat lower dose given the limited long-term safety data, while still providing a meaningful amount.

Clinical Dose Range

0mg
3mg 5mg 10mg
15mg

Clinical studies use 3–10mg daily. Our 5mg dose provides meaningful support without approaching the tolerable upper limit.

Boron in its natural environment
BoronHormone Metabolism Regulator

A trace mineral that may shift the testosterone-to-estrogen ratio faster than you'd expect. Small evidence base, promising mechanism, distinct pathway.

What the Research Shows

Boron has about 13 clinical studies, with a handful specifically examining hormone effects. The evidence is mixed—positive results in some populations but not in trained athletes. Its anti-inflammatory effects are more consistently demonstrated.

We include boron as a promising but emerging ingredient. The rapid onset of effects in one study is intriguing, and it works through mechanisms different from our other testosterone-supporting ingredients. More research in men specifically focused on testosterone would help clarify its role.

5 peer-reviewed studies cited· See all 13 published studies →

02

Steroid Hormone Effects in Women

Nielsen FH, et al. (1987). FASEB Journal. Source

An early study found that boron supplementation in postmenopausal women on low-boron diets markedly elevated serum concentrations of both 17-beta-estradiol and testosterone. While this was in women, it demonstrates boron’s influence on steroid hormone metabolism.

03

Anti-Inflammatory Effects

Scorei R, et al. (2011). Biological Trace Element Research. Source

A double-blind, placebo-controlled study in osteoarthritis patients found that calcium fructoborate (a form of boron, different from the boron citrate in our formula) reduced CRP by ~60% and fibrinogen by ~14% over 15 days. Inflammation interferes with testosterone production, so anti-inflammatory effects may contribute to hormone benefits. Note: this study used a different boron form at a different dose than our formula.

04

Mineral Metabolism

Nielsen FH, et al. (1987). FASEB Journal. Source

Research shows boron reduces urinary excretion of calcium and magnesium, potentially supporting bone health and mineral status.

05

Honest Caveat

Green NR, Ferrando AA. (1994). Environmental Health Perspectives. Source

A study in male bodybuilders found that 7 weeks of boron supplementation (2.5mg/day) did not affect testosterone or lean body mass beyond what occurred from training alone. This suggests effects may be more pronounced in non-athletes or at higher doses.

Published Research

13 studies

Every claim we make is grounded in peer-reviewed research. Tap any study to read the abstract.

Year Title Journal
  1. 2025The Effect of Boron Supplementation on Kidney Stones in Patients With Nephrolithiasis: A Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial.Food science & nutrition
  2. 2017The adjuvant use of calcium fructoborate and borax with etanercept in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: Pilot study.Journal of intercultural ethnopharmacology
  3. 2016Protective effects of boron and vitamin E on ethylene glycol-induced renal crystal calcium deposition in rat.Endocrine regulations
  4. 2015Effects of boron supplementation on the severity and duration of pain in primary dysmenorrhea.Complementary therapies in clinical practice
  5. 2015Effects of Calcium Fructoborate on Levels of C-Reactive Protein, Total Cholesterol, Low-Density Lipoprotein, Triglycerides, IL-1β, IL-6, and MCP-1: a Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Clinical Study.Biological trace element research
  6. 2014Short-term efficacy of calcium fructoborate on subjects with knee discomfort: a comparative, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study.Clinical interventions in aging
  7. 2013Oral resveratrol and calcium fructoborate supplementation in subjects with stable angina pectoris: effects on lipid profiles, inflammation markers, and quality of life.Nutrition (Burbank, Los Angeles County, Calif.)
  8. 2012Preliminary evidence hints at a protective role for boron in urolithiasis.Journal of alternative and complementary medicine (New York, N.Y.)
  9. 2011A double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study to evaluate the effect of calcium fructoborate on systemic inflammation and dyslipidemia markers for middle-aged people with primary osteoarthritis.Biological trace element research
  10. 2011Comparative effects of daily and weekly boron supplementation on plasma steroid hormones and proinflammatory cytokines.Journal of trace elements in medicine and biology : organ of the Society for Minerals and Trace Elements (GMS)
  11. 1995Effect of boron supplementation on blood and urinary calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus, and urinary boron in athletic and sedentary women.The American journal of clinical nutrition
  12. 1994Plasma boron and the effects of boron supplementation in males.Environmental health perspectives
  13. 1987Effect of dietary boron on mineral, estrogen, and testosterone metabolism in postmenopausal women.FASEB journal : official publication of the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology

Our Assessment: Boron

Emerging Evidence
Evidence Rating

A small but notable study shows free testosterone increase within a week, and anti-inflammatory effects are consistent across research. But results in trained athletes are less clear, and the research base is still small.

What’s Solid
  • One study shows rapid free testosterone increase (within one week)
  • Anti-inflammatory effects are consistently demonstrated
  • Effects on estrogen metabolism are documented
  • Mineral metabolism benefits (calcium, magnesium) are observed
What’s Mixed or Uncertain
  • Effects in trained athletes may be less pronounced
  • Optimal dosing isn’t established
  • Mechanism of action isn’t fully understood
  • Long-term effects need more research

How Boron Fits the Formula

No ingredient works alone. Boron was chosen because it amplifies — and is amplified by — specific formula partners.

Boron

Safety and Precautions

Who Should Be Cautious
Boron appears to be generally safe, though human research on long-term adverse effects is limited. There’s no established tolerable upper intake level, and typical supplemental doses range from 3-10mg. Our 5mg dose is within the range used in clinical research and considered reasonable given available safety data.
Note
Those with hormone-sensitive conditions should consult their healthcare provider
Note
Women who are pregnant or nursing (due to limited safety data)

Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new dietary supplement, especially if you have an existing medical condition or take prescription medications.

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