The vital roles of boron in animal health and production: A comprehensive review.

Abdelnour, S. A., Abd El-Hack, M. E., Swelum, A. A., Perillo, A., & Losacco, C. (2018). The vital roles of boron in animal health and production: A comprehensive review. Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and Biology, 50, 296–304. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtemb.2018.07.018

Key Takeaways from the Research

• Boron Supports Bone and Joint Health
  • It enhances calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium retention, helping maintain strong bones and cartilage.
  • It promotes osteoblast activity, encouraging bone formation while reducing bone breakdown.
• Plays a Role in Immune Function & Inflammation Control
  • Boron modulates inflammatory responses and affects immune cell activity.
  • It may help regulate cytokines and oxidative stress, which influence joint and tissue health.
• Influences Nutrient Metabolism & Hormone Regulation
  • Boron interacts with Vitamin D to enhance calcium absorption.
  • It may influence steroid hormone balance, which affects bone density and muscle maintenance.
• Potential Detoxification & Stress Resistance Effects
  • The review highlights boron’s role in protecting against oxidative stress.
  • In some studies, boron has been observed to help mitigate the effects of heavy metal exposure (e.g., cadmium, fluoride).

Study Methods & Scope

• Type: Review article summarizing multiple animal studies.
• Species Studied: Includes livestock, poultry, and some aquatic species, but not dogs.
• Relevance to Dogs: While dog-specific data is lacking, many mammalian biological processes involving boron—such as bone metabolism, mineral utilization, and inflammation regulation—may have similar mechanisms in canines.

Limitations & Future Research Needs

While this study strongly supports boron’s importance in animal physiology, canine-specific research is needed to determine whether dogs experience the same benefits from boron as other mammals. Since most commercial dog foods contain trace amounts of boron, there is no clear evidence that supplementation is necessary in healthy dogs.