Does Boron Increase Testosterone? Everything You Need to Know

If you’ve been researching ways to “boost testosterone naturally,” you may have stumbled upon some information about the trace mineral boron. Some proponents claim that boron supplementation can increase testosterone levels, enhance muscle mass, improve cognitive function, and support overall human health.

But does taking boron increase testosterone, really?

At this time, it’s hard to draw any definitive conclusions because there’s little high-quality research on the subject in humans. Many of the studies out there have extremely limited sample sizes or are poorly constructed.

If you’re considering taking boron to boost your testosterone levels, it’s a good idea to stick with us as we break down the science so you can make an informed decision. Ready? Let’s get started.

Boron is a naturally occurring mineral. You’re almost certainly already receiving boron through your diet (unless you’re completely avoiding fruit and vegetables) because it’s present in many plants. Foods particularly high in boron include:

• Fruits such as raisins and peaches

• Fruit juices like prune and grape juice

• Avocados and potatoes

• Legumes like peanuts, most beans, and green peas

• Beverages such as coffee, cider, wine, and beer

Even if you aren’t eating any of these foods, you’re still almost certainly getting boron in your diet, because animals also end up with boron in their tissues and milk from the plants they consume.

Unlike some other minerals, like zinc and iron, which we know are essential for us, boron’s role in human health is murkier. We don’t fully understand how boron affects the body, and for this reason, it’s not considered an essential mineral.

Research is currently underway examining its potential benefit in a range of biological processes in the body, including:

• Aiding with bone growth and maintenance, possibly by improving vitamin D levels

• Helping with wound healing

• Supporting cognitive function

• Keeping hormones in balance

• Reducing inflammation

It’s still unclear whether supplementing boron increases testosterone levels, but a few potential mechanisms by which it may achieve this are under investigation. Before we break down the science, it’s important to distinguish between free and total testosterone.

Free vs. Total Testosterone

Testosterone is the main androgen hormone in men. Low T levels may cause problems like trouble building muscle or a low sex drive.

“Total testosterone” and “free testosterone” are two terms you may hear if you receive a testosterone blood test or if you chat with your healthcare provider about your T levels. 

Let’s clarify the difference.

• Total testosterone: The sum of all testosterone in your bloodstream

• Free testosterone: The total that’s unbound to proteins and available in a form that your tissues, muscles, or bones can use

At any given time, about 98 percent of the testosterone in your blood is bound to the proteins sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) or albumin, leaving about 2 percent “free.”

Boron and Free and Total Testosterone

One theory about how boron may increase testosterone levels is by reducing SHBG levels, which may raise free testosterone levels in the body.

Although some research suggests that high doses of boron may uncouple SHBG from testosterone, there’s still very little research available on the subject. Notably, some of these studies also found that boron led to increased levels of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which is the hormone thought to play a role in male pattern hair loss.

Another theory is that boron might play a key role in the formation of testosterone.

Boron is one of the most common ingredients in testosterone boosting supplements, many of which make emphatic claims about its effectiveness. However, these brands might be jumping the gun in terms of what we know to be true.

To put into perspective how early the research is, as of 2022, researchers were still giving boron to male goats to measure their thyroid function and fertility. This is a long way from determining whether it has any benefit for adult men in increasing testosterone.

Most of the human research on the subject to date has more specifically examined whether boron supplementation may improve bone health, at least partially by increasing testosterone levels.

For example, in a 2010 study, researchers found evidence in isolated human cells that boron may induce changes in gene expression that alter levels of estrogen, vitamin D, and testosterone. These results were in cells, though, not people, so they need to be taken with a large grain of salt.

One of the first studies in human subjects of boron on bone health is from 1987, where researchers examined the effects of aluminum, magnesium, and boron on the mineral metabolism of 12 postmenopausal women (a very small sample size).

This research team found that taking 3 milligrams per day of a boron supplement markedly increased mineral metabolism in both the seven women in the study who consumed a low-magnesium diet and the five women who consumed a diet adequate in magnesium.

Boron supplementation also reduced the amount of calcium and magnesium excreted through the urine.

Well, how about in men?

In a 2011 study, supplementation with 11.6 mg of boron resulted in a significant increase in plasma boron concentration (boron in the blood) in a very small group of just eight healthy men.

After one week, the average levels of free testosterone increased, and the mean levels of estradiol (estrogen) decreased significantly. Dihydrotestosterone, cortisol, and vitamin D levels were all elevated.

But before you run out and buy a boron supplement, it’s important to consider that much more research is needed to understand the potential benefits or harms of boron supplements. Although some very small studies suggest that it may increase testosterone or support bone health, other higher-quality studies have found no benefit.

For example, in an older study from 1994, researchers found that administering boron to 10 male bodybuilders (another very small sample size) undergoing a seven-week weightlifting program did not improve testosterone, strength, or muscle mass compared to a weightlifting program alone.

Does Boron Help With Erectile Dysfunction?

Erectile dysfunction (ED) has many potential causes, including circulation problems, hormonal imbalances, and psychological factors. There’s no direct evidence that boron helps treat ED.

Some of the processes that help you achieve an erection are dependent on androgen hormones like testosterone. In theory, if your boron status is contributing to low testosterone levels, improving your boron levels could have a positive effect on your erections. 

However, it’s important to talk to a medical expert if you’re dealing with ED instead of trying to self-diagnose the problem. You can get medical advice from a healthcare professional through Hims, and they can help you explore the best treatment options for your symptoms.

No daily recommended amount of boron has been established. It’s estimated that most people in the United States get about a milligram through their diet. Also, no guidelines for boron deficiency have been developed, as it’s still not considered an essential nutrient.

For a frame of reference, in the study where bodybuilders were given boron, researchers administered 2.5 milligrams of boron daily. The 2011 study we examined above used a daily dose of 11.6 milligrams. Most other studies have examined a dose between these marks.

Boron is available in several forms in supplements, including:

• Sodium borate

• Sodium tetraborate

• Boron amino acid chelate

• Boron ascorbate

• Boron aspartate

• Boron citrate

• Boron gluconate

• Boron glycinate

• Boron picolinate

• Calcium fructoborate

Research comparing the bioavailability of these forms (aka how well each is absorbed by the body) is lacking. 

With all that in mind, there is no specific guidance on how much boron to take per day to support or increase testosterone levels.

Boron is safe at the doses you can realistically achieve through your diet, but excessive intake through supplements can lead to:

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Diarrhea

• Skin rash

• Seizures

The upper daily limit has been set as 20 mg. This represents the maximum daily intake unlikely to cause adverse effects in most people.

It’s a good idea to talk to your healthcare provider before starting any new supplements, especially if you:

• Have kidney disease

• Have a hormone-sensitive condition, such as prostate cancer

• Are undergoing treatment for another medical condition

Boron supplementation is also under investigation for its potential effect on important roles in your body, such as whether it can:

• Keep your bones strong by increasing the regeneration of new bone tissue and preventing osteoporosis

• Prevent vitamin D deficiency and improving vitamin D bioavailability

• Help reduce cancer risk

• Help reduce osteoarthritis symptoms

• Support  brain development and cognitive performance

• Improve wound healing

While many supplements claim to be able to boost your testosterone levels, evidence surrounding many of these supplements is lacking. If you suspect your testosterone levels may be low, it’s a good idea to talk to your healthcare provider. 

Through Hims, you can schedule a medical consultation to get a testosterone testing kit sent directly to your home and discuss treatment options online with a licensed healthcare provider.

Making some lifestyle changes may help you increase your testosterone levels. These include:

• Exercising regularly, especially focusing on strength training

• Getting enough sleep

• Maintaining a healthy weight

• Eating a balanced diet filled with nutrient-dense foods

• Managing stress

• Limiting alcohol

Learn more about how to increase testosterone in our guide.

Boron is a trace mineral naturally found in the soil and many foods you eat. Natural sources of boron include fruits and vegetables like raisins and fruit juices. It’s currently not considered an essential mineral, but it appears to potentially play roles in human health, such as helping with bone health or hormonal health.

There’s currently limited research to suggest that boron supplementation may increase your testosterone levels. Most of the current research has been performed on animals, lacks a placebo group, or has flaws in its design. 

If you do decide to take a testosterone supplement, it’s a good idea to stick to a boron intake below the daily upper limit of 20 milligrams per day.

If you believe you may have low testosterone, it’s a good idea to talk with your healthcare provider, who may recommend treatments such as testosterone replacement therapy.

You can talk to a healthcare provider about hormonal or other issues through Hims. You can also check out our at-home testosterone kits that allow you to measure your testosterone levels and have them assessed by a licensed professional without the need for a visit to an in-person clinic.