The importance of boron nutrition for brain and psychological function

Boron (B) nutriture has been related to bone, mineral and lipid metabolism, energy utilization, and immune function. As evidence accumulates that B is essential for humans, it is important to consider possible relationships b etween B nutriture and brain and psychological function. Five studies condu cted in our laboratory are reviewed. Assessments of brain electrical activi ty in both animals and humans found that B deprivation results in decreased brain electrical activity similar to that observed in nonspecific malnutri tion. Assessments of cognitive and psychomotor function in humans found tha t B deprivation results in poorer performance on tasks of motor speed and d exterity, attention, and short-term memory. However, little support was fou nd for anecdotal reports that supplementation with physiologic amounts of B helps alleviate the somatic and psychological symptoms of menopause. Paral lels between nutritional and toxicological effects of B on brain and psycho logical function are presented, and possible biological mechanisms for diet ary effects are reviewed. Findings support the hypothesis that B nutriture is important for brain and psychological function in humans.