Abstract
PurposeExperimental evidence suggests positive effects of boron on health and metabolism, but human data are still scarce. We aimed to identify dietary and cardio-metabolic correlates of plasma boron concentrations in the general population.MethodsIn a community-based sample (n = 899, 57% men, mean age 61 years), plasma boron (median [IQR]: 33.80 µg/L [25.61; 44.65]) concentrations were measured by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. Overall (PDI), healthy (hPDI), and unhealthy (uPDI) plant-based diet indices were derived from a validated food frequency questionnaire. Reduced rank regression (RRR) yielded a dietary pattern explaining 30% of the variation of circulating boron. Cross-sectional associations of dietary indices and cardio-metabolic traits with plasma boron concentrations were assessed using multivariable-adjusted linear regression analysis.ResultsThe RRR pattern was characterized by high intake of fruits, nuts/seeds, tea, wine and low intake of e.g. bread, poultry, processed meat, chocolate/sweets, and soft drinks. 10-point increments in PDI, hPDI, and uPDI were associated with 8.7% (95% CI: 4.2; 13.4), 10.4% (95% CI: 6.6; 14.3), and −8.8% (95% CI: −12.1; −5.4) change in plasma boron concentrations, respectively. Age and phosphate were directly, while BMI, plasma lipid concentrations, and CRP were inversely associated with circulating boron. Plasma boron concentrations were higher in summer vs. winter, in individuals taking vs. not taking antihypertensive medication, and in individuals with high or medium vs. low education level.ConclusionHigher plasma boron concentrations appeared to associate with a healthier diet, were related to lower BMI and a more favorable cardio-metabolic risk profile, and showed seasonal variations.
Highlights
Boron is a trace element, which is widely distributed in nature and mainly occurs in the form of borates or organoboron in soil, rocks, and water [1, 2]
Individuals in the highest compared to lower tertiles of plasma boron concentrations had a lower body mass index (BMI), a higher level of physical activity, and were less likely current smokers (Table 1)
Plasma boron concentrations were inversely related to BMI, CRP, and plasma lipid concentrations and directly related to age and plasma phosphate concentrations. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) showed a U-shaped association with circulating boron
Summary
Boron is a trace element, which is widely distributed in nature and mainly occurs in the form of borates or organoboron in soil, rocks, and water [1, 2]. Human exposure to boron primarily occurs through oral intake of drinking water and food [1, 3,4,5], with a boron-rich diet being characterized by high consumption of fruits, vegetables (leafy), nuts,. Dietary boron intake varies widely depending on the proportions of fiber and proteinrich plant foods consumed and concentrations of boron in the soil and in drinking water [3,4,5]. A diverse, plant-foodrich diet is estimated to provide about 1.5–3.0 mg/day of boron, while reported values for the intake of dietary boron in the European Union range between 0.8 and 1.9 mg/day [4]. Boron is absorbed across the gastrointestinal tract and mucous membranes and primarily excreted in the urine [3]
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