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Dietary boron, brain function, and cognitive performance

J G Penland1

  • 1United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Grand Forks, North Dakota 58202-9034.

Environmental Health Perspectives
|November 1, 1994
PubMed
Summary
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Low dietary boron intake significantly impairs brain function and cognitive performance in older adults. These findings suggest boron is an essential nutrient for human brain health and optimal cognitive function.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Nutritional Science
  • Human Physiology

Background:

  • The essentiality of the trace element boron for humans is not yet established.
  • Emerging evidence from animal and human studies suggests boron's role in mineral metabolism and membrane function.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the functional role of boron in human brain electrophysiology and cognitive performance.
  • To assess the effects of dietary boron manipulation in healthy older adults.

Main Methods:

  • Three within-subject studies were conducted with healthy older men and women.
  • Dietary boron intake was manipulated (approximately 0.25 vs. 3.25 mg/2000 kcal/day).
  • Brain electrophysiology (EEG spectral analysis) and cognitive/psychomotor performance were assessed.

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Main Results:

  • Dietary boron significantly affected EEG spectral analysis in two of three studies, showing increased low-frequency and decreased higher-frequency activity with low boron intake.
  • Low boron intake led to significantly poorer performance in manual dexterity, eye-hand coordination, attention, perception, and memory (short- and long-term).

Conclusions:

  • Boron plays a role in human brain function and cognitive performance.
  • The study provides additional evidence supporting boron as an essential nutrient for humans.