Dear Marla: I noticed boron in the list of ProCycle® Gold ingredients. What is boron and why is it included in your formula? K.P, San Francisco Dear K.P., Boron is an essential trace mineral found in the fruits, vegetables, and nuts we eat. Unfortunately, the typical American diet is very low in boron-rich foods. Boron is included in ProCycle® Gold, our vitamin and mineral formula for perimenopausal and menopausal women, primarily for its role in helping prevent osteoporosis. It takes more than calcium supplementation to maintain bone health. Metabolism of the calcium that helps prevent osteoporosis is dependent on the interaction of several other nutrients including vitamin D, boron, magnesium, and folic acid, all of which are included in the ProCycle® Gold formula. Vitamin D stimulates the absorption and utilization of calcium in the body. However, a constant supply of boron is needed for the kidneys to convert vitamin D into its most active form so it can do this important work. In addition, boron supplementation has also been shown to enhance or mimic the beneficial effects of estrogen on calcium metabolism. And, research shows that when postmenopausal women are deprived of boron, they excrete more calcium and magnesium in their urine and, therefore, are at a greater risk of bone loss. Boron is also important for healthy joints. Boron supplementation has been linked to significant improvement in osteoarthritis. Educating women on health care options is the personal mission of Marla Ahlgrimm, R.Ph., founder and CEO of Women's Health America. If you have a women's health care question, send it to Marla at
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