Concentration of boron and other elements in human foods and personal-care products

Abstract

The element boron is ubiquitous in the environment. Comparatively low concentrations of dietary boron affect several aspects of mineral metabolism in animals and human beings. Therefore, it is appropriate to determine precisely the concentration of boron in human foodstuffs and absorbed, inhaled, or ingested nonfood substances. In this article, we report the analyzed concentrations of boron and other elements in selected foods (animal products, water, condiments, confections, fruits, tuberized roots, vegetables, cereal grains, and spices) and personal-care products (analgesics, antibiotics, decongestants, antihistamines, dental hygiene products, gastric antacids, and laxatives). We conclude that daily intake of boron usually differs considerably between any two individuals for three main reasons. First, concentration of boron in water varies considerably according to geographic source. At some locations, boron in drinking water and water-based beverages may account for most of the total dietary boron intake. Second, individual food preference greatly influences daily intake of boron. Fruits, vegetables, tubers, and legumes have relatively much higher concentrations of boron than do cereal grains or animal tissues and fluids. Third, boron was determined to be a notable contaminant or major ingredient of many personal-care products.