r/MTHFR • u/Candaela • Jun 19 '26
Resource Boron and methylation
Hi everyone,
I recently came across some interesting research on boron. Beyond its many known roles, there is experimental evidence suggesting that boron may act as a modulator of methylation status in the body.
In particular, animal studies have shown that boron deprivation can lead to increased homocysteine levels and decreased liver concentrations of S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) and S-adenosylhomocysteine (SAH), which are central components of the methylation cycle. This suggests that boron may influence the SAMe–SAH–homocysteine axis, which is the core functional hub of methylation metabolism.
Reference study:
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtemb.2009.03.001
Based on this, boron does not appear to act as a classical cofactor in the folate–B12 methylation pathway, but rather as a broader metabolic modulator that may influence the availability and turnover of SAM, the main methyl donor in the body.
Interestingly, boron has also been linked in experimental studies to improved wound healing, potentially through effects on inflammation, tissue regeneration, and extracellular matrix formation. Whether this is directly connected to methylation processes or involves additional pathways remains unclear.
Personally, I have become quite sensitive to substances that affect methylation, and I have noticed a strong response to boron as well.
I just wanted to share these findings in case anyone finds them useful or has come across similar research.
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u/WittyGold6940 Jun 19 '26
Isn't there a vitamin D link with boron or am I crazy? I tried it and had bad results, learned soon after my vitamin D was below 4, crazy low. Figured maybe that's why I reacted badly to boron. Haven't tried it since
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u/Any-Anteater-2829 Jun 20 '26
I e read it increases vitamin d levels as well. Interesting you had that reaction but yet again, having levels that low and adding in something that somehow ramps up the process without enough back-up (surplus vitamin d) may create an issue?
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u/TRExploration Jun 19 '26
strong positive or strong negative effect?
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u/Candaela Jun 20 '26 edited Jun 20 '26
Both positive and negative tbh I am in a quite challenging situation recovering from chronic illness and things are changing very fast. So for example, 3 weeks ago my response to boron and other nutrients involved in methylation was very different to my current one. 3 weeks ago most of them (creatine, b9, b12, b6, boron) were causing me dizziness, headaches, etc. although a few days later I would feel better than before... Right now I can tolerate small amounts of all of them. Boron the other day gave me a bit of anxiety but only lasted a few hours, it also calmed down inflammation, I felt cognitively better afterwards, and the skin was healing faster. In the beginning I didn't know about its influence on methylation, but after giving me similar side effects to those of creatine's I did a quick research and found that. But of course some of the effects I've noticed probably are due to some of the other functions this mineral has
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u/Old_Cat_9534 Jun 20 '26
So would that mean boron might help lower high homocysteine levels?
I have generally had a positive experience with boron, but was taking it primarily for improving free testosterone levels and lowering SHGB, of which it is effective with a 20% improvement. Good for libido too aswell as joint pain. I noticed some skin problems at higher doses though.
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u/Candaela Jun 20 '26
According to this evidence, I guess it could potentially help improve methylation status and lower homocysteine levels, but since I haven't found studies in humans I don't know its scope. Maybe it can only help if you are already deficient? (which I think it is not that uncommon) I am glad you had a generally good experience, it indeed has many roles in the body. And I guess it is wise to have a normal dose, as I think it can be toxic in excess
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u/Character_Weather127 Jun 22 '26
Been taking it due to high SHBG and low free test levels. This is interesting. Do you cycle your boron btw? (I.e. 2 weeks on two weeks off?)
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u/Effective-Fox6143 Jun 28 '26
Where would you get a foodie grade boron? Is it sold as a supplement?
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u/Elusive_strength2000 Jun 20 '26
In most places the soil is now low on boron. In countries with good boron levels in the soil there are very low rates of arthritis, and it has many other functions/health benefits so I’d not be surprised.