Boron vs Iron Bisglycinate

Mechanism

Boron influences calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus metabolism, likely through effects on cell membrane function and transmembrane signaling. It reduces urinary calcium and magnesium excretion, increases serum 25(OH)D and estradiol levels, reduces SHBG (sex hormone-binding globulin) thereby increasing free testosterone, and inhibits inflammatory markers (CRP, TNF-alpha) via NF-kB modulation. Boron also inhibits serine proteases and may modulate the activity of steroid hormone hydroxylases. It plays a role in bone formation by influencing osteoblast and osteoclast activity.

Standard Dosing

3-6mg daily

Timing

With meals. Often taken with Vitamin D/K stack.

Cycle Duration

ongoing

Side Effects

• Nausea at high doses
• Diarrhea
• Skin rash (rare)
• Generally very well tolerated at standard doses

Contraindications

• Estrogen-sensitive cancers (boron increases estradiol)
• Renal impairment (boron is renally excreted)

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Mechanism

Iron is essential for hemoglobin (oxygen transport), myoglobin (muscle oxygen storage), cytochrome enzymes (electron transport chain — Complexes I, II, III, IV), cytochrome P450 enzymes (drug/hormone metabolism), catalase (H2O2 decomposition), ribonucleotide reductase (DNA synthesis), and aconitase (Krebs cycle). Iron bisglycinate (Ferrochel) uses amino acid chelation to bypass the normal DMT1/ferroportin pathway, instead being absorbed intact via PepT1 transporter. This mechanism avoids the GI side effects of ionic iron (free Fe2+ generates hydroxyl radicals via Fenton reaction in the gut lumen) and is not inhibited by phytates, tannins, or calcium.

Standard Dosing

25-36mg elemental iron (as bisglycinate) daily for deficiency correction

Timing

On empty stomach or with vitamin C for absorption. Alternate day dosing (every other day) may be superior due to hepcidin cycling. Separate from calcium, zinc, tea, coffee by 2+ hours.

Cycle Duration

Until ferritin >50 ng/mL, then reassess (typically 3-6 months). Not for ongoing supplementation unless chronic blood loss.

Side Effects

• GI distress (significantly less than ferrous sulfate)
• Constipation (less common with bisglycinate)
• Dark stools
• Nausea
• Iron overload if supplemented unnecessarily

Contraindications

• Hemochromatosis
• Iron overload conditions
• Thalassemia (without documented deficiency)
• Hemolytic anemias (unless also iron deficient)
• Chronic transfusion therapy

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