The trace mineral boron is necessary for facilitating and boosting the rate of absorption for other minerals in the body-namely the mineral calcium, the mineral magnesium and phosphorus. The loss of these minerals through the urine is controlled and regulated by the mineral boron. The health of the bones is maintained by boron acting alongside the mineral calcium and the vitamin D - their combined action also prevents the onset of osteoporosis. Food sources that are rich in boron include raisins and almonds, prunes and all fruits in general. The boron content of meat and fish is very low. Boron is best supplied by diets which have plenty of fruits and vegetables, eating such foods offer the body protection against the onset of disorders like osteoporosis and osteoarthritis, as well as problems like rheumatoid arthritis. No toxic effects have been evident from the consumption of boron in amounts normally found in supplements. Though very little is known about the specific mode of action, the evidence from preliminary clinical research seems suggests that boron could possibly affect bone and joint health. The discovery of a connection between the presence of boron and a lowered loss of calcium in the urine is currently the most promising direction for further clinical research. The possibility of preventing osteoporosis could be the beneficial aspect of this discovery, however, till date the reduction in loss of calcium due to boron supplementation has only worked in most cases in people who were not getting enough magnesium through the normal diet. Boron may also have an important effect on a person’s ability to utilize energy at optimal levels and to think clearly - the specifics of this connection between boron and mental concentration is still to be studied. The most excellent food sources for the mineral boron are raisins, prunes and nuts. High levels of boron are also typically found in most fruits - other then the citruses, most vegetables and legumes. The content of boron may actually differ widely, as it is dependent on the levels of boron in the soil where the plants are normally cultivated. The boron intake of people who consume very little fruit and very few vegetables is typically less than the levels of boron found in the body of other people who consume more fruits and vegetables.