# NutriPhos (Calcium fructoborate)

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/nutriphos
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-04-03
**Evidence Score:** 2 / 10
**Category:** Other
**Also Known As:** Calcium fructoborate, Calcium bis(fructose) borate, Fructoboric acid calcium salt, Calcium fructose borate complex, Tetrahydrous calcium fructoborate, CFB

## Overview

Calcium fructoborate (NutriPhos) is a plant-derived boron complex in which boron is chelated to fructose and calcium, enhancing its bioavailability compared to inorganic boron salts. It delivers bioavailable boron that may support [bone mineralization](/ingredients/condition/bone-health) and exhibits antioxidant activity by reducing [reactive oxygen species](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) (ROS) in cell models.

## Health Benefits

• May reduce [reactive oxygen species](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) (ROS) levels by up to 50% at non-cytotoxic concentrations, suggesting [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) potential (in vitro evidence only)
• Provides bioavailable boron (6 mg per 220 mg serving) which may support [bone health](/ingredients/condition/bone-health) (theoretical benefit, no human trials provided)
• Acts as a controlled-release boron source without reverting to free boric acid in tissues (animal data only)
• May offer enhanced absorption via sugar-active transporters compared to inorganic borate (mechanistic evidence only)
• Demonstrates safety with no mutagenicity or genotoxicity in preclinical studies (90-day rat NOAEL: 1,200 mg/kg/day)

## Mechanism of Action

Calcium fructoborate releases ionic boron after [digestion](/ingredients/condition/gut-health), which is thought to modulate the activity of enzymes involved in steroid hormone [metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management), potentially increasing serum levels of 17β-estradiol and [testosterone](/ingredients/condition/hormonal), both of which play roles in bone remodeling via osteoblast stimulation. Boron also appears to inhibit nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) signaling, a key transcription factor driving [pro-inflammatory cytokine](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) production, which may partly explain the observed reduction in [reactive oxygen species](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) (ROS). Additionally, the fructoborate complex may interact with cellular antioxidant pathways, including superoxide dismutase (SOD) upregulation, though these mechanisms remain primarily characterized in in vitro models.

## Clinical Summary

The primary evidence for NutriPhos (calcium fructoborate) at this stage is limited to in vitro studies demonstrating up to 50% reduction in ROS at non-cytotoxic concentrations, with no peer-reviewed human clinical trials specifically on this branded form provided. General boron research in humans suggests that dietary boron intakes of 3–10 mg/day can positively influence markers of bone [metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management), including serum calcium and magnesium retention, but these findings cannot be directly extrapolated to NutriPhos without dedicated trials. The theoretical [bone health](/ingredients/condition/bone-health) benefit derives from boron's known role in modulating sex hormone levels and mineral metabolism rather than direct fracture or bone density endpoint data. Overall, the current evidence is preliminary and largely mechanistic; robust randomized controlled trials in humans are needed to substantiate efficacy claims.

## Nutritional Profile

{"macronutrients": {"protein": "Not applicable", "fiber": "Not applicable", "fat": "Not applicable", "carbohydrates": "Not applicable"}, "micronutrients": {"calcium": "Not specified", "boron": "6 mg per 220 mg serving"}, "bioactive_compounds": {"calcium fructoborate": "220 mg per serving"}, "bioavailability_notes": "Provides bioavailable boron, acts as a controlled-release boron source without reverting to free boric acid in tissues (based on animal data)."}

## Dosage & Preparation

Clinically studied dosage: 220 mg/day of calcium fructoborate powder for adults aged 19+, providing 6 mg boron, 10 mg calcium, and 191 mg fructose per serving. This equates to approximately 3 mg/kg body weight/day for a 70 kg individual. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Calcium fructoborate is generally considered safe at supplemental doses providing up to 6 mg of boron per serving, consistent with the tolerable upper intake level (UL) for boron set at 20 mg/day for adults by the Institute of Medicine. High boron intake above the UL may cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and in extreme cases nephrotoxicity, though such effects are not associated with typical supplement doses. Because boron may influence estrogen and [testosterone](/ingredients/condition/hormonal) [metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management), individuals with hormone-sensitive conditions (e.g., estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer, endometriosis) or those on hormone replacement therapy or anticoagulants should consult a physician before use. Safety data in pregnant or breastfeeding women is insufficient, and use during pregnancy is not recommended without medical supervision.

## Scientific Research

The research dossier lacks details on human clinical trials, RCTs, or meta-analyses specifically for NutriPhos (calcium fructoborate), with no PubMed PMIDs provided. Short-term human studies demonstrate tolerability at up to 220 mg/day in adults, but study design, sample size, and efficacy endpoints are not detailed. Evidence is primarily limited to in vitro [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) data via ROS reduction and animal safety studies.

## Historical & Cultural Context

No historical context in traditional medicine systems is documented for calcium fructoborate or NutriPhos. While naturally occurring fructose-borate esters are found in common dietary plants like apples, grapes, onions, and wheat, this reflects modern dietary intake rather than targeted traditional therapeutic applications.

## Synergistic Combinations

Vitamin D3, Calcium citrate, Magnesium glycinate, Vitamin K2, Collagen peptides

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What is calcium fructoborate (NutriPhos) and how does it differ from regular boron supplements?

Calcium fructoborate is a naturally occurring boron complex in which boron is bound to fructose and calcium, mirroring the form of boron found in fruits and vegetables. Unlike inorganic boron sources such as boric acid or borax, this chelated structure is believed to improve gastrointestinal absorption and cellular uptake, delivering a more bioavailable form of the mineral at a typical dose of 6 mg boron per 220 mg serving.

### How much boron does a serving of NutriPhos provide and is that dose safe?

A standard 220 mg serving of NutriPhos (calcium fructoborate) provides approximately 6 mg of elemental boron. This falls well below the Institute of Medicine's tolerable upper intake level (UL) of 20 mg/day for adults, making it generally considered safe for healthy individuals when used as directed.

### Can calcium fructoborate reduce inflammation?

In vitro studies suggest calcium fructoborate can reduce reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels by up to 50% at non-cytotoxic concentrations, likely through inhibition of NF-κB signaling and potential upregulation of antioxidant enzymes like superoxide dismutase (SOD). However, these findings are limited to cell-based models, and no human clinical trials have confirmed anti-inflammatory effects specifically for NutriPhos at this time.

### Does NutriPhos calcium fructoborate actually improve bone density?

There are no published human clinical trials demonstrating that NutriPhos specifically increases bone mineral density. The bone health rationale is theoretical, based on boron's broader role in modulating 17β-estradiol and testosterone metabolism and improving calcium and magnesium retention—processes linked to bone remodeling in general boron research. Consumers seeking bone density improvements should look for ingredients with direct fracture or DXA-scan endpoint data.

### Who should avoid taking calcium fructoborate supplements?

Individuals with hormone-sensitive conditions such as estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer, uterine fibroids, or endometriosis should exercise caution, as boron may influence circulating estrogen and testosterone levels. Those taking anticoagulants, hormone replacement therapy, or medications metabolized by cytochrome P450 enzymes should consult a healthcare provider due to potential interactions. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid calcium fructoborate supplements due to insufficient safety data in these populations.

### How does NutriPhos calcium fructoborate compare to other boron supplement forms in terms of bioavailability?

NutriPhos is a chelated form of boron bound to fructose and calcium, which may enhance absorption compared to simple boron salts like sodium tetraborate. Animal data suggests calcium fructoborate maintains boron bioavailability without converting to free boric acid in tissues, potentially offering better tolerability. However, direct human bioavailability studies comparing NutriPhos to other boron forms are not currently available.

### Does NutriPhos calcium fructoborate interact with medications or other supplements?

Limited data exists on drug interactions specific to NutriPhos, though boron supplements may theoretically interact with certain medications affecting mineral absorption or metabolism. Because NutriPhos also provides calcium, it should not be taken simultaneously with medications requiring separate dosing windows (such as tetracycline antibiotics or bisphosphonates). Consult a healthcare provider before combining NutriPhos with other supplements or medications, especially those affecting bone metabolism.

### What does the current clinical research show about NutriPhos effectiveness in humans?

Most evidence for NutriPhos comes from in vitro studies demonstrating potential antioxidant effects (reducing ROS by up to 50%) and animal research on controlled-release boron delivery. Human clinical trials evaluating NutriPhos for bone health, inflammation, or other health outcomes are limited or not publicly available. The theoretical benefits for bone density and joint health remain unproven in humans, and consumers should be cautious about claims exceeding the current evidence base.

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*Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com*
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