How is boron toxic, yet it can be supplemented?

Question

As it says in the title, I have a question regarding boron.

Disodium Tetraborate for example is used in supplements, and in chemicals such as fertilizers and cleaners etc.

Is it the quantity that you consume that makes it toxic?

In: 1

Answer 1

While there is the dosage issue, what you name sounds like a complex molecule, of multiple elements. Once you form a new molecule, it has different properties than its elements. Just like water is 2 parts hydrogen and 1 part oxygen, but you can’t use it to fuel fires, and it isn’t explosive like either of its components.