A boron-based supplement called sodium pentaborate pentahydrate helped people lose about 2.3 kg (5 pounds) more than placebo over 12 weeks in a 2026 randomized trial of 177 adults with overweight or obesity, with no serious side effects reported. According to Gram Research analysis, the 1,000 mg dose showed the most benefit, though researchers emphasize these are early findings requiring larger, longer studies before clinical use.
Researchers tested a new supplement called sodium pentaborate pentahydrate (a boron compound) in 177 people with overweight or obesity over 12 weeks. According to Gram Research analysis, the highest dose (1,000 mg) helped people lose about 2.3 kg more than those taking a placebo, with no serious side effects. While these early results are encouraging, scientists emphasize this is just the first step—larger, longer studies are needed before this supplement could become a weight-loss treatment. The findings suggest boron might play a role in metabolism, but much more research is required.
Key Statistics
A 2026 randomized controlled trial of 177 adults found that sodium pentaborate pentahydrate at 1,000 mg daily produced 2.3 kg more weight loss than placebo over 12 weeks when combined with diet and exercise.
In the same trial, the 1,000 mg dose reduced BMI by 0.85 kg/m² more than placebo, with all reported adverse events classified as mild and no serious safety signals observed.
Only 116 of 177 participants (66%) completed the full 12-week trial, highlighting the importance of larger confirmatory studies before clinical recommendations can be made.
The Quick Take
- What they studied: Whether a boron-based supplement called sodium pentaborate pentahydrate could safely help people lose weight and which dose works best.
- Who participated: 177 adults with overweight or obesity (116 completed the full 12-week study). Participants were randomly assigned to receive either a placebo or the supplement at five different doses ranging from 200 to 1,000 mg daily.
- Key finding: People taking the highest dose (1,000 mg) lost an average of 2.3 kg more than those taking placebo over 12 weeks. No serious side effects were reported at any dose.
- What it means for you: This supplement may help with weight loss, but it’s still experimental. Don’t expect dramatic results—the weight loss was modest. This is early-stage research, so talk to your doctor before trying any new supplement, and don’t use it as a replacement for diet and exercise.
The Research Details
This was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, which is considered the gold standard for testing new treatments. “Double-blind” means neither the participants nor the researchers knew who was getting the real supplement versus the placebo, preventing bias. The study ran from July 2024 to January 2025 with 177 participants split into six groups: one receiving placebo and five receiving different doses of the boron supplement (200, 400, 600, 800, or 1,000 mg daily). Everyone also followed a standardized diet and exercise program for 12 weeks.
The researchers carefully tracked safety by monitoring for side effects, blood sugar problems, stomach issues, and changes in blood work. They measured weight, BMI, waist size, and various blood markers at the start and end of the study to assess both safety and effectiveness.
This was a phase 1/2 trial, which means it’s an early-stage study designed primarily to check if something is safe, with preliminary effectiveness data as a bonus. Phase 1/2 trials typically involve smaller groups and shorter timeframes than the larger phase 3 trials that come next.
The randomized, placebo-controlled design is crucial because it eliminates guessing. By comparing the supplement to placebo under controlled conditions, researchers can be confident that any weight loss comes from the supplement itself, not from the placebo effect or other factors. The 12-week timeframe allowed researchers to assess short-term safety before moving to longer studies.
Strengths: This study used rigorous methodology with proper randomization and blinding, reducing bias. The researchers carefully monitored safety markers. Weaknesses: Only 116 of 177 participants completed the full study (66% completion rate), which could skew results. The 12-week timeframe is relatively short—we don’t know if the supplement remains safe or effective long-term. The weight loss, while statistically significant, was modest (about 5 pounds for the best-performing group). The authors themselves note these are preliminary findings requiring confirmation in larger, longer studies.
What the Results Show
The 1,000 mg dose produced the most weight loss: an average of 3.1 kg (about 7 pounds) from baseline, compared to 0.8 kg (1.8 pounds) in the placebo group. This difference of 2.3 kg was statistically significant, meaning it’s unlikely to be due to chance. The 400 mg dose also showed promise with 2.6 kg weight loss, while the 600 mg dose showed less benefit (1.2 kg). BMI (a measure of body weight relative to height) also decreased most in the 1,000 mg group, dropping 0.85 kg/m² more than placebo.
All adverse events reported were mild, with no serious safety concerns at any dose. Blood tests showed no clinically meaningful changes in kidney function, liver function, or blood cell counts—all important safety markers. No participants experienced dangerous drops in blood sugar.
The weight loss occurred alongside the standardized diet and exercise program, so the supplement appeared to provide additional benefit beyond lifestyle changes alone. However, the researchers emphasize this is exploratory data that needs confirmation.
Secondary measurements like waist circumference, hip circumference, and waist-to-hip ratio showed improvements in the higher-dose groups, though the paper doesn’t provide specific numbers for these measures. Blood pressure and lipid parameters (cholesterol and triglycerides) were monitored but showed no clinically meaningful changes. Glycemic markers (blood sugar control measures) also remained stable, suggesting the supplement doesn’t negatively affect glucose metabolism.
This is the first human trial of sodium pentaborate pentahydrate for weight loss, so direct comparisons are limited. Boron is a trace mineral found in foods like nuts and leafy greens, and some previous research suggests it may influence metabolism and hormone levels. However, most weight-loss supplements in early trials show promise that doesn’t hold up in larger studies, so caution is warranted. The modest weight loss observed here (2-3 kg) is smaller than what many established weight-loss medications achieve.
The study had several important limitations: Only 66% of participants completed all 12 weeks, which could bias results if people who dropped out differed from those who stayed. The 12-week timeframe is too short to assess long-term safety or whether weight loss is maintained. The study included only people with overweight or obesity, so results may not apply to other populations. The weight loss, while statistically significant, was modest—about 5 pounds at best. The study didn’t compare the supplement to other weight-loss treatments, only to placebo. The authors themselves call these findings ’exploratory’ and emphasize the need for larger, longer phase 3 trials before any clinical recommendations can be made.
The Bottom Line
This supplement shows preliminary promise for modest weight loss (2-3 kg over 12 weeks) with no major short-term safety concerns. However, confidence in this recommendation is LOW because: (1) this is early-stage research, (2) results are modest, (3) long-term safety is unknown, and (4) larger studies are needed. Current recommendation: Do not use this supplement outside of clinical trials until phase 3 data is available. If you’re interested in weight loss, focus on proven strategies: balanced diet, regular exercise, and consulting your healthcare provider.
This research is most relevant to: (1) people with overweight or obesity seeking new treatment options, (2) pharmaceutical companies developing weight-loss medications, (3) nutrition researchers studying boron’s metabolic effects. Who should NOT rely on this: Anyone looking for a quick weight-loss solution—this supplement is not yet approved for medical use. People with kidney or liver disease should avoid until safety is established. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should avoid until studied in these populations.
Based on this 12-week trial, if the supplement works as shown, you might expect modest weight loss (2-3 kg) within 12 weeks when combined with diet and exercise. However, this is preliminary data. Realistic timeline for availability: If phase 3 trials are successful, it could take 3-5 years before this supplement might be approved and available commercially. For now, it’s only available in research settings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does sodium pentaborate pentahydrate actually help you lose weight?
Early research suggests it may help modestly—about 2-3 kg over 12 weeks when combined with diet and exercise. However, this is preliminary data from a small trial. Larger studies are needed before doctors can recommend it for weight loss.
Is the boron supplement safe to take for weight loss?
The 12-week trial found no serious safety concerns at any dose tested, with only mild side effects reported. However, long-term safety remains unknown. Don’t use it without medical supervision until larger studies confirm safety over months or years.
How much weight can you lose with this supplement?
In the trial, the highest dose produced about 2.3 kg (5 pounds) more weight loss than placebo over 12 weeks. This is modest—most people need diet and exercise changes for meaningful weight loss. The supplement appeared to provide additional benefit, not replace lifestyle changes.
When will this boron supplement be available to buy?
It’s not currently available commercially. This was an early-stage research trial. If larger phase 3 studies confirm safety and effectiveness, it could take 3-5 years before potential approval and availability, assuming development continues.
Can I take this supplement if I have diabetes or kidney problems?
The trial didn’t study people with these conditions, so safety is unknown. Boron is processed by the kidneys, making it potentially risky for kidney disease. Consult your doctor before using any new supplement, especially with existing health conditions.
Want to Apply This Research?
- If participating in a clinical trial of this supplement, track weekly body weight at the same time each day (morning, after bathroom, before eating), waist circumference monthly, and any side effects or digestive changes in a daily log.
- Users interested in weight loss should use the app to: (1) log daily diet and exercise alongside any supplement use, (2) set realistic goals (0.5-1 kg per week), (3) track energy levels and mood to monitor for side effects, (4) schedule regular check-ins with their doctor to discuss supplement safety.
- Establish a baseline of current weight, BMI, and waist circumference. If using this supplement (in a clinical trial), weigh weekly and measure waist circumference monthly. Track any gastrointestinal symptoms, energy changes, or other side effects. Monitor blood sugar if diabetic. Schedule blood work every 4-6 weeks to check kidney and liver function, and share results with your healthcare provider.
This research describes an experimental supplement that is not approved by the FDA or other regulatory agencies for weight loss or any medical use. These are preliminary findings from a small, short-term trial. Do not use sodium pentaborate pentaborate or any boron supplement for weight loss without consulting your healthcare provider first. This supplement should not replace proven weight-loss strategies including balanced nutrition, regular physical activity, and medical supervision. People with kidney disease, liver disease, diabetes, or those who are pregnant or breastfeeding should avoid this supplement until safety is established in these populations. If you experience any adverse effects, discontinue use and contact your healthcare provider immediately. Always discuss new supplements with your doctor before starting, especially if you take medications or have existing health conditions.
This research translation is published by Gram Research, the science division of Gram, an AI-powered nutrition tracking app.