A health care provider can treat BV with antibiotics, but BV may recur even after treatment. It also carries the risk of severe birth defects, so its recommended that any woman taking it use two methods of birth control. Most familiar to householders are boric acid and diatomaceous earth. and put their hands or other items in their mouths. What are some signs and symptoms from a brief exposure to boric acid? Vaginitis due to Candida krusei: epidemiology, clinical aspects, and therapy. NPIC is a cooperative agreement In some experiments, mice and rats were fed boric acid and borax for two years. Essentiality of boron for healthy bones and joints. , such as IUDs, implants, vaginal rings, and certain types of oral birth control that are more effective across a larger range of weights. Sex Transm Dis 1981;8:316-20. [, Mogosanu GD, Bita A, Bejenaru LE, Bejenaru C, Croitoru O, Rau G, et al. xSj0sFH$/$mI!==5Y']$Nf7py#WW0 opsBpFp4AXc8U#"M~ L G x6@6XI\]:G%wV"euiIyjU`z V0{!CnZ4y&w=m?T=PD:fir>D @G Q\}'EHrWw=I URL of this page: https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/natural/894.html. Efficacy of maintenance therapy with topical boric acid in comparison with oral itraconazole in the treatment of recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis. Talk to your endocrinologist or OB-GYN to find out if there are alternative treatment methods. A human health risk assessment of boron (boric acid and borax) in drinking water. Additional factors that may cancel out hormonal birth control include: Additionally, some options are better than others for women with higher BMIs. Van Slyke, K. K., Michel, V. P., and Rein, M. F. The boric acid powder treatment of vulvovaginal candidiasis. [, Mahabir S, Spitz MR, Barrera SL, Dong YQ, Eastham C, Forman MR. Dietary boron and hormone replacement therapy as risk factors for lung cancer in women. Regul.Toxicol Pharmacol. In: Trace elements in human nutrition and health. , typically used to help with symptoms of depression, contains ingredients which may speed up the breakdown of estrogen, rendering birth control less effective, Dr. Torres says. Boric Acid General Fact Sheet; National Pesticide Information Center, Oregon State University Extension Services. In contrast, arid regions of the worldincluding California and parts of Turkey, Argentina, Chile, Russia, China, and Peruhave higher boron concentrations [21,22]. common products. Bacterial Vaginosis - STI Treatment Guidelines - CDC red blood cell count and death. Most studies suggest that urinary boron levels correlate with boron intakes [2,4,16,17]. humans. Supplementation significantly reduced inflammatory markers. Authors of a 2011 medical review report that boric acid is a safe and economical option for people with recurrent or chronic vaginal infections, especially when conventional treatment is ineffective. When insects come into contact with boric acid, it sticks to them. Even if more research is needed, its generally better to err on the side of caution. Biol Trace Elem Res 1998;66:65-78. by decreasing the hormone levels in the blood. Australas.J Dermatol. The . Modern Nutrition in Health and Disease. There is some thought that. Join the ODS Email List. Environ Health Perspect 1994;102 Suppl 7:83-5. , leading to heart problems and other health issues. Certain oral or intravenous antifungal medications could cause your birth control pills to be less effective. [, Khaliq H, Juming Z, Ke-Mei P. The Physiological Role of Boron on Health. A human health risk assessment of boron (boric acid and borax) in drinking water. Effects of boron supplementation on bone mineral density and dietary, blood, and urinary calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and boron in female athletes. Boron is naturally found in water and foods such as nuts and vegetables. Boric Acid Activation of eIF2alpha and Nrf2 Is PERK Dependent: a Mechanism that Explains How Boron Prevents DNA Damage and Enhances Antioxidant Status. Vegetarians tend to have higher intakes of boron than nonvegetarians because boron is plentiful in plant foods [15]. Can I use boric acid suppositories while using Estrace vaginal cream? The emergency contraceptive Ella (ulipristal acetate) is most effective for women with a BMI of 30 or lessits not effective in women with a BMI of 35 or more. No data are available on adverse effects of high boron intakes from food or water [2]. Yeast infections are common and often occur in the vagina. Boric acid suppositories may be particularly useful for people whose vaginal candidiasis symptoms do not improve after an extended course of conventional treatment. Sobel JD, Chaim W. Treatment of Torulopsis glabrata vaginitis: retrospective review of boric acid therapy. Available at: www.nap.edu/books/0309072794/html/. Other anticonvulsants that can affect birth control include Tegretol (carbamazepine), Dilantin (phenytoin), phenobarbital, Trileptal (oxcarbazepine), and Lamictal (lamotrigine), among others. It is a structural component of plant cell walls and is required for plant growth, pollination, and seed formation [1]. If you are taking oral contraceptives containing ethinyl estradiol, many antibiotics may decrease its effectiveness. Beattie, J. H. and Peace, H. S. The influence of a low-boron diet and boron supplementation on bone, major mineral and sex steroid metabolism in postmenopausal women. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention . Am J Obstet Gynecol 2001;184:598-602. This article looks at 8 home remedies, including, Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. Available for Android and iOS devices. 2nd ed. BV treatment is recommended for all symptomatic pregnant women because symptomatic BV has been associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes, including premature rupture of membranes, preterm birth, intra-amniotic infection, and postpartum endometritis ( 989, 991, 1036 ). Philadelphia, PA: Lea and Febiger, 1994. Citrus, stone [. It prevents them from reproducing. [, Meacham SL, Taper LJ, Volpe SL. Benevolenskaia, L. I., Toroptsova, N. V., Nikitinskaia, O. Biol Trace Elem Res 2016;172:277-81. Doctors may recommend using boric acid suppositories in some situations. Food Boric acid and its sodium borate salts are pesticides that we %PDF-1.5 % the fact sheet on Pets and Pesticide Use for more information. Both borax and boric acid in loose powder form can be harmful if swallowed, particularly for children. Effects of boron supplementation on bone mineral density and dietary, blood, and urinary calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and boron in female athletes. 11th ed. endstream endobj 1316 0 obj <>/Metadata 138 0 R/Pages 1313 0 R/StructTreeRoot 197 0 R/Type/Catalog>> endobj 1317 0 obj <>/MediaBox[0 0 720 540]/Parent 1313 0 R/Resources<>/Pattern<>/ProcSet[/PDF/Text/ImageB/ImageC/ImageI]/XObject<>>>/Rotate 0/StructParents 0/Tabs/S/Type/Page>> endobj 1318 0 obj <>stream Wash your hands well thoroughly before eating, drinking, putting on makeup, applying cosmetics or using the toilet after using borax.. Boric acid works by. Borax is often found in dry lake beds in places like Californias Death Valley, where the water evaporated and left behind deposits of minerals. What to Know About DIY Boric Acid Ant Killer Methods | Orkin It also can irritate yourskinandeyes, and it can hurt your nose, throat, andlungsif youbreatheit in. Clin Interv Aging 2014;9:895-9. The emergency contraceptive, (ulipristal acetate) is most effective for women with a BMI of 30 or lessits not effective in women with a BMI of 35 or more. Hemodialysis effect on serum boron level in the patients with long term hemodialysis. 2023 Healthline Media UK Ltd, Brighton, UK. Thats because if you take these medicines regularly, or every day, with drospirenone, your blood levels of potassium can rise to dangerous levels, leading to heart problems and other health issues. There is no evidence that boric acid is broken down in the body. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist if you need help selecting an OTC medicine that does not contain an NSAID. Yogurt is a popular home remedy for yeast infections, and research supports its use. J Reprod Med 1991;36:593-7. Antifungals such as fluconazole and itraconazole inhibit the enzyme that is partially responsible for the metabolism of birth control pills, Dr. Torres says. Boron status is not routinely measured in clinical practice. Boron is not known to have any clinically relevant interactions with medications. CDC - BV Treatment In the 1970's and 80's, the use Fundam Appl Toxicol 1997;35:205-15. Environ Health Perspect 1994;102:83-5. Studies with workers and rats showed that boric acid can also be absorbed if inhaled. Ann Pharmacother 1993;27:1355-7. Taking laxatives or products like detox teas that increase the frequency of bowel movements can reduce the effectiveness of birth control pills. Scientists have been studying whether the compounds in borax might help your body fight conditions likearthritisor osteoporosis, but more research is needed to know if or how they might work. , a medication that blocks the chemicals that cause nausea, can interfere with birth control effectiveness. Consider getting down to your child's level to confirm after an application. The role of boron in human nutrition. For a general overview of Boron, see our consumer fact sheet on Boron. They are solid, oval-shaped capsules that a person inserts into the vagina. Bone health No clinical trials have evaluated the effects of boron on cancer prevention or treatment. hb```8Y A # cJ+ EOXv3d8v-A~ {.^_'B`=yo7ahy]i&S$";i|u@&fAy3lp:]uM@ " TPs/ p:LAADWt) N JA ! Activation of the EIF2alpha/ATF4 and ATF6 Pathways in DU-145 Cells by Boric Acid at the Concentration Reported in Men at the US Mean Boron Intake. Present Knowledge in Nutrition. The body absorbs about 85%90% of ingested boron [2,4]. J Bone Miner.Res 1994;9:171-182. They can also irritate your skin. Am J Obstet Gynecol 1981;141:145-8. J Trace Elem Med Biol 2018;45:156-62. These include insects, spiders, mites, algae, molds, University. , taken at night to help you sleep or for jet lag, may interfere with hormonal birth control, but theres not enough scientific evidence to know for sure. But if you have symptoms of BV you should be checked and treated. They [, Meacham SL, Hunt CD. Antifungal agents vs. boric acid for treating chronic mycotic vulvovaginitis. Newnham RE. The Supplement Facts label on a dietary supplement product declares the amount of elemental boron in the product, not the weight of the entire boron-containing compound. It is intended for general informational purposes and is not meant to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Limits foods and beverages higher in added sugars, saturated fat, and sodium. Hunt C. Boron. But while borax is commonly used in cleaning, b oric acid is mainly used as a pesticide. People with recurring vaginal yeast infections may benefit from using boric acid capsules. Certain oral or intravenous antifungal medications could cause your birth control pills to be less effective. Boron might be important for bone growth and formation, possibly by affecting osteoblast and/or osteoclast activity or by influencing serum steroid hormone levels and calcium metabolism [4,6,11,32]. People who have eaten boric acid have had nausea, vomiting, stomach Vaginitis: Diagnosis and Treatment | AAFP How Viagra became a new 'tool' for young men, Ankylosing Spondylitis Pain: Fact or Fiction, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), http://npic.orst.edu/factsheets/archive/borictech.html, https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/b676/98021a23ce66878a570d3013836827e59b1c.pdf, https://acaai.org/allergies/types-allergies/hives-urticaria, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21774671, https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=4d8aeba0-4848-4093-a723-1db50301d025, https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11046-017-0209-6, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4514959/, https://www.cdc.gov/fungal/diseases/candidiasis/genital/index.html, https://www.cdc.gov/std/tg2015/candidiasis.htm, New clues to slow aging? Singh S, Sobel JD, Bhargava P, et al. Women will need to use a non-hormonal backup form of birth control while taking Emend, and for one month after taking Emend. Check with your healthcare provider before taking an anti-HIV treatment alongside birth control pills. For more information about building a healthy dietary pattern, refer to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and the U.S. Department of Agriculture's MyPlate. In a small human study, boron as sodium tetraborate significantly increased plasma boron levels within 46 hours of consumption [5], but no data are available on the relative bioavailability of different forms of supplemental boron. other information on the pesticide label or any other regulatory A double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study to evaluate the effect of calcium fructoborate on systemic inflammation and dyslipidemia markers for middle-aged people with primary osteoarthritis. In some cases, fortified foods and dietary supplements are useful when it is not possible otherwise to meet needs for one or more nutrients (e.g., during specific life stages such as pregnancy).". Meacham SL, Taper LJ, Volpe SL. Consider using boric acid suppositories. The acid is available as vaginal suppositories. Biochemical and physiologic consequences of boron deprivation in humans. aches, and diarrhea. While many antibiotics dont interfere with birth control pills, some do. But if youre not feeling well, Tylenol (acetaminophen) and cold medications like Sudafed wont interact with your birth control pills. Some common side effects of boric acid use include: A person with any of the following should not use boric acid capsules: It is important to remember that boric acid is toxic. People with recurrent yeast infections may benefit most from boric acid treatment. Other medications, including Atripla, Symfi, and Symfi Lo, also contain efavirenz as an ingredient and can affect the efficacy of birth control pills. PDF Boric Acid Corrosion - Nuclear Regulatory Commission Boron has been consumed for menstrual cramps and boric acid has been used vaginally for yeast infections, but evidence is limited. For more detailed information about boric acid please visit the list of referenced resources or or call the National Pesticide Information Center, improperly labeled boric acid disinfectants were accidentally used in infant formulas. 2023 SingleCare Administrators. . can also be taken up from the soil by plants. Always follow the instructions on the medications label. The median boron concentration of drinking water in the United States is 0.031 mg/L [24]. Another 8-week study in 20 patients with mild to moderate or severe osteoarthritis found that 6 mg/day boron as calcium fructoborate for mild to moderate osteoarthritis or 12 mg/day boron for severe disease reduced joint rigidity and the use of ibuprofen for pain and increased mobility and flexibility, [31]. Do not take boric acid orally or apply it to open wounds. Boric acid and its sodium salts can be used to control a wide Eckhert CD. Volpe SL, Taper LJ, Meacham S. The relationship between boron and magnesium status and bone mineral density in the human: a review. kill plants by causing them to dry out. is eliminated in the urine within four days. of a gum soothing product containing borax and honey on pacifiers resulted in several reports of seizures in infants. In another double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial, supplementation with 6 mg/day boron (as calcium fructoborate) for 2 weeks significantly reduced knee discomfort in 60 adults (mean age 50 years) with self-reported knee discomfort [34]. generally moves evenly throughout the body. Vaginal dryness Vaginal. Women who do take pioglitazone along with birth control pills will need to use a non-hormonal backup form of birth control while taking pioglitazone, and for one month after taking pioglitazone. It moves through plants into their Guaschino S, De Seta F, Sartore A, et al. Does boric acid lessen the effectiveness of birth control? Boric acid kills insects by targeting their stomachs and nervous systems.. Bleys J, Navas-Acien A, Guallar E. Serum selenium and diabetes in U.S. adults. some on your hands and eat or smoke without washing your hands first. Boron has been consumed for menstrual cramps and boric acid has been used vaginally for yeast infections, but evidence is limited. Products that contain boric acid have been can find in nature and many products. PDF Boric Acid for Ant Problems - ucanr.edu Oral Health Prev Dent. Yeast infections are common in healthy adults. 10th ed: Wiley-Blackwell; 2012:586-607. Consumers and medical professionals who consult this monograph are cautioned that any medical or product related decision is the sole responsibility of the consumer and/or the health care professional. 2005 - 2023 WebMD LLC, an Internet Brands company. You may have heard. J Pediatrics 1953;43:631-643. Wine, cider, and beer also contain boron [8]. Ellenhorn MJ, et al. . Borax can also be irritating to the skin. inhibit the enzyme that is partially responsible for the metabolism of birth control pills, Dr. Torres says. Wallace, J. M., Hannon-Fletcher, M. P., Robson, P. J., Gilmore, W. S., Hubbard, S. A., and Strain, J. J. Boron supplementation and activated factor VII in healthy men. This could potentially lead to increased plasma concentrations of estrogen. However, it might have beneficial effects on such functions as reproduction and development, calcium metabolism, bone formation, brain function, insulin and energy substrate metabolism, immunity, and the function of steroid hormones (including vitamin D and estrogen) [1-14]. However, you must make sure the bait is moist enough to attract ants. Both pregnancy and birth control pills cause changes in the balance of hormones, especially estrogen. They are also used in outdoor residential Then I smelled it again so I took the boric acid pill like a day later.Then I started bleeding since then. Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL): Maximum daily intake unlikely to cause adverse health effects. Vaginal boric acid is not approved for use by anyone younger than 12 years old. Boric acid and borax, a sodium borate salt, can kill plants by causing them to dry out. %%EOF Areas of the world with limited boron in the soil include Brazil, Japan, and most of the United States, mainly because of high levels of rainfall, which leaches boron out of the soil [21]. / 8Yf-mD!/6Hz #xfD# s5lG%}EFrXj>K,&S!llvu/Jox*r"!BMSusP12qgq=0(b"x UUn}. Baltimore, MD: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2014:248-51. Boric acid is a chemical that's been used to treat some types of vaginal infections. [, Murray FJ. Try searching for what you seek or ask your own question. sodium borate salt, stops plants from producing the energy they need 1984;55:64-67. Clin Infect Dis 2002;35:1066-70. Always talk with your doctor about birth control interactions before taking new medications, including vitamins or over-the-counter medications. We comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information. [, Anderson RR. Washington, DC: National Academy Press, 2002. This can occur in toddlers wearing diapers. Too much yeast can cause an infection. Osteoarthritis Pham TAV, Phan ND. Heres what the experts recommend. The following details what can interfere with birth control pills and their effectiveness. Preliminary evidence suggests that dietary boron intake might affect cancer risk. Can diet help improve depression symptoms? acid or borax causes cancer was found. bleeding disorder, infections, birth control, boric acid, doctor, yeast infection, bacterial, bleeding. Boron. our disclaimer | Contact us | About NPIC | En espaol. Sodium metaborate, another Additional research is needed to determine whether boron supplementation affects bone health in humans. This acid-reducing medication is less effective when combined with certain food and drinksbut that doesnt mean you have to cut out caffeine entirely. Boric acid medications are usually affordable. In addition, a low-boron diet (0.25 mg boron/2,000 kcal) might elevate urinary calcium and magnesium excretion and lower serum concentrations of estrogen in postmenopausal women [8,29]. Before you take any new medication, consult with your healthcare provider or pharmacist about drug interactions to see if the medication could interfere with your birth control pills. Geneva, 1996. Exposures TRC and all associated names and service marks including TRC are restricted and reserved for Therapeutic Research Center use. In: A. Catharine Ross BC, Robert J. Cousins, Katherine L. Tucker, Thomas R. Ziegler, ed. These findings suggest that boron, particularly as calcium fructoborate, might hold promise for reducing osteoarthritis symptoms, but confirmation is needed from additional controlled trials. applied in places out of children's reach. Food Labeling: Revision of the Nutrition and Supplement Facts Labels. For example, in a case control study of 763 women with lung cancer and 838 healthy women, those in the lowest quartile of boron intake (less than 0.78 mg/day) had almost twice the risk of lung cancer of those in the highest quartile (more than 1.25 mg/day) [44]. How to prevent birth control ineffectiveness, If you forget to use a backup method, you can take over-the-counter, as soon as possible after unprotected sex, up to five days after intercourse. Over-the-counter antihistamines are not all the same. Thats because your body doesnt have the chance to fully absorb the medicationso if you use medications or supplements that speed up the passage of waste from your intestines, its a good idea to use a backup method of contraception like condoms. much is directly absorbed in the lungs and how much is cleared from the lungs and swallowed. Because boric acid needs time to build up in their bodies, it can take a few days or more to start working. Recurrent Bacterial Vaginosis Treatment - Why Does My BV - Prevention Front Biosci (Schol Ed) 2011;3:205-15. Dietary boron, brain function, and cognitive performance. [, Dessordi R, Spirlandeli AL, Zamarioli A, Volpon JB, Navarro AM. There are several types of supplements that could interfere with birth control. NPIC fact sheets are designed to answer questions that are commonly Am Fam Physician 2000;61:3306-12, 3317. It is not known whether vaginal boric acid passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Boric acid is made from the same chemical compound as borax and even looks like it. It prevents them from reproducing. Read our guide to vaginal suppositories here. [, Kim MH, Bae YJ, Lee YS, Choi MK. Studies with workers breathing borax showed no long-term respiratory effects. Insert the applicator gently into the vagina. In a small pilot study that compared 6 mg boron per day for 8 weeks with placebo, the supplements reduced symptoms of osteoarthritis in 20 participants younger than 75 years (mean age about 65 years) [33]. http://npic.orst.edu. Other anticonvulsants that can affect birth control include Tegretol (carbamazepine), Dilantin (phenytoin), phenobarbital, Trileptal (oxcarbazepine), and Lamictal (lamotrigine), among others. Yeast infections can become resistant to . Successful use of boric acid to control azole-refractory Candida vaginitis in a woman with AIDS. 8th ed. 1995;22:221-230. Boric Acid General Fact Sheet - Oregon State University Pflugers Arch 2008;456:671-7. If borax powder gets in your eyes or on your skin. If you forget to use a backup method, you can take over-the-counter emergency contraception as soon as possible after unprotected sex, up to five days after intercourse. 1 Most women have at least one episode of vaginitis during their lives, 2 making it the . Fruits of Warm Climates, Julia F. Morton, 1987 Lemon p. 160 - 168. Environ Res 2019;171:60-8. Boric acid affects animals in a similar way. What boric acid suppositories treat. Includes a variety of vegetables; fruits; grains (at least half whole grains); fat-free and low-fat milk, yogurt, and cheese; and oils. Boric acid vaginal suppositories. requirements, nor does it necessarily reflect the position of the What are some natural treatments for toddlers with a yeast infection? Ellenhorn's Medical Toxicology: Diagnoses and Treatment of Human Poisoning. It is important that you take all of the medicine prescribed to you, even if your symptoms go away. Aysan E, Idiz UO, Elmas L, Saglam EK, Akgun Z, Yucel SB. However, long-term ingestion of boric How might I be exposed to boric acid? A doctor can advise about the best dosage and how long to use the medication. But my boyfriend and I had unprotected sex after. There are over five hundred products with boric acid sold Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology, Printable Healthy Grocery Shopping List & Guide, Diet Myth or Truth: I Don't Need to Worry About Sodium, 10 Most Tempting Salty Foods: French Fries, Pretzels, Pasta Sauce, and More. More research is needed to understand the effects, if any, of boron on cancer. Aid instructions on the product label carefully. To use the sharing features on this page, please enable JavaScript. Boron is present in foods and beverages as inorganic borates as well as mono- or di-sugar-borate esters, such as calcium fructoborate [14,15]. [, Nielsen FH, Stoecker BJ. Sodium metaborate, another sodium borate salt, stops plants from producing the energy they need from light. Boric acid is a crystalline material made from borax. Above pH 10 the metaborate anion dominates the solution. Tracleer (bosentan) is a medication used to treat people who have high blood pressure of the lungs. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. J Am Coll.Health Assoc 1981;30:107-109. , as an example, was shown to compromise effectiveness. Anti-nausea medications Research shows that Emend (aprepitant), a medication that blocks the chemicals that cause nausea, can interfere with birth control effectiveness. , often taken to boost immune function, can interact with birth control as well, Dr. Torres says. To treat a Candida infection, the CDC recommend using vaginal suppositories containing 600 mg of boric acid each. registered for use in the United States since 1948. Boric acid is practically non-toxic to birds. is a supplement that people take to help with symptoms of depression, insomnia, or anxiety. What happens to boric acid in the environment? Children may be especially sensitive to pesticides, Oregon State Severe cases of Can boric acid affect birds, fish, and other wildlife? When they clean themselves, they ingest it. Townsend Lett Doctors 1990;360-362. This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions. Biol Trace Elem Res 1998;66:193-204. Boric acid is practically non-toxic to frogs and toads and aquatic life, such as waterfleas. It is generally safe to use boric acid supplements that have been labeled as so. 2010: Boric Acid for Ant Problems, page 2 <month year> Reissued 2020-03-01 2 of 2 "A thin layer of boric acid dust, widely spread, will be more effective than clumps of dust. Water contains boron, but the concentration varies considerably by source [19]. Women will need to use a non-hormonal backup form of birth control while taking Emend, and for one month after taking Emend. Under some conditions such as when the immune system is weak or when hormones change during pregnancy the yeast may multiply and cause an infection. J Dairy Sci 1992;75:3050-5. Boric acid is effective in eliminating a variety of pests, including ants. Additionally, some options are better than others for women with higher BMIs.