Boron and citrate are not the same. Boron is a chemical element with the symbol B and atomic number 5. It is a metalloid, meaning it has properties of both metals and nonmetals. Boron is found naturally in the environment in the form of boric acid, borax, and other minerals. Citrate is a salt or ester of citric acid, a weak organic acid that occurs naturally in citrus fruits. Citrate is used as a flavoring agent, preservative, and chelating agent in foods and beverages. It is also used in medicine as an anticoagulant and alkalinizing agent.