Nickel

Little if anything is known about the role of the trace mineral nickel in the body. It has no known specific metabolic role, but it might play a role in the activation of liver arginase and in maintaining cell membrane integrity. It is typically found with RNA. Research continues into possible roles. While the exact function of nickel in humans remains unclear, speculation of its importance has arisen from observations in lower life forms. Animal studies indicate a variety of possible deficiency symptoms.¹ These include growth retardation, impaired reproduction, and inadequate plasma glucose levels. Nickel also appears to effect the activity of calcium, iron, zinc, and Vitamin B-12.

1 Nielson FH, Other Trace Elements, in Present Knowledge in Nutrition, Ziegler E and Filer L (eds), 362.

• Air pollution
• Apricots
• Beans
• Beef
• Cabbage
• Car exhaust
• Carrots
• Cheese
• Corn
• Cucumber
• Eggs
• Fish
• Lamb
• Lentils
• Liver
• Onions
• Oranges
• Parsley
• Pears
• Peas
• Pork
• Potatoes
• Radishes
• Rye bread
• Spinach
• Tomatoes
• Whole wheat¹

1. From Newstrom H, Nutrients Catalog.

PROVEN BENEFITS:

• None known at this time.¹

1 From Newstrom H, Nutrients Catalog

UNPROVED SPECULATED BENEFITS:

• Might play a role in the activation of liver arginase.
• May help in maintaining cell membrane integrity.¹

1 From Newstrom H, Nutrients Catalog.

• It is found in cells with RNA.¹

1 From Newstrom H, Nutrients Catalog.

• Hormone imbalance
• General gland deterioration
• Blood abnormalities
• Increased blood cholesterol levels
• Decreased hematocrit
• Fatigue
• Coarse hair
• Deterioration of RNA/DNA production
• Deterioration of cell membrane integrity

UNPROVED SPECULATED SYMPTOMS

• Found in animals:
• Retarded growth
• Deterioration of growth
• Deterioration of pigmentation
• Dermatitis
• Poor reproductive performance
• Impaired liver function
• Altered use of iron, zinc, and Vitamin B-12¹

1 From Newstrom H, Nutrients Catalog.

LAB TESTS TO DETECT DEFICIENCY

• No deficiency since it is not an essential mineral.¹

1 From Newstrom H, Nutrients Catalog.

Optimal Levels

• No optimal level since little is known about its function.

Minimum Dosage

• No RDA has been established. The average daily intake is 0.17 to 0.7mg.

• Increased amounts are dangerous.
• See OVERDOSE/TOXICITY.¹

1 From Newstrom H, Nutrients Catalog.

OVERDOSE/TOXICITY

• Sore gums
• Sore tongue,
• Small red lumps on skin
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Cough
• Shortness of breath
• Low grade fever
• Chronic asthma¹

1 From Newstrom H, Nutrients Catalog.

ADVERSE REACTIONS OR SIDE EFFECTS

• See OVERDOSE/TOXICITY.¹

1 From Newstrom H, Nutrients Catalog.

INTERACTION WITH OTHER SUBSTANCES

• See UNPROVED SPECULATED SYMPTOMS. ¹

1 From Newstrom H, Nutrients Catalog.

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