What Is Nickel?

Nickel is a trace element found in the body, food, water, and environment. Important distinction: Nickel is not officially recognized as an essential nutrient for humans by major health organizations (FDA, NIH, WHO). While some animal studies suggest it may have biological functions, its necessity in human health remains unproven. Nickel is more commonly known for causing allergic reactions than for any health benefits.

What It's Used For (Potential Functions in the Body)

While not proven essential in humans, research suggests nickel may play roles in:

1. Enzyme activation - May be a cofactor for certain enzymes
2. Hormone metabolism - Particularly involving prolactin
3. Lipid metabolism - May influence fat breakdown
4. Iron absorption - Potential role in iron metabolism
5. Cell membrane stability - May contribute to membrane function
6. DNA and RNA stabilization - Possible structural role

Critical note: These functions are largely theoretical or based on animal studies. The human body can function normally without dietary nickel supplementation.

"Benefits" of Adequate Intake

Since nickel is not established as essential for humans, there are no proven health benefits from supplementation. Any potential roles are speculative:

• May support enzyme systems (unproven in humans)
• Possible trace role in metabolism (not clinically significant)

The reality: Most health concerns with nickel involve getting too much rather than too little.

Negatives and Health Risks

Nickel is primarily associated with negative health effects:

Allergic Reactions (Most Common):

• Contact dermatitis: Skin rashes, itching, redness from nickel-containing jewelry, belt buckles, watches
• Systemic nickel allergy: Dietary nickel can trigger eczema, hives, or digestive symptoms in sensitive individuals
• Affects 10-20% of the population
• More common in women than men

Toxicity Effects:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Respiratory issues (from inhalation)
• Skin reactions
• Potential carcinogen (nickel compounds; primarily occupational exposure concern)
• Kidney and liver damage at very high exposures

Other Concerns:

• May interfere with iron and zinc absorption
• Can accumulate in tissues with chronic exposure

Recommended Intake/Serving Size

There is NO established RDA or dietary guideline for nickel in humans.

Estimated typical intake:

• Average diet: 100-300 mcg/day
• Can vary widely based on diet and water source

Estimated "safe and adequate" intake (based on animal research, not official):

• Potentially 25-35 mcg/day, though this is speculative

Upper limits:

• No official Upper Tolerable Limit established
• Some research suggests keeping intake below 600-1,000 mcg/day to avoid adverse effects
• For nickel-allergic individuals: Often recommended to limit to 150 mcg/day or less

What to Take With It

You should NOT intentionally supplement nickel. There are no companion supplements recommended because supplementation is not advised.

If concerned about trace minerals in general:

• Eat a varied, whole-foods diet
• Adequate intake of other essential minerals (iron, zinc, copper) is more important

What NOT to Take With It

Since you shouldn't supplement nickel, this is more about avoiding excessive exposure:

• High-nickel foods (if you have nickel allergy)
• Nickel-containing cookware (especially acidic foods cooked in stainless steel can leach nickel)
• Contaminated water sources
• Occupational exposure without proper protection

Who Should Take It

NO ONE should intentionally supplement with nickel. There is no medical indication for nickel supplementation in humans.

Who Should Definitely AVOID It

People with nickel allergy (10-20% of population):

• History of skin reactions to jewelry or metal
• Eczema or dermatitis triggered by metals
• Systemic allergic reactions

Others who should minimize exposure:

• People with kidney disease (impaired excretion)
• Those with compromised immune systems
• Pregnant and breastfeeding women (as a precaution)
• Occupational workers with high exposure risk

Deficiency Symptoms

There are NO recognized nickel deficiency symptoms in humans because deficiency has never been documented in free-living people.

In animal studies (rats, goats, pigs), severe deprivation showed:

• Impaired growth
• Reproductive issues
• Changes in iron metabolism
• Liver abnormalities

These findings do NOT translate to human health recommendations.

Toxicity Symptoms

Nickel toxicity is much more common than deficiency:

Acute toxicity (high exposure):

• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Coughing (if inhaled)

Chronic toxicity (long-term exposure):

• Skin sensitization and dermatitis
• Respiratory problems (occupational)
• Potential increased cancer risk (primarily from inhalation of nickel compounds)
• Kidney damage
• Immunological effects

Allergic symptoms (most common issue):

• Skin rashes, eczema
• Itching, redness, blistering
• Hives
• Digestive issues in systemic allergy
• Headaches
• Fatigue

Timing and Food Considerations

This section is about MINIMIZING nickel intake for those with allergies, not supplementing:

For nickel-allergic individuals:

• Avoid high-nickel foods during flare-ups
• Spread nickel-containing foods throughout the day rather than concentrating them
• First exposure in morning may help identify triggers

Cooking considerations:

• Avoid cooking acidic foods (tomatoes, citrus) in stainless steel cookware (leaches nickel)
• Use cast iron, glass, or enamel cookware
• Avoid the first use of new stainless steel cookware (higher nickel leaching)

Food Sources (What to Avoid if Sensitive)

High nickel content:

• Chocolate and cocoa
• Nuts (cashews, almonds, peanuts)
• Legumes (soybeans, lentils, kidney beans)
• Oats and whole grains
• Canned foods (nickel from cans)
• Shellfish
• Seeds (sunflower, flax)

Moderate nickel content:

• Spinach and leafy greens
• Tomatoes
• Onions
• Corn
• Green beans
• Peas

Low nickel content:

• Fresh meats (beef, chicken, turkey)
• Fish (most varieties)
• Eggs
• Dairy products
• White rice
• Cucumbers
• Cauliflower
• Cabbage
• Potatoes (peeled)
• Apples, pears, berries

Water sources:

• Tap water can contain nickel (especially first draw from pipes)
• Let water run before drinking
• Consider water testing if concerned

Additional Important Information

Nickel Allergy Testing:

• Patch testing can identify nickel sensitivity
• Blood tests (lymphocyte transformation tests) available but less common
• Important for people with unexplained dermatitis or eczema

Occupational Exposure:

• Highest risk: welders, electroplaters, jewelry makers, battery manufacturers
• OSHA has workplace exposure limits
• Protective equipment essential in high-exposure jobs

Environmental Sources:

• Jewelry (especially cheap or costume jewelry)
• Belt buckles, zippers, snaps
• Coins
• Keys
• Eyeglass frames
• Mobile phones and electronics
• Stainless steel (contains 8-12% nickel)
• Dental appliances and implants

Cross-Reactivity:

• People with nickel allergy may react to cobalt and palladium
• Nickel in diet can worsen skin allergies

Low-Nickel Diet:

• Recommended for people with systemic nickel allergy
• Typically limits intake to <150 mcg/day
• Should be supervised by healthcare provider
• May reduce eczema flares and systemic symptoms by 30-50%

Absorption Factors:

• Absorption increases on empty stomach
• Iron deficiency increases nickel absorption
• Vitamin C may increase nickel absorption
• Calcium and coffee may decrease absorption

Gender Differences:

• Women are more likely to develop nickel allergy (possibly due to jewelry exposure)
• Hormonal factors may influence nickel metabolism

Diagnosis of Nickel Allergy:

• Dermatologist performs patch test
• Small amount of nickel applied to skin for 48 hours
• Positive reaction confirms allergy

Treatment for Nickel Allergy:

• Avoidance is primary treatment
• Topical corticosteroids for skin reactions
• Antihistamines for itching
• Low-nickel diet for systemic symptoms
• Desensitization therapy (experimental)

Bottom Line

Unlike molybdenum, nickel is NOT an essential nutrient that you should supplement or worry about getting enough of. The primary health concern with nickel is getting too much or having an allergic reaction, not deficiency.

Key takeaways:

• No proven need for nickel supplementation in humans
• 10-20% of people have nickel allergy
• Focus should be on avoiding excessive exposure, especially if allergic
• Found in many foods and environmental sources
• If you have unexplained skin rashes or eczema, consider nickel allergy testing
• A normal varied diet provides any trace amounts the body might theoretically need

If you have nickel allergy, work with a dermatologist or allergist to manage symptoms through avoidance strategies and a low-nickel diet if needed.