Nickel
Also known as: Nickel, Ni
Overview
Nickel is a hard, silver-white metal found naturally in soil, water, and various foods, including nuts, dried beans, and chocolate. As a trace mineral, it is considered essential in some biological processes within the body, although its precise functions are not yet fully understood. Nickel is primarily used to prevent nickel deficiency and is sometimes included in multivitamin supplements. While the body requires only trace amounts of nickel, research on its specific health benefits and risks as a supplement remains limited. Most available evidence is of low quality, lacking systematic reviews and meta-analyses specifically focused on nickel supplementation. Therefore, its role in human health beyond preventing deficiency is still under investigation.
Benefits
Currently, there is no strong evidence to support specific health benefits from nickel supplementation beyond preventing nickel deficiency. Some studies have explored potential correlations between nickel exposure and health outcomes, such as diabetes risk; however, these findings are inconsistent across different studies. A meta-analysis involving 46,071 participants indicated a positive correlation between urinary nickel levels and diabetes risk, but no significant correlation was found with blood nickel levels. Overall, there is insufficient data to quantify the effect sizes or clinical significance of nickel supplementation for most potential benefits, and no specific population benefits have been well-documented.
How it works
The exact biological pathways through which nickel operates in the body are not well understood. Nickel is known to be involved in some enzymatic processes, but its precise role and molecular targets remain unclear. Research on the absorption and bioavailability of nickel in the context of supplementation is limited. Further studies are needed to elucidate the mechanisms of action and interactions of nickel with various body systems.
Side effects
Nickel is considered likely safe in small amounts, generally up to 1 mg daily, but higher doses may lead to adverse effects. Common side effects from supplementation are not well-documented. Uncommon side effects may include allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Rare side effects involve toxicity at higher doses. Disulfiram, a medication used to treat alcoholism, may decrease nickel absorption. Individuals with known nickel allergies or kidney disease should avoid nickel supplements. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should limit their intake to less than 1 mg daily to minimize potential risks.
Dosage
A minimum effective dose for health benefits beyond preventing deficiency has not been established for nickel. A daily intake of up to 1 mg is generally considered safe for most individuals. Higher doses are potentially toxic and should be avoided. There are no specific timing recommendations for nickel supplementation. Oral supplementation is the common form. Absorption factors and required cofactors are not well-studied. It is important to adhere to the recommended dosage and avoid exceeding the upper limits to prevent adverse effects.
FAQs
Is nickel supplementation beneficial for overall health?
Currently, there is limited evidence to support health benefits from nickel supplementation beyond preventing deficiency. More research is needed to determine its potential benefits.
Are there any risks associated with taking nickel supplements?
Yes, higher doses of nickel can be toxic. Individuals with nickel allergies or kidney disease should avoid nickel supplements to prevent adverse reactions.
What is the recommended daily intake of nickel?
A daily intake of up to 1 mg is generally considered safe for most individuals. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should limit their intake to less than 1 mg daily.
Does nickel interact with any medications?
Yes, disulfiram may decrease nickel absorption. Consult with a healthcare provider if you are taking any medications and considering nickel supplementation.
When should I take nickel supplements?
There are no specific timing recommendations for nickel supplementation. It is important to follow the dosage guidelines and consult with a healthcare provider.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11574963/ – This meta-analysis of 19 studies with 46,071 participants investigated the association between nickel exposure and diabetes risk. The study found that urinary nickel levels were positively correlated with diabetes risk, but no significant correlation was found with blood nickel levels. The authors noted that most studies were cross-sectional, limiting the ability to establish temporal relationships.
- https://cdle.colorado.gov/sites/cdle/files/TBI_Systematic%20Reviews%20and%20Meta-analyses.pdf – This resource provides general guidelines for conducting systematic reviews and meta-analyses. It emphasizes the importance of rigorous methodology in systematic reviews to ensure the reliability and validity of findings. While not specific to nickel, it offers a framework for evaluating the quality of systematic reviews.
- https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-1223/nickel – This WebMD article provides a general overview of nickel as a trace mineral. It states that nickel is essential in trace amounts but its precise functions are not well understood. The article also mentions that nickel is used to prevent nickel deficiency and is sometimes included in vitamin supplements.
