Nickel - An Essential Nutrient For Red Blood Cell Health
Nickel is a relatively new addition to the micromineral family.
Its exact role in humans is unclear but the available research suggests that it helps the body absorb iron, produce red blood cells and much more.
In this article I will be discussing this nutrient in greater detail and providing you with a summary of its main functions, the best food sources, the recommended daily allowances (RDAs) and the potentially adverse effects of consuming too much or too little.
1) DISCOVERY: Awareness of nickel dates back to ancient times.
However, when early miners came across this element they were confused by it because it was very similar to existing metals (such as copper) but reacted differently when exposed to heat.
This confusion was cleared up in 1751 when the Swedish mineralogist Axel Fredrik Cronstedt studied these metal ores and recognised that nickel was a new element.
2) FUNCTION: There is relatively little research available on the effect nickel has on humans.
However, it is believed to have a number of roles in the human body which include activating certain enzymes, helping the body absorb iron, promoting healthy metabolism and supporting the production of certain hormones.
On top of this nickel is thought to assist in the production of red blood cells, keep your skin healthy, promote good bone structure and support optimal growth.
3) RDA: Since there is little research available on nickel no RDA has been established.
However, most sources suggest that consuming 0.
1 milligrams (mg) per day is adequate and consuming up to 100mg per day is safe.
4) FOOD SOURCES: There is only limited research available on the concentration of nickel in foods.
However, almonds, brown beans, chickpeas, hazelnuts, oats and walnuts are all considered rich sources of this nutrient.
5) OVERDOSE SYMPTOMS: Overdosing on nickel from diet alone is almost impossible.
However, inhalation of nickel fumes can lead to an overdose for which the symptoms include high blood pressure, an increased lung cancer risk, an increased risk of infection, reduced bone development, a reduced growth rate and skin rashes.
Approximately 10% of the UK population are thought to be allergic to nickel and these people may experience the same negative symptoms listed above even when consuming low amounts of this nutrient.
6) DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS: Failing to consume enough nickel is very rare because it is required in such small amounts and currently there are no negative symptoms associated with deficiency.
Its exact role in humans is unclear but the available research suggests that it helps the body absorb iron, produce red blood cells and much more.
In this article I will be discussing this nutrient in greater detail and providing you with a summary of its main functions, the best food sources, the recommended daily allowances (RDAs) and the potentially adverse effects of consuming too much or too little.
1) DISCOVERY: Awareness of nickel dates back to ancient times.
However, when early miners came across this element they were confused by it because it was very similar to existing metals (such as copper) but reacted differently when exposed to heat.
This confusion was cleared up in 1751 when the Swedish mineralogist Axel Fredrik Cronstedt studied these metal ores and recognised that nickel was a new element.
2) FUNCTION: There is relatively little research available on the effect nickel has on humans.
However, it is believed to have a number of roles in the human body which include activating certain enzymes, helping the body absorb iron, promoting healthy metabolism and supporting the production of certain hormones.
On top of this nickel is thought to assist in the production of red blood cells, keep your skin healthy, promote good bone structure and support optimal growth.
3) RDA: Since there is little research available on nickel no RDA has been established.
However, most sources suggest that consuming 0.
1 milligrams (mg) per day is adequate and consuming up to 100mg per day is safe.
4) FOOD SOURCES: There is only limited research available on the concentration of nickel in foods.
However, almonds, brown beans, chickpeas, hazelnuts, oats and walnuts are all considered rich sources of this nutrient.
5) OVERDOSE SYMPTOMS: Overdosing on nickel from diet alone is almost impossible.
However, inhalation of nickel fumes can lead to an overdose for which the symptoms include high blood pressure, an increased lung cancer risk, an increased risk of infection, reduced bone development, a reduced growth rate and skin rashes.
Approximately 10% of the UK population are thought to be allergic to nickel and these people may experience the same negative symptoms listed above even when consuming low amounts of this nutrient.
6) DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS: Failing to consume enough nickel is very rare because it is required in such small amounts and currently there are no negative symptoms associated with deficiency.
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