Background

Nickel is a hard, silver-white metal found in soil, water, and foods such as nuts, dried beans, and chocolate. The body needs very small amounts of nickel.

Nickel is an essential nutrient in some chemical processes in the body. Its precise functions in the body are not well understood. Nickel is a common trace element in vitamin supplements.

People use nickel for preventing nickel levels in the blood from getting too low (nickel deficiency). It is also used for low levels of healthy red blood cells (anemia) due to iron deficiency, osteoporosis, and other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

Safety Safety definitions

When taken by mouth: Nickel is likely safe in amounts up to 1 mg daily. Taking more than 1 mg daily is possibly unsafe. Taking amounts slightly above the 1 mg level increases the chances of unwanted side effects. Higher doses are poisonous.

Special Precautions & Warnings:

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Nickel is likely safe when taken by mouth in doses less than the tolerable upper intake level (UL) of 1 mg daily. The safety of higher doses is unknown. Stay on the safe side and stick with doses less than 1 mg daily.

Children: Nickel is likely safe when taken by mouth in doses less than the tolerable upper intake level (UL). This level is based on age and is 0.2 mg daily in children 1-3 years, 0.3 mg daily in children 4-8 years, and 0.6 mg daily in children 9-13 years. Taking higher doses is possibly unsafe.

Kidney disease: People with kidney disease may not be able to tolerate nickel as well as other people. It's best to avoid nickel supplements if you have kidney problems.

Nickel allergy: People who are sensitive to nickel, including those with a history of skin rash after contact with nickel-containing jewelry, coins, stainless steel items, surgical implants, or dental appliances, can develop allergic reactions to nickel taken by mouth. These people should not take nickel supplements.

Effectiveness

Dosing & administration

Nickel is a trace mineral. Drinking water and food are the main sources of nickel exposure, with the average American diet containing about 300 mcg daily. It is also found in trace amounts in many vitamin supplements. But there is no known daily required amount of nickel. Speak with a healthcare provider to find out what dose might be best for a specific condition.

Interactions with pharmaceuticals

Disulfiram (Antabuse)

Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.

Disulfiram might decrease how much nickel the body absorbs, making nickel supplements less effective.

Interactions with herbs & supplements

Vitamin C: Vitamin C can reduce the amount of nickel absorbed from the intestine. It's not clear how important this finding is to health.

Interactions with foods

The body's ability to absorb nickel is reduced by some foods, including milk, orange juice, tea, and coffee. Also, a chemical called phytate, which is found in grains, legumes, seeds, and soy, can bind with nickel, making it more difficult for the body to absorb. But it's not clear if this is a big concern.