Nickel Deficiency - Causes, Symptoms, and Complications

Creator: Dr. Lalam Yadhidhya Rani
Published: 2023-08-18T15:25:05

4 min read

0

Share

Verified data

0

4 min read

Share

Nickel is a trace element required for the normal functioning of the human body. Nickel deficiency has its consequences. Read below to know more.

Written by

Dr. Lalam Yadhidhya Rani

Medically reviewed by

Dr. Rajesh Gulati

August 18, 2023

Contents

Share

Contents

What Is Nickel?
What Are the Uses of Nickel?
How Is Nickel Important in Human Body?
Where Is Nickel Present?
What Are the Effects of Decreased Nickel Content in the Body?
What Are the Effects of Increased Nickel Content in the Body?
What Are the Complications of Nickel Deficiency?
What Is the Nickel-Rich Diet?

Introduction

Nickel is a mineral that is available in a silvery white form which is used in making coins, used in various engines as it can prevent corrosion even at higher temperatures, and also used in making wires, pipes, etc. Nickel is a trace element that is found in various daily consumed food and is required for the body to maintain certain functions. Nickel proteins like urease are present in beans. In animals, nickel helps in digestion. An increase or decrease in the nickel content can lead to various disturbances in the normal functioning of the body and hence it is important to balance the constituents of the food and consume.

What Is Nickel?

Nickel is a trace mineral element whose nutritional value was not recognized until the 1900s. This is true of the fact that the requirement of nickel in the body is very little to gain the maximum benefits the mineral provides. Nickel is usually available on the earth and can be mined in its pure form. It is a chemical metallic element located in the section of transitional metals in the elements of the periodic table.

What Are the Uses of Nickel?

The world population usually consumes 90 to 361 micrograms of nickel every day. The value of the benefits of consuming nickel is higher than the amount of element required per day. Nickel also helps the body to absorb iron which maintains many body functions. Iron is essential to maintain the quality of the blood that is supplied to every organ in the body to maintain its functionality.

How Is Nickel Important in Human Body?

Nickel plays a major role in maintaining the health of an individual as follows:

Preventing anemia.
Increases the strength of bones.
Nickel is present in the genetic material of the body which helps in breaking glucose.
Creates energy for carrying out daily activities.
Production of enzymes initiating chemical reactions.
Development of nucleic acids.
Promotes metabolism of hormones, lipids, and glucose.
Maintaining the stability and integrity of the genetic material.

Where Is Nickel Present?

Nickel which is essential for body nutrition is found in foods available for daily consumption. Plant-based food such as nuts, beans, peas, and grains are a plentiful source of nutrition. Also, foods prepared in cookware made of stainless steel can absorb a higher amount of nickel than initially contained. Fish, oatmeal, and chocolate show a higher content of nickel. Smoke from cigarettes also contains a great amount of nickel which is harmful. Handling coins also lets nickel be absorbed through the skin.

What Are the Effects of Decreased Nickel Content in the Body?

When the level of nickel is less than the required amount in the human body, it causes nickel deficiency. It is a rarely occurring condition, which when occurs can be extremely dangerous. Nickel deficiencies usually develop in the following people suffering from:

Kidney problems.
Vitamin B6 deficiency.
Cirrhosis of the liver.

Once the person is detected with nickel deficiency, the following are the symptoms observed.

Severe allergic reactions.
Urinary tract infections.
Skin rashes.
Inflammation of the liver.
Inflammation of lungs.
Paralysis.

What Are the Effects of Increased Nickel Content in the Body?

Nickel plays an important role in nutrition, keeping in mind the very benefits of nickel there are chances of consumption of higher amounts of nickel and increased content of nickel shows several side effects, which makes the body toxic resulting in the following conditions:

Allergic reactions.
High red blood cell counts.
Digestion problems.
Lung cancer.
Kidney failure.

To avoid all health conditions, it is essential to maintain the balance in the diet consumed.

Higher content of nickel can be avoided by eliminating jewelry containing nickel as well. Individuals allergic to nickel should be careful to avoid foods that are rich in nickel content.

Nickel can play a very important role in nutrition, but too much nickel can have severe side effects. High nickel levels that become toxic often result in allergic reactions, digestion problems, high red blood cell counts, kidney failure, and potentially, lung cancer. For these reasons, it is very important to incorporate a healthy and balanced diet into a daily routine. High nickel levels can be avoided through the elimination of nickel-containing jewelry as well. Individuals who suffer from nickel allergies need to be particularly careful to avoid nickel-rich foods.

What Are the Complications of Nickel Deficiency?

Usually, nickel necessity of the human body is supplied through food intake. However, there are the following conditions, which cause deficiency of nickel.

Excessive sweating.
Stress.
Intestinal malabsorbtion.
Liver cirrhosis.
Chronic renal failure.

Such conditions can lead to complications such as

Liver failure.
Reproductive problems.
Growth problems.
Worsening the pre-existing anemia (drastic decrease in the level of hemoglobin in blood).
Discoloration of skin.

What Is the Nickel-Rich Diet?

Few researchers state that nickel is essential in the amount of 500 micrograms/kg and few say there is no established value for the intake. It is also important to be careful about the source of nickel intake. It is preferred only through food. Nickel is usually present in seeds, grains, seafood, and also in buckwheat. Tomatoes, cabbage, and legumes like beans are a source of nickel as well. There is no established recommended intake. The amount of nickel present in the foods mainly is based on the amount of nickel present in the soil in which they are grown. It can also be noted that chocolate is also among the main sources of nickel. Greater amounts of nickel are found in hydrogenated vegetable oils as they are produced by using nickel.

Conclusion

Nickel plays an important role in metabolism and therefore is an essential element. Very minor requirement of nickel of an amount less than 500 micrograms per kilogram. In the present state of knowledge, deficiency of nickel in human beings and animals can be excluded considering the rareness of the deficiency of nickel but at the same time necessary to avoid deficiency of nickel as it has a great impact on the body's metabolism. Well after 25 years when the essentiality of certain elements was discovered as the trace elements of less importance, in which nickel was also involved are now a necessary feed additive. It is essential to keep a check on the symptoms of the deficiency and get the treatment done.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can a Low-Nickel Diet Result in Deficiency?

A low-nickel diet is unlikely to result in nickel insufficiency for most people, as the human body only requires small amounts of nickel. Nickel insufficiency is uncommon, and the average diet offers adequate nickel consumption. Individuals with certain medical problems that affect nickel absorption are commonly at risk.

2. Who Is at Risk for Nickel Deficiency?

Nickel insufficiency is an uncommon condition, and the general population is usually not at risk due to enough nickel intake in their diet. However, individuals with certain medical conditions, like diseases of the gastrointestinal tract or malabsorption concerns, are more prone to nickel deficiency. In this case, long-term administration of nickel injections without adequate nickel supplements can also be risky.

3. Is It Normal to Have Nickel Deficiency?

Nickel insufficiency is uncommon, and the general population is usually not at risk due to enough nickel intake in their diet. Individuals with certain medical conditions, such as gastrointestinal diseases or malabsorption concerns, may be particularly susceptible to nickel deficiency. Prolonged parenteral feeding without adequate nickel supplementation is risky.

4. What Medical Disorders Might Lead to Nickel Malabsorption?

- Conditions like celiac disease, an autoimmune condition affecting the small intestine, can cause nickel malabsorption.

- Other conditions like Crohn's and inflammatory bowel disease can also affect nickel absorption.

- Surgical treatments, like gastric bypass surgery, can lead to nickel malabsorption due to the altering of the digestive system.

5. Can Nickel Deficiency Be Diagnosed Based Just on Symptoms?

Nickel deficiency is difficult to diagnose based purely on symptoms, which are common and often overlap many other medical disorders. Hence, laboratory tests that measure nickel levels in blood or urine are often required for an accurate diagnosis. Also, a consultation with a medical professional is required to evaluate symptoms, run relevant tests, and diagnose the underlying reason for nickel insufficiency.

6. Are There Any Supplements for Nickel Deficiency?

No specialized nickel supplements are available because nickel is rarely supplemented directly. A well-balanced diet with nickel-rich foods like nuts, seeds, and whole grains can help solve the potential problems. If a nickel shortage is identified, speaking with a healthcare expert for guidance is essential, as self-medication can be harmful.

7. How Does Nickel Deficiency Affect the Skin?

Nickel deficiency is a commonly seen condition, and so the effects on the skin are unknown. However, excessive nickel exposure, rather than deficiency, has been associated with allergic reactions and dermatitis in sensitive people. So, it is often recommended to consult a dermatologist in case of any skin-notable condition.

8. Can Nickel Deficiency Affect Cardiovascular Health?

In theory, the immediate effect of a nickel shortage on cardiovascular health needs to be studied more. While nickel is a trace element involved in numerous physiological processes, more research is required to discuss its effect on the cardiovascular system specifically. However, maintaining a well-balanced diet rich in important nutrients is critical for cardiovascular health.

9. Are Some Groups More Prone to Nickel Deficiency?

Nickel insufficiency is uncommon, and there is minimal evidence that certain populations are predisposed to it. Individuals with specific gastrointestinal disorders, such as celiac disease or inflammatory bowel disease, may be at a higher risk due to poor nickel absorption. Overall, nickel deficiency is uncommon, and a diverse and balanced diet is critical for preventing nutrient imbalances in all population groups.

10. What Is the Recommended Daily Consumption of Nickel?

Nickel is not considered an essential nutrient hence, there is no recommended daily intake. Nickel can be found in tiny levels in many foods, and a well-balanced diet provides an ideal quantity for most individuals. Excessive nickel intake, on the other hand, can be harmful. Thus, avoiding long-term exposure to high levels from sources like contaminated water or industries is important.

11. Is It Possible to Prevent Nickel Deficiency with Food Alone?

The first step for preventing nickel deficiency is to eat a well-balanced diet that includes nickel-rich foods such as nuts, seeds, and whole grains. However, because nickel deficiency is uncommon and poorly studied, most people get adequate nickel from various meals.

12. How Can Nickel Deficiency Affect Mental Health?

Nickel deficiency has a limited role in neurological function hence, its direct impact on mental health is uncertain. However, an imbalance in trace elements, mainly nickel, may lead to mental health issues, and because of this, it is important to emphasize eating a well-balanced diet.

13. Are There Any Drugs That Might Induce Nickel Deficiency?

Certain drugs, like proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), may affect nickel absorption in the gastrointestinal system, leading to a decrease in nickel levels. Here, prolonged usage of PPIs (proton pump inhibitors) can increase stomach acidity and affect the absorption of trace elements, such as nickel. For this reason, people on long-term PPI therapy or other drugs should consult with their healthcare physician about the possibility of nutrient interactions to know about nickel deficiency.

14. Can Excessive Sweating Cause Nickel Deficiency?

Excessive sweating may contribute to nickel deficiency since sweat contains trace amounts of nickel. Individuals who sweat excessively, especially in hot and humid conditions, may lose more nickel through sweating. Maintaining a well-balanced diet rich in nickel-containing foods can help compensate for possible damages in individuals who sweat excessively.

15. How Does Nickel Affect the Immune System?

Nickel is known to have immunomodulatory properties, which influence immune system responses. Excessive nickel exposure can trigger allergy reactions and hypersensitivity responses, affecting immunological function. However, more investigation is needed to fully understand the fine interactions of nickel with the immune system and its effect on overall health.

16. Can Nickel Deficiency Be Reversed?

Yes, nickel deficiency can be reversed if confirmed by laboratory tests. This is often cured by incorporating nickel-rich foods into the diet. A well-balanced diet and a varied diet high in nuts, seeds, whole grains, and certain vegetables can help restore the nickel levels in the body.

Sources

Dr. Rajesh Gulati

Family Physician

Rate this article

Tags:

nickel deficiency

Do you have a question on

nickel deficiency

Ask a doctor online

*guaranteed answer within 4 hours

Disclaimer: No content published on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice or treatment by a trained physician. Seek advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with questions you may have regarding your symptoms and medical condition for a complete medical diagnosis. Do not delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read on this website. Read our Editorial Process to know how we create content for health articles and queries.