Overview

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.

Uses & Effectiveness ?

Likely Effective for

  • Preventing nickel levels in the body from getting too low (nickel deficiency). Taking trace amounts of nickel by mouth in a supplement is effective for preventing nickel deficiency.
There is interest in using nickel for a number of other purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.

Side Effects

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 and Warnings

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.

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.

Interactions ?

    Moderate Interaction

    Be cautious with this combination

  • Disulfiram (Antabuse) interacts with NICKEL

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

Dosing

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.
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CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

This copyrighted material is provided by Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer Version. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
© Therapeutic Research Faculty 2020.