Nickel
NICKEL is a transition metal, similar in atomic structure to chromium, manganese, iron, and copper. It is poorly absorbed when ingested and does not appear to have an affinity for any particular organ in the body, but is found throughout the tissues in minute amounts. However, toxic levels can accumulate in the adrenals, thyroid, bone, and kidneys.
Nickel activates such enzymes as arginase, trypsin, and carboxylase in the liver, and is also involved in glucose metabolism. It is an ultra trace mineral required for hormone, lipid, and membrane metabolism, as well as for basic cell integrity and for the growth of a healthy fetus. Significant amounts are found in the DNA and RNA and may act as a stabilizer of these nucleic acids.
Traces have been found in plants and animals, as well as in supplements of kelp and alfalfa. However, it is the by-product of many industries that is posing the problem of toxicity in heating fuel, cigarette smoke, superphosphate fertilizers, car exhaust, and hydrogenated fats and oils. Industrial exposure is recognized as the cause of respiratory cancers which may be the result of the antagonism between nickel and zinc. Nickel is toxic in doses of 10 mcg. and is particularly toxic when combined with carbon monoxide, producing nickel carbonyl. Hair analysis will detect body levels.
Names include: formerly known as coppernickel, Ni, and element 28.
Deficiency symptoms include: hormone imbalances, deterioration of glands/thyroid/adrenal function, deterioration of prolactin regulation, deterioration of growth and pigmentaion, blood abnormalities, decreased hematocrit, increased blood cholesterol, fatigue, coarse hair, deterioration of RNA/DNA production, and decreased cell membrane integrity. A deficiency will also affect zinc and iron metabolism producing such symptoms as cirrhosis of the liver, chronic kidney failure, excessive sweating, malabsorption problems, stress, iron-deficiency anemia as well as impaired liver function, retarded growth, changes in skin color, and reproductive problems.
Toxicity symptoms include: sore gums/tongue, small red lumps on skin, dizziness, nausea, coughing, shortness of breath, low grade fever, chronic asthma, headaches, nausea and vomiting, respiratory problems, interference with enzymes in the Krebs Cycle, skin rashes, and chest pain.
There are no known helpers or inhibitors.
