Nickel is an essential micronutrient for maintaining health in certain species of plants, invertebrates, birds and mammals, including humans.
However, nickel essentially for humans has not yet been proven. However it is indicated that nickel intake probably is in the range of 150-700 ug/day.
Nickel influences iron absorption and metabolism and may be necessary for the formation of red blood cells and platelets.
Some nickel is found in most foods, making deficiency not likely to be source of health problem in humans. However, a deficiency may develop due to excessive sweating, malabsorption, stress, chronic kidney failure and cirrhosis of the liver.
A nickel deficiency result in histological and biochemical changes in cells such as reduced iron absorption, which lead s to iron deficiency anemia. Symptoms of deficiency in animals are impaired liver function, retarded growth changes in skin color, and impaired reproductive functions.
Nickel deficiency reduces activities of dehydrogenases and transaminase, including alpha-amylase, thus affecting carbohydrate metabolism.
Deficiency of nickel
