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Nickel chelate

Also known as: Nickel chelate, Nickel complexes, Nickel-organic complexes, Nickel glycinate, Nickel sulfate chelate

Overview

Nickel chelate refers to a chemical complex where nickel ions are bound to organic ligands, such as glycinate or sulfate, to improve its stability and absorption. Nickel is a trace element naturally found in foods like nuts, legumes, and grains. While chelation generally enhances the bioavailability of metal ions, nickel chelate supplements are rarely used for human nutritional supplementation. This is primarily due to nickel's limited essentiality in humans and its well-documented role as a common allergen and toxicant at higher doses. Most research on nickel focuses on its potential to cause allergic reactions, such as contact dermatitis and systemic nickel allergy syndrome (SNAS), or its toxicity, rather than its benefits as a supplement. There is a significant lack of high-quality clinical research, including randomized controlled trials or meta-analyses, specifically investigating the effects of nickel chelate supplementation in humans.

Benefits

There is no robust evidence to support health benefits of nickel chelate supplementation in humans. Nickel is not recognized as an essential nutrient for humans, and its biological role, if any, is minor and poorly defined. Research primarily investigates nickel in the context of hypersensitivity reactions (nickel allergy) and toxicity, rather than any beneficial effects. Consequently, no established benefits have been identified for any specific population, and clinical trials demonstrating positive outcomes from nickel chelate supplementation are absent. The primary concern with nickel exposure, including through chelated forms, remains its potential to trigger allergic responses in sensitized individuals.

How it works

Nickel's mechanism of action in the human body is not well-defined, particularly concerning any beneficial roles. While nickel can act as a cofactor for certain enzymes in microorganisms and plants, it has no established essential biological role in humans. Instead, nickel is primarily known for its ability to provoke immune hypersensitivity reactions, specifically Type IV delayed hypersensitivity. Nickel ions can bind to various proteins within the body, modifying their structure and subsequently triggering an immune response in individuals who are sensitized to nickel. Although chelation generally aims to increase metal ion absorption and bioavailability, overall nickel absorption in humans remains low and variable.

Side effects

Nickel is a well-known allergen, and its chelated forms can cause significant adverse effects, primarily allergic reactions. The most common side effects include contact dermatitis, characterized by skin rash, itching, and erythema, and systemic nickel allergy syndrome (SNAS), which can manifest with gastrointestinal symptoms such as bloating and diarrhea in sensitive individuals. Even low oral doses, starting around 1.25 mg of nickel, can provoke systemic symptoms in sensitized individuals. Uncommon side effects involve broader systemic hypersensitivity reactions with immune activation, including an increase in IL-5. Severe systemic allergic reactions are rare but possible. Individuals with a known nickel allergy or hypersensitivity are strictly contraindicated from using nickel chelate supplements. There are no well-documented drug interactions, but caution is advised for allergic individuals. Special populations, particularly those diagnosed with SNAS or nickel allergy, should avoid any form of nickel supplementation due to the high risk of exacerbating their condition.

Dosage

There are no established dosing guidelines for nickel chelate supplementation due to a significant lack of evidence supporting its use and the potential for adverse effects, particularly allergic reactions. No recommended minimum or maximum doses for supplementation exist. In the context of allergy diagnostics, oral provocation tests typically use nickel doses starting from 1.25 mg, with 3.75 mg considered a relatively high dose compared to typical dietary intake. Given the absence of proven benefits and the considerable risk of triggering allergic responses in sensitized individuals, nickel chelate supplementation is generally not recommended.

FAQs

Is nickel chelate supplementation safe?

Nickel chelate supplementation is generally not recommended due to the high risk of allergic reactions and the lack of proven health benefits in humans.

Can nickel chelate help with nickel allergy?

No, nickel chelate exposure will likely worsen nickel allergy symptoms, as nickel is the allergen itself. It should be avoided by those with nickel allergy.

Is nickel an essential nutrient?

Nickel's essentiality for humans has not been established. Its biological role, if any, is minor and poorly defined.

What are symptoms of nickel hypersensitivity?

Symptoms include skin rash, itching, and gastrointestinal upset. In Systemic Nickel Allergy Syndrome (SNAS), systemic symptoms can also occur.

How to test for nickel allergy?

Nickel allergy is typically diagnosed through patch testing and, in some cases, oral provocation tests.

Research Sources

https://www.gavinpublishers.com/article/view/systemic-nickel-allergy-syndrome-taking-stock-of-medical-nutrition-therapy-snas-and-nutrition – This narrative review focuses on Systemic Nickel Allergy Syndrome (SNAS), detailing its diagnosis via patch testing and oral provocation tests with nickel doses starting at 1.25 mg. It highlights the immune mechanisms involved, such as Th2 responses and IL-5 elevation after nickel exposure, without mentioning any benefits of nickel supplementation.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34702756/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis investigates nickel allergy in relation to implanted endovascular devices. It confirms nickel as a common allergen causing hypersensitivity reactions in this context but does not address the topic of nickel supplementation or its potential benefits.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40611585/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis examines nickel allergy specifically in the context of piercings. It reinforces nickel's role as a major cause of contact dermatitis but provides no data or discussion regarding nickel chelate supplementation or any associated health benefits.