Nickel

Nickel is a trace element found widely in the environment. Good food sources include lentils, oats, and nuts.

How much do I need?

You should be able to get all the nickel you need from your daily diet.

What does it do?

Influences the amount of iron our bodies absorb from the foods we eat may also be important in helping to make red blood cells.

What happens if I take too much?

Up to 10% of people in the UK may have an allergy to nickel that causes a skin rash (dermatitis).

This is usually caused by jewellery or coins that contain nickel, but nickel in food or supplements can also cause a rash if you have this allergy.

What is our advice?

You should be able to get all the nickel you need by eating a varied and balanced diet.

If you take nickel supplements, which usually means having nickel without food and on an empty stomach, more of the nickel will be absorbed.

Therefore, if you are allergic to nickel, or think you might be, it's a good idea to avoid taking nickel supplements.

The nickel found naturally in food shouldn't cause any harm.