A trace element with the atomic symbol Ni, atomic number 28, and atomic weight 58.69. It is a cofactor of the enzyme urease.
A mineral that may or may not be essential to humans. It is needed in trace amounts by growing chicks.
Nickel is a micromineral about which relatively little is known. Foods that provide the majority of dietary nickel often include nuts and whole grains but small amounts of nickel can be found in many foods of other food groups as well. The functions and essentiality of nickel have been difficult to establish. Potential functions include serving as a cofactor for various enzymes including urease and methlymalonlyl mutase.
A metallic element that has a minor role in human nutrition. Nickel is a mineral of which people need only trace amounts for optimal health. It is thought to be involved in the body’s use of fats and blood sugar glucose). Nickel can be found in beans, vegetables, seafood, and grains. Nickel found in jewelry is one of the most common causes of a rash called contact dermatitis. The amount of nickel found in a normal diet can vary, depending on the nickel content of the soil in which a person’s food was grown.
A trace element found in the body, nickel is believed to stimulate specific enzymes responsible for facilitating biochemical reactions. Additionally, it might contribute to the stabilization of chromosomal material within cell nuclei.
There is no known illness directly resulting from a lack of nickel. However, contact with nickel can lead to dermatitis, an inflammatory skin condition. Instances of lung cancer have been documented among employees working in nickel refineries.