Tag: Dietary nickel

According to studies, plant-based foods, particularly legumes and nuts, are often among the highest in nickel content due to the metal being absorbed from the soil during growth. This can be a significant concern for individuals with a nickel allergy or systemic nickel sensitivity, where ingesting foods with high levels of this metal can trigger adverse reactions.

Trace amounts of the mineral nickel are present in nearly all natural foodstuffs, but studies and dietary guides consistently list citrus fruits like oranges and lemons as typically low in nickel content. For individuals with a nickel allergy, it is crucial to understand that while citrus fruits are not inherently high in this metal, they can still sometimes cause reactions.

An estimated 11.4% of the population worldwide suffers from a nickel allergy, making nickel exposure a significant health concern for many. While most people associate nickel with jewelry and metal objects, it is also a naturally occurring trace element in many foods, including the form nickel sulfate. For sensitized individuals, consuming high-nickel foods can trigger a systemic allergic reaction that manifests as dermatitis and other symptoms.

Studies show that apples are generally considered a low-nickel fruit, containing only trace amounts of the mineral absorbed from the soil. This makes them a suitable choice for most people, including those with nickel sensitivity, though individual reactions can vary.

Trace amounts of nickel are present in nearly all natural food products, with concentrations often varying significantly by region and soil composition. Individuals with systemic nickel allergies frequently need to navigate which common ingredients are high or low in this metal, making the question, 'is cinnamon low in nickel?', a common concern.

For those with systemic nickel allergy syndrome (SNAS), studies have shown that a low-nickel diet can significantly improve chronic dermatitis symptoms. However, the exact duration of a low nickel diet depends on a patient's individual response, symptom severity, and medical supervision.

According to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), cereal and grain products are a major contributor to dietary nickel exposure, and oats are frequently cited as containing higher-than-average amounts of the trace metal. This is an important consideration for individuals with systemic nickel allergy syndrome (SNAS), a condition where ingesting nickel can trigger an inflammatory response.

According to a 2022 BfR MEAL Study, cocoa powder had one of the highest average nickel contents of commonly consumed foods in Germany, at 11.1 mg/kg. This raises an important question for consumers: does cacao contain nickel, and if so, how does it get there?

According to a 2025 study, cocoa powder has one of the highest nickel levels among all tested foods, at 11.1 mg/kg. The answer to "is chocolate high in nickel?" is yes, particularly dark chocolate and products with high cocoa content. This is a key concern for individuals with a nickel allergy.

The amount of nickel in any food, including seeds, can vary significantly based on the soil composition where the plant was grown. This is an important consideration for individuals sensitive to the trace mineral. This guide provides an overview of what seeds contain nickel, highlighting which ones are generally higher in the element and which are lower.