Understanding Nickel: Normal vs Optimal Ranges

?What is Nickel?

Nickel is a naturally occurring metal with widespread industrial use. Exposure occurs via diet, jewellery contact, occupational settings (nickel refining, plating, welding), and cigarette smoke. Nickel is both an allergen and potential carcinogen. Serum nickel measures systemic absorption.

!Why It Matters

Nickel is one of the most common causes of allergic contact dermatitis worldwide — driven primarily by jewellery and belt buckle contact. Occupational inhalation exposure to nickel compounds significantly increases risk of lung and nasal cancers. Elevated serum nickel indicates systemic absorption, which can affect kidneys and cause reproductive toxicity.

Reference Ranges

Lab normal ranges may vary between laboratories. Optimal and longevity targets are based on research literature and should be interpreted with your physician.

Symptoms of Imbalance

• Contact dermatitis: itchy, red, weeping rash at contact sites
• High systemic levels: nausea, headache, fatigue

How to Improve Your Levels

• 1Avoid nickel-containing jewellery and metal items on skin
• 2Dietary sources of nickel (oats, nuts, chocolate, beans) can be reduced in severe nickel allergy
• 3Protective equipment in occupational settings

When to Test

Occupational health monitoring; in allergic contact dermatitis workup; environmental exposure assessment.

Related Biomarkers