Nickel is a naturally occurring metal found in air, water, soil, and many everyday items—including stainless steel, batteries, coins, pigments, jewelry, cosmetics, kitchenware, and certain foods such as chocolate, nuts, seeds, legumes, and grains. It is also present in cigarette smoke and industrial products.

The body requires only trace amounts of nickel for enzyme activity, but excess exposure can be toxic and may accumulate in tissues over time. A urine nickel test measures recent or ongoing exposure to this heavy metal.

A moderate level of nickel in urine suggests recent or ongoing exposure above background levels, but not in the high or toxic range. This may reflect regular contact with nickel-containing items (such as jewelry, coins, stainless steel cookware, or cosmetics), dietary intake from foods naturally higher in nickel (like chocolate, nuts, or legumes), or environmental/workplace exposure from welding, batteries, or metal production.

While moderate results are not usually a cause for alarm, they indicate that nickel is contributing to your toxic burden and could play a role in symptoms such as skin rashes, fatigue, headaches, or mild respiratory irritation. Over time, continued moderate exposure may increase the risk of allergic reactions, organ stress, or chronic health effects.

Key takeaway: A moderate result signals that your body is processing more nickel than usual. Identifying and reducing everyday or occupational sources—while supporting detoxification through hydration, a balanced diet, and avoiding unnecessary contact—can help bring levels back toward the optimal range.

Fecal nickel (Ni) provides an estimate of very recent or ongoing oral exposure to the element. One to 10% of dietary Ni is be absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract into the blood; that which is not absorbed is excreted in the feces. Nickel is present to a minor extent in most dietary items and food is considered to be a major source of nickel exposure for the general population.

There is substantial evidence that Ni is an essential trace element which may be required in extremely low amounts. However, excessive assimilation of Ni has been well established to be nephrotoxic, and carcinogenic. With the exception of specific occupational exposures, most absorbed nickel comes from food and beverages, and intakes can vary due to a multitude of factors depending upon geographical
location and water supply.

Deficiency of nickel is associated with poor growth and reproductive dysfunction. Nickel has been shown to work in a cooperative way with calcium, iron, and zinc. Chronic exposure to some forms of nickel via inhalation is carcinogenic. Mucosal tissue irritation associated with nickel can manifest as asthma, rhinitis and sinusitis. Pulmonary inflammation may arise after breathing in nickel in the form of dust or smoke. Nickel toxicity may result in liver necrosis or carcinoma. Hypersensitivity reactions may occur with chronic nickel exposure.

Dermatitis is also associated with nickel worn as jewelry. Other sources of nickel include stainless steel, tobacco smoke, industrial exhaust fumes, batteries, as well as electronic and plating and mining industries. Urine and plasma have been used for assessing nickel exposure, although only acute exposure is revealed because nickel is rapidly cleared from blood.

Used in making metal coins and jewelry, valves and heat exchangers, and stainless steel. Also used for nickel plating, color ceramics, cosmetics, tobacco, and batteries. Can be found in the soil, air, and water. There are also nickel containing foods such as almonds, chick peas, cocoa, tomato, lentils, oats, peanuts, and walnuts.

NUTRIENT INTERACTIONS:

Iron is a competitive inhibitor of nickel absorption, therefore absorption is enhanced with iron deficiency. Vitamin C works as an antioxidant to counter ROS from nickel, and may also inhibit nickel absorption.

Used in making metal coins and jewelry, valves and heat exchangers, and stainless steel. Also used for nickel plating, color ceramics, cosmetics, tobacco, and batteries. Can be found in the soil, air, and water. There are also nickel containing foods such as almonds, chick peas, cocoa, tomato, lentils, oats, peanuts, and walnuts.

NUTRIENT INTERACTIONS:

Iron is a competitive inhibitor of nickel absorption, therefore absorption is enhanced with iron deficiency. Vitamin C works as an antioxidant to counter ROS from nickel, and may also inhibit nickel absorption.

Hair is a reasonable tissue for monitoring accumulated body stores of Nickel (Ni). However, hair is OFTEN contaminated with Ni from hair treatments, dyes, and hair products. There is substantial evidence that Ni is an essential element which is required in extremely low amounts. However, excess Ni has been well established to be nephrotoxic, and carcinogenic. Elevated Ni is often found in individuals who work in the electronic and plating, mining, and steel manufacture industries. A cigarette typically contains from 2 to 6 mcg of Ni; Ni is absorbed more efficiently in the lungs (~35%) than in the gastrointestinal tract (~5%).

Niacin (nicotinic acid) is a water-soluble vitamin that is also referred to as vitamin B3.

Nicotinamide (nicotinic acid amide) is the derivative of niacin that is incorporated into the coenzymes nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADP).

Both nicotinic acid and nicotinamide are absorbed from the normal diet. Nicotinamide is the form of vitamin B3 that is commonly found in nutritional supplements and used to fortify foods. Nicotinic acid is available both over the counter and with a prescription as a cholesterol-lowering agent. 

Niacin (nicotinic acid) is a water-soluble vitamin that is also referred to as vitamin B3.

Nicotinamide (nicotinic acid amide) is the derivative of niacin that is incorporated into the coenzymes nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADP).

The "Night Cortisol" marker on a Cortisol panel by Neurolab is a crucial measure that helps understand the functioning of the body's stress response system, specifically during nighttime. Cortisol, often called the stress hormone, is produced by the adrenal glands and follows a diurnal rhythm, meaning its levels fluctuate throughout the day. Typically, cortisol levels peak in the early morning and gradually decline throughout the day, reaching their lowest point at night. The "Night Cortisol" marker measures the amount of cortisol present in the body during the nighttime, usually collected through a saliva sample before bedtime. Monitoring nighttime cortisol is essential because elevated levels during this period can indicate various health issues, such as chronic stress, insomnia, or adrenal disorders.

Sources:

Niobiumis sometimes found in jewelry, and is used with other alloys, like titanium, to make surgical implants and dental applications. It is also a component of superconducting magnets and nuclear reactor cores.

Physiologic effects:

Niobium is poorly absorbed from the GI tract.

Clinical significance:

It is a moderate eye and skin irritant. Due to poor GI absorption, it has a low order of toxicity. Lethargy and respiratory depression have only been seen with parenteral administration.