Like many other trace elements, nickel is involved in the proper functioning of our body’s enzymes. The presence of nickel is needed to either activate or inhibit certain enzymes, and this helps to control many critical processes in our body. One of these is the metabolism of iron. Nickel may help with the usage of iron in our body and hence, the health of our red blood cells.

Nickel may also be important in the metabolism of glucose and fats, and also in the production of breast milk in pregnant and lactating women.

A nickel deficiency is rare. It’s found in a wide variety of foods and is easily absorbed by our body, so a deficiency is often the result of malnutrition, extreme eating disorders or another underlying health problem. For that reason, a nickel deficiency is often associated with other nutrient deficiencies.

If dietary nickel is lacking, then all the enzyme reactions it’s involved in will be reduced or impaired. This can include changes in our metabolism of glucose and fat, and a decrease in iron absorption.