Minerals

	Boron
	Calcium
	Chromium
	Copper
	Germanium
	Iodine
	Iron
	Magnesium
	Manganese
	Molybdenum
	Phosphorus
	Potassium
	Selenium
	Silicon
	Sodium
	Sulfur
	Vanadium
	Zinc

Sulfur - Benefits, Deficiency Symptoms And Food Sources

What is Sulfur?

The mineral sulfur plays a vital role in the body.  Sulfur represents about 0.25 percent of our total body weight, similar to potassium. Sulfur is also important in the structure of antibodies, and the sulfide group of cysteine is important in the activity of various enzymes.

It is also a component of bones, teeth and collagen. It is also an important ingredient in insulin, the substance used to regulate blood sugar.

Uses and Benefits of Sulfur

Sulfur is an important constituent of thiamine (vitamin B-1) and biotin, and is found in insulin, keratin, and various glycoproteins. It is important in the molecule chondroitin sulfate in bone and cartilage. Sulfur scavenges free radicals, beautifies the skin, and relieves allergies to food. Sulfur also controls acidity in stomach ulcers. Sulfur is important for carbohydrate metabolism and speeds wound healing. Sulfur is stored in the brain, nerves, bowel, liver and in all body cells, especially in the skin, hair and nails. Sulfur ointment is used to treat seborrheic dermatitis and scabies. In terms of metabolic processes, sulfur contributes to the digestion and absorption of fat, because it is needed to help make bile acids.

Recommended Dosage for Sulfur

There is no official Recommended Dietary Allowance or Dietary Reference Intake for this mineral but as a guideline, you need more than 100 mg of sulfur per day.

Deficiency Symptoms of Sulfur

Deficiencies of sulfur have not been documented, although a protein-deficient diet could theoretically lead to a deficiency of sulfur. Low levels of cystine, and therefore possibly sulfur, was reported many years ago in people with arthritis. Another common symptoms of this mineral are asthma, acne, back pain, constipation, circulatory problems, dry skin, free radical damage, inflammation, infection, migraines, muscle pain, nerve disorders, stress, skin disorders, urinary tract disorders, various muscle and skeletal disorders, and wrinkles.

Rich Food Sources of Sulfur

Meat and poultry, organ meats, fish, beans and dairy products are all good sources of sulfur-containing amino acids . Sulfur also occurs in garlic and onions. Many supplements also provide trace amounts of sulfur.

Cautions and Some Side Effects of Sulfur

Sulfur is one of the key substances that makes garlic the "king of herbs." Excess sulfur is excreted in urine, so is essentially non-toxic.