|
|
| Proper name |
Sulfur |
| Category |
Trace
Mineral |
| Functions |
Sulfur-containing amino acids form sulfur to sulfur bonds, giving shape
to connective tissue, proteins and mucopolysaccharides. These cross linkages
of sulfur give shape and strength to skin, tendons, ligaments, fascia, muscles,
bone matrix, fingernails and hair. The surliness is dependent on the presence
of adequate cystine (a sulfur containing amino acid). The collagen and mucopolysaccharides
formed with sulfur provide structural integrity and lubrication to joints.
Sulfur is a component of insulin and the anti-coagulant, heparin. Sulfur
is required for the metabolic functions of biotin, thiamin and lipoic acid.
Sulfur -containing lipids are found in the brain, liver and kidneys.
Sulfur is a component of coenzyme A. Together with magnesium, sulfur assists
the metabolic detoxification and excretion of sulfuric acid. In the amino
acid methionine, sulfur assists the detoxification of heavy metals from
the brain. Treats cystinuria and cystine urine calculi. |
| RDA |
None |
| Therapeutic
dose |
Dietary
amounts are sufficient as long as adequate protein is consumed. Specific
sulfur compounds such as chondroitin sulfate may be consumed for specific
therapeutic purposes. Sulfur itself is not taken in supplemental form. |
| Deficiency symptoms |
There are no known deficiency symptoms associated with sulfur. |
| Toxicity |
Sulfur is efficiently excreted in the urine. There is no known toxicity
associated with sulfur. |
| Best
forms
|
Chondroitin sulfate or glucosamine sulphate or methylsulphonyl methane. |
| Food
sources |
Protein
rich foods such as meats, seafood, beans, eggs and dairy products all contain
abundant amounts of sulfur. The smell of sulfur is present in onions, garlic,
Brussels sprouts and to a lesser extent in broccoli, cabbages and cauliflower.
|
| Lab
tests |
Hair mineral analysis. |
| Drug
interactions |
None
known |
| Nutrient interactions |
Sulfur is a component of the amino acids; cystine, cysteine, methionine
and taurine, and the nutrients biotin, lipoic acid and thiamin. Sulfur works
synergistically with other nutrients such as magnesium and coenzyme A. |
| Metabolism |
Sulfur is easily
absorbed from protein-rich foods and is a constituent in all cells. Sulfur
provides structural integrity to cartilage, bones, skin, hair, fingernails
and cell membranes.
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