Low nickel diet

A nickel allergy may occur immediately after a person’s first exposure to the metal or after repeated and prolonged exposure. Hairdressers show a higher prevalence of nickel allergy due to the common presence of the metal in scissors.  

On contact with nickel, particles of the metal can penetrate the skin and stimulate immune system T cells. With enough exposure to the allergen, T cells multiply until they cause a rash. The exact cause of this immune system error is not known, although nickel allergy may be a hereditary condition. There is no known way to prevent a nickel allergy. 

The usual symptoms of a nickel allergy are a skin rash or bumps in the area that came into contact with the metal. Redness, dry patches on the skin like a burn, and itching are other possible symptoms. In some cases, the reaction may spread to other areas of the body causing what is sometimes known as nickel dermatitis, or it may provoke eczema on the hands. Painful blistering can also occur in extreme cases.   

How to know if you have a nickel allergy? A nickel allergy can usually be diagnosed with a patch test. There is no cure but a doctor can prescribe creams and ointments to calm affected skin. Apart from alleviating symptoms, the only treatment is to avoid contact with nickel and, in some cases, follow a low nickel diet.  

The element nickel is present in the soil and in seawater, so traces of the mineral are present in almost all natural foodstuffs. How much there is will depend on the region which the food comes from. In other words, the nickel levels in the soil of the area where a given cereal or vegetable is grown will play a part in determining its nickel content. 

However, there are some foods that are typically high in nickel, including whole wheat, wholegrain products, rye, oats, millet, buckwheat, cocoa, chocolate, tea, gelatine, baking powder, soy products, soya beans, red kidney beans, peanuts, pulses (peas, lentils and chickpeas), dark green leafy vegetables, dried fruits, canned foods, strong liquorice and certain vitamin supplements.  

Other foods that may contain considerable amounts of nickel include coffee, beer, red wine, mackerel, tuna, herring and shellfish, sunflower seeds, linseeds, hazelnuts, marzipan, walnuts, tomatoes, onion and raw carrot. 

A careful selection of food with relatively low nickel concentration means you can reduce your daily nickel intake and thereby minimise the possibility of provoking an immune reaction. Studies have confirmed the benefit of a low nickel diet in the management of nickel eczema and dermatitis.  

Foods low in nickel include meat, poultry, white fish, eggs, milk and dairy products in general. Cereals such as wheat and rice are better in refined form rather than wholegrains. Among vegetables, potatoes and cabbage are low in nickel, and bananas, apples and citrus are the best fruits for avoiding high levels of the mineral.  

Nickel is a ubiquitous trace metal, meaning it is in almost every food we eat and cannot be completely avoided from the diet. The best thing is to seek out low nickel foods and eat a balanced and healthy diet. 

• Avoid cocoa, chocolate, soya beans, oatmeal, nuts and pulses 
• Avoid all drinks and vitamin supplements with nickel 
• Limit the amount of canned food you eat 
• Drink tea and coffee in moderation