Sulfur

The trace mineral sulfur is one of the major components in the biochemical structure of the amino acids cysteine, methionine, taurine and glutathione. There are other physiological actions performed by the mineral sulfur in the human body, the presence of sulfur aids in the treatment of poisoning from aluminum, cadmium, mercury and lead. Vitamins like biotin and B1 also contain sulfur as a major component in their structures. The major oxidation and reduction reactions in the human body also require the presence of sulfur. Sulfur also aids in the secretion of bile from the liver as well as helping in general metabolism and energy generation. As sulfur protects the cellular structures from the effects of toxic substance, it may actually enhance the life span. The mineral may also help in bringing about a reduction in the physical symptoms of arthritis. A lot of natural sources for sulfur exist and these can be consumed to increase the intake of the mineral. The best sources for dietary sulfur are foods like dried beans, eggs, fish and meats like lean beef, poultry, garlic, milk and wheat germ. Supplemental sulfur must be stored away from direct light in a cool and dry place.

The synthesis of many types of proteins in the body require sulfur to be present, these including proteins that are found primarily in the hair, the muscle tissues and the skin - these fibrous proteins are made from sulfur rich amino acids. As sulfur is needed for the production of bile acids, it makes a significant contribution to the digestion of fats and is important in their absorption from the digested food. The mineral sulfur also forms an essential constituent of hard structures in the body like the bones, the teeth and the main protein component of connective tissues - collagen. Sulfur is also a major component of the hormone insulin and is required for the regulation of blood sugar levels. The compound known as methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is claimed to be capable of treating a wide variety of disorders - this compound contains sulfur and many claims about the beneficial effects of this compound exists in the literature. As far as is known, clinical research published in medical journals has not substantiated even a single one of these claims till date.

The highest amounts of dietary sulfur are found as a part of certain sulfur containing amino acids in all types of protein rich foods. Sulfur rich foods include meats - especially the organ meats, poultry and eggs, fish, beans and other legumes, as well as different dairy products. These foods are all good sources for proteins that are made primarily from sulfur containing amino acids. The mineral sulfur may also be partly responsible for the health benefits associated with garlic and onions as it is found in high amounts in these foods sources. It is also easier for the body to absorb and use sulfur in its organic forms, as it is present in certain amino acids or as a part of the compound MSM. Sulfur containing MSM supplements are available in the market and these can be used as supplements by anyone.

There are no documented cases of sulfur deficiencies, while a diet deficient in major proteins could theoretically cause the development of a sulfur deficiency in the person. While far from being proven as a fact, the presence of very low levels of cystine and as a result - sulfur in people with arthritis, these reports were made many years ago and are not conclusive.

Usual dosage

There are no recommended intake levels for dietary sulfur. The majority of diets in the West provide sufficient sulfur; this is not surprising as most western diets are quite high in proteins.

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