Sulphur (Sulfur)

December 27, 2011 by Linda Lazarides
Filed under Elements

Keywords: detoxification, component of protein and joint cartilage

Sulphur is an essential nutrient for humans. It is a constituent of all proteins, especially hair, nails and skin. Most of the sulphur found in the human body occurs in the amino acids cysteine, cystine, methionine and taurine. Sulphur is needed to stabilize the shape of proteins, for insulin production, and to form part of vitamin B1, biotin, lipoic acid, glutathione and coenzyme A. In its inorganic sulphate form, sulphur is an electrolyte. Sulphate is also involved in the production of mucopolysaccharides needed for collagen integrity, and helps to prepare some waste substances for excretion in the kidneys by making them more water-soluble.

Foods rich in sulphur include meat, fish, eggs, nuts, garlic, pulses (legumes), radishes and watercress.

Information compiled by Linda Lazarides
Naturopathic Nutritionist, Author, Educator