Sulfur

What does it do? The mineral sulfur is needed for the manufacture of many proteins, including those forming hair, muscles, and skin. Sulfur contributes to fat digestion and absorption, because it is needed to make bile acids. Sulfur is also a constituent of bones, teeth, and collagen (the protein in connective tissue). As a component of insulin, sulfur is needed to regulate blood sugar. Sulfur is present in methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), a naturally-occurring substance available as a supplement.

Where is it found? Most dietary sulfur is consumed as part of certain amino acids in protein-rich foods. Meat and poultry, organ meats, fish, eggs, beans, and dairy products are all good sources of sulfur-containing amino acids. Sulfur also occurs in garlic and onions and may be partially responsible for the health benefits associated with these items.1

Most of the body’s sulfur is found in the sulfur-containing amino acids methionine, cystine, and cysteine. Vitamin B1, biotin, and pantothenic acid contain small amounts of sulfur.

Who is likely to be deficient? 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, were reported many years ago in people with arthritis, but this association is far from proven.2

How much is usually taken? No recommended intake levels have been established for sulfur. Since most Western diets are high in protein, the majority of diets probably supply enough sulfur.

Are there any side effects or interactions? No side effects have been reported with the use of sulfur.

At the time of writing, there were no well-known drug interactions with sulfur.

References:

1. Augusti KT. Therapeutic values of onion (Allium cepa L.) and garlic (Allium sativum L.). Indian J Exp Biol 1996;34:634–40.

2. Sullivan MX, Hess WC. The cystine content of the finger nails in arthritis. J Bone Joint Surg 1935;16:185–8.