The Nickel Allergy Diet

Nickel allergy (allergic contact dermatits to nickel), has always been thought of as a rash that is isolated to the area where nickel makes contact with the skin. However, new evidence is showing that nickel which is ingested in the diet can cause systemic contact dermatitis (a rash other than where the nickel makes contact).

Image of Pear. Pears can contain a high amount of nickel.

In an article published in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, Drs. Matthew Zirwas and Matthew Molenda, Ohio State University examined three different cases where individuals with nickel allergy also had generalized itching especially on their hands and feet. When the individuals were placed on a low nickel diet, their nickel allergy and generalized itching cleared.

Factors other than the actual food that is eaten can affect the amount of nickel ingested:
• The amount of nickel in the soil and water used to grow the food.
• Processed and canned foods can add nickel via equipment used and leaching from the metallic can.
• Tap water may contain nickel. Hot water can leach nickel from faucets into the water sitting overnight in the fixtures.
• Cookware such as stainless steel can leach nickel into the food if cooking with acidic foods such as tomato, vinegar or lemon.

Nickel allergic individuals should consider a low nickel diet if they have either hand dermatitis or a nonspecific, pruritic dermatitis (rash that itches).
Additional recommendations to avoid nickel in your diet:
• Avoid or moderate canned foods
• Avoid or moderate vitamin supplements/drinks containing nickel
• Avoid stainless steel cookware and utensils when cooking with acidic foods
• Eat foods high in vitamin C and iron. Consider vitamin C and/or iron supplementation with meals

~Did you know?
Studies have found that eating foods high in vitamin C and iron can reduce the absorption of ingested nickel.

Zirwas, M, Molenda M. Dietary Nickel as a Cause of Systemic Contact Dermatitis June 2009 JCAD Online

Severely allergic individuals may choose to avoid foods which are rich in nickel. Dietary intake of some foods have been shown to aggravate dermatitis especially hand dermatitis.
Before giving up chocolate, contact a dermatologist or allergist specializing in contact dermatitis to see if you need to avoid some foods which typically contain higher amounts of nickel, including:

Image of Corn. Corn can contain a high amount of nickel.

SIMPLIFIED LOW NICKEL DIET

Grains	Avoid	Whole wheat bread, multi grain breads, multi grain cereals, wheat bran, wheat germ, whole wheat pasta, oats, oatmeal, buckwheat, seeds, rye, millet
Vegetables	Avoid	Beans, lentils, peas, soy products (tofu, soy sauce, soy beans) sprouts, brussel sprouts, asparagus, broccoli, cauliflower, spinach, canned vegetables, red kidney beans, chickpeas, cabbage, corn, mushrooms, onions, carrots
Fruits	Avoid	Canned fruit cocktail, pears, bananas, canned fruits, tomatoes, raisins, rhubarb, dried fruit
Meats	Avoid	Shellfish, herring, mackerel, tuna, processed meats with fillers or coatings, canned meats and fish
Beverages	Avoid	Tea, chocolate milk, beer, red wine

OTHER SOURCES OF DIETARY NICKEL TO AVOID

Chocolate and cocoa powder (especially dark chocolate)
All nuts (walnuts, peanuts, almonds, hazelnuts, soy nuts)
All seeds (sunflower seeds, linseed)
Licorice
Baking powder
Gelatin
Marzipan
Margarine
Commercial salad dressings
Vitamins containing nickel
Canned foods in general
Stainless-steel cooking vessels used for cooking acidic foods
The first quart of tap water drawn from any faucet in the morning.

WAYS TO PREVENT YOUR BODY FROM ABSORBING THE NICKEL YOU EAT
Take a vitamin C supplement with each meal.
Eat a high iron diet

Sharma AD. Relationship between nickel allergy and diet. Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol.
2007: 73:307-312.

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The Nickel Allergy Diet