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Sulfur: its clinical and toxicologic aspects.

Lioudmila A Komarnisky¹, Robert J Christopherson, Tapan K Basu

¹Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

Nutrition (Burbank, Los Angeles County, Calif.)

|January 1, 2003

Summary

Sulfur is essential for animals, primarily through the amino acid methionine. Sulfur deficiency can occur from low-protein diets or depleted soils, while environmental pollution poses toxicity risks.

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Area of Science:

Biochemistry
Environmental Science
Nutrition

Background:

Sulfur is an essential element for all animal species, required for sulfur-containing amino acids like methionine.
Organic sulfur exists in animals as thiomethyl, sulfhydryl disulfides, and sulfate esters/amides.
Plants utilize inorganic sulfur to synthesize methionine and other sulfur compounds, unlike mammals.

Purpose of the Study:

To elucidate the essential role of sulfur in biological systems.
To understand the sources and consequences of sulfur deficiency and toxicity.
To highlight the environmental impact of industrial sulfur processing.

Main Methods:

Literature review on sulfur metabolism and biochemistry.
Analysis of sulfur's role in amino acids, proteins, and biomolecules.

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Examination of environmental factors affecting sulfur balance and toxicity.

Main Results:

Sulfur is a critical component of amino acids, proteins, enzymes, and vitamins.
Sulfur deficiency arises from low-protein diets and sulfur-depleted soils.
Industrial activities impact environmental sulfur balance, leading to potential toxicity from pollutants like sulfur dioxide.

Conclusions:

Sulfur is indispensable for life, integrated into vital biomolecules.
Dietary and environmental factors significantly influence sulfur availability and safety.
Environmental sulfur pollution presents health risks, particularly respiratory issues from sulfur dioxide.