Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 10, 2026
09:31
Preparation of Authigenic Pyrite from Methane-bearing Sediments for In Situ Sulfur Isotope Analysis Using SIMS
Published on: August 31, 2017
Are we getting enough sulfur in our diet?
Marcel E Nimni1, Bo Han, Fabiola Cordoba
1Departments of Surgery and Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90032, USA. nimni007@aol.com.
Nutrition & Metabolism
|November 8, 2007
Summary
Sulfur is vital, primarily from dietary amino acids. Current requirements may underestimate needs, especially for older adults, suggesting potential sulfur deficiency and a role for supplements.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Human Nutrition
- Mineral Metabolism
Background:
- Sulfur is the third most abundant mineral in the body, essential for synthesizing vital compounds.
- Dietary sulfur is mainly derived from two amino acids: methionine and cysteine.
- Current Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs) for amino acids focus on nitrogen balance, potentially overlooking sulfur requirements.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the dietary sulfur intake in a general population.
- To conduct sulfur balance studies in human volunteers.
- To investigate the potential role of sulfur in joint health supplements.
Main Methods:
- Assessed dietary sulfur intake, focusing on sulfur amino acids.
- Performed sulfur balance studies in a limited cohort of human volunteers.
- Analyzed the potential contribution of inorganic sulfur from supplements.
Main Results:
- A significant portion of the population, particularly the elderly, may have insufficient sulfur intake.
- Standard nitrogen balance methods may not fully capture methionine requirements.
- Joint health supplements containing sulfates may exert effects by providing inorganic sulfur.
Conclusions:
- Existing methods for assessing amino acid requirements may be inadequate due to a lack of sulfur balance.
- Dietary sulfur deficiency could be prevalent, especially in aging populations.
- Sulfur-containing dietary supplements might be effective due to their inorganic sulfur content.
Related Concept Videos
01:20Sulfur Assimilation
Sulfur is an essential element in biological systems, contributing to synthesizing key biomolecules, including amino acids such as cysteine and methionine, and cofactors such as coenzyme A and biotin. Microorganisms primarily assimilate sulfur as sulfate (SO₄²⁻) from the environment, which must undergo a series of biochemical transformations before it can be incorporated into cellular components. As sulfate is highly oxidized, it must undergo assimilatory sulfate reduction to become...
01:22The Sulfur Cycle
Sulfur, an important element in the chemical makeup of proteins, is recycled through the atmosphere and aquatic and terrestrial environments. Found in the atmosphere as sulfur dioxide (SO2), sulfur is released by decaying organisms, weathered rocks, geothermal vents, volcanos, and burning fossil fuels. It is deposited into the ecosystem, cycled through the biotic community, and either released back into the atmosphere as gas or deposited in marine sediment for long-term storage and eventual...
01:29Microbes and the Sulfur Cycle
Sulfur is a vital element in Earth's biogeochemical systems. It transitions through various inorganic states, including sulfate (SO₄²⁻), elemental sulfur (S⁰), and sulfide (S²⁻). Abiotic and biological mechanisms across oxic and anoxic environments intricately mediate these transformations. Sulfate, the most oxidized form of sulfur, is predominantly stored in rocks, marine sediments, and oceanic waters, acting as a long-term reservoir in the global sulfur cycle.In oxic environments,...
01:26Minerals
Minerals are essential nutrients that the human body needs in small amounts to work properly. They play a vital role in many bodily functions, such as building strong bones and transmitting nerve impulses. Some minerals are needed for hormone production or to maintain a normal heartbeat. Major minerals include calcium, phosphorus, potassium, sulfur, sodium, chlorine, and magnesium, while trace minerals include iron, manganese, copper, iodine, zinc, cobalt, fluoride, and selenium.
01:31Essential Minerals for Bone Health
The minerals contained in all of the food we consume are essential for our organ systems. However, certain essential minerals, such as calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, manganese, and fluoride, largely affect bone health.
Calcium and Phosphorus
Calcium is a critical component of bones, especially in the form of calcium phosphate and calcium carbonate. Since the body cannot make calcium, it must be obtained from the diet. However, calcium cannot be absorbed from the small intestine without...
Calcium and Phosphorus
Calcium is a critical component of bones, especially in the form of calcium phosphate and calcium carbonate. Since the body cannot make calcium, it must be obtained from the diet. However, calcium cannot be absorbed from the small intestine without...
01:28Proteins: Dietary Sources and Requirements
Consuming animal-based products offers high-quality proteins that contain optimal levels and combinations of essential amino acids, crucial for tissue repair and growth. Foods like eggs, milk, fish, and most meats are a source of complete proteins. Legumes and cereals are abundant in proteins; however, they typically lack a full range of essential amino acids. As a result, they are considered incomplete protein sources. Some plant sources like soybeans, quinoa, and amaranth do contain complete...