Sulphur Flashcards
<p>Sulphur</p>
<p>• Sulphur (S) is the third most abundant mineral (after calcium and phosphorus) in the human body (0.3% of total body mass).<br></br>• It has a characteristic smelly odour ––“burning hair” (Keratin is particularly high in Sulphur)<br></br>• Sulphur is a key component in important molecules:<br></br>- Acetyl CoA a key molecule for ATP production.<br></br>- Vitamins: Biotin, Thiamine essential B vitamins.<br></br>- Key antioxidants: Glutathione, Lipoic acid.<br></br>- Mineral transporters: Metallothionein (a metal binding protein).<br></br>- Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) inhibits cartilage breakdown.<br></br>- S is in four amino acids : Methionine, Cystine, Cysteine, Taurine</p>
<p>Sulphur Food Sources</p>
<p>• Amino acids are the main dietary source of Sulphur, but there are also many Sulphur based compounds in food.</p>
<p>Alliums : e.g. garlic, onions, shallots, leeks,<br></br>Cruciferous (Brassicas): broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage,<br></br>Brussel sprouts, turnips, kale, spring greens, radish.<br></br>Legumes: especially soyabeans , black beans, kidney, split peas and white beans.<br></br>Eggs and Dairy: parmesan, gorgonzola, cheddar.<br></br>Protein foods: meat, poultry, fish and seafood.</p>
<p>Sulphur Roles</p>
<p>Antioxidant</p>
<p>Insulin</p>
<p>Structural</p>
<p>Phase II Liver Detox</p>
<p>Sulphur: Antioxidant - Functions</p>
<p>• Sulphur is used to create Glutathione (the body’s primary endogenous antioxidant).</p>
<p>Sulphur: Antioxidant - Therapeutic Uses</p>
<p>• Prevents cell damage from free radicals.</p>
Sulphur: Insulin - Functions
• Sulphur is needed to produce insulin , which facilitates glucose uptake in cells.
<p>Sulphur: Insulin - Therapeutic Uses</p>
<p>• Blood sugar & lipids management</p>
<p>Sulphur: Structural - Functions</p>
<p>• Cysteine is a component of keratin (i.e. skin, hair) and sulphates are used for glycosaminoglycans (a key component of collagen</p>
<p>Sulphur: Structural - Therapeutic Uses</p>
<p>• Support for healthy hair, skin, nails and joints. i.e. osteoarthritis</p>
<p>Sulphur: Phase II Liver Detox - Functions</p>
<p>• Sulphation is 1 of the 6 main phase II pathways. This involves adding a sulphate group (e.g. to bacterial endotoxins, environmental toxins like BPA, & adrenal and sex hormones).<br></br>• Sulphur is also needed for the Glutathione conjugation and methylation pathway</p>
<p>Sulphur: Phase II Liver Detox - Therapeutic Uses</p>
<p>• Toxin & Heavy metal removal<br></br>• Steroid hormone clearance (e.g. with oestrogen dominance; stress support)<br></br>• Liver health</p>
<p>Sulphur Deficiency Signs and Symptoms</p>
<p>brittle hair, nails, joint pain (i.e. cartilage degeneration), slow wound healing, hormone imbalances.</p>
