Nickel in Danish food.

The nickel content of food items consumed in Denmark was estimated on the basis of analysis by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The highest concentrations (1-10 mg nickel/kg fresh weight) were found in cocoa, licorice, lucerne seeds, dried beans, peanuts, hazel nuts, sunflower seeds, oat meal and wheat bran. A diet instruction sheet is proposed as an aid to reduce the amount of nickel ingested. The nickel intake of 8 normal volunteers for 24-hour periods was measured when they ingested their usual diet, reduced nickel intake by adherence to the diet instruction sheet, and when they made a conscious effort to increase nickel intake. It is concluded that it is possible to reduce daily nickel intake in food items.