The Sulfur Effect

Sulfur is one of those major minerals of the body that nobody talks about...but without it, our lives would be dramatically different. In the body, sulfur is most commonly found as sulfate, which is a sulfur atom connected to four oxygen atoms. Sulfate makes up part of the protein keratin, which protein has two functions: to "glue" cells together, and to form a protective layer around our skin. Therefore, since our hair, skin, and nails contain keratin, sulfate is a main component of these body structures. Here is a picture of keratin on the cellular level. It kind of looks like a black hole.


Sulfur is also a component of two amino acids: methionine and cysteine. If you remember my post about protein, amino acids are the 'building blocks' of proteins. To put this in perspective, it's kind of like building a house. One amino acid is the roof, another is the floor, and a few others make up the walls. Alone, a roof is not a house. But combined with the floor and some walls, it can become a part. This is similar with amino acids. Alone, they are not a protein; but combined, they can make a protein. 

Anyways, back to sulfur-containing amino acids. Specifically, methionine and cysteine are an integral part of the three-dimensional structure of of proteins inside of the body. This three-dimensional structure is imperative for proteins to function as hormones, body structure, and enzymes (remember these are specialized proteins that catalyze chemical reactions). 

But besides protein, sulfur has another very important function. Sulfur-based substances called sulfites are used as preservatives in our food, specifically discoloration and spoilage. Here is a fun fact: sulfites occur naturally in wine, which is one reason why wine can age for decades and not go rancid. So we should praise those who found that sulfites have preservative properties because they are the reason all that will be left after the apocalypse are boxes of Twinkies and slices of American cheese. And though that is really sad, I do think that is kind of cool that food can outlive the human race.

Now that all of you think I am crazy, it is time to wrap up this post by discussing the foods sulfur can be found in. Obviously, any food that has sulfur-containing amino acids will be a good source; foods that have these are meat, poultry, dairy foods, and fruits and vegetables. Therefore, if you eat a varied and balanced diet, you are consuming an adequate amount of sulfur. Which is probably why most people don't know a lot about sulfur--chances are, they are eating enough of it. 

As I have said many times before, and as I will continue to say...nature is on our side! It just amazes me that most people do not need to keep track of all of these nutrients because food does it for us.