Sulfur

Part of methionine, cysteine, glutathione, connective tissue and many proteins.

Swiss reference value

No separate Swiss reference value; needs are met through sulfur-containing amino acids.

Good food sources

Protein-rich foods plus garlic, onions and cruciferous vegetables.

When intake or status is low

No isolated sulfur deficiency is defined when protein intake is adequate.

Long-term health connections

Problems more likely reflect general protein/amino-acid undernutrition or a specific metabolic disorder.

Skin, hair and nails

Hair and nails contain sulfur-rich proteins but do not reliably indicate isolated sulfur deficiency.

Who is more at risk

Severe protein malnutrition.

How to assess it

Assess protein intake and the overall clinical state.

Supplements: when to consider

No separate sulfur supplement is needed; balanced protein sources meet needs.

Too much and safety

Supplement claims for MSM or “detox” are not equivalent to essential sulfur requirements.

International reference systems