True Cellular Formulas Team - October 16, 2024
Nickel in Flatware
Hidden Risks to Cellular Health

When it comes to your health, every choice matters—even the utensils you use. Flatware might seem like an insignificant part of daily life, but many common sets contain nickel, a heavy metal known for its neurotoxic effects. If you’ve ever experienced brain fog, fatigue, or unexplained skin irritation, nickel could play a role. And because nickel is found in most 18/10 stainless steel flatware, the utensils you eat daily may be introducing this harmful substance into your body.
Nickel is commonly added to stainless steel to improve its shine and corrosion resistance. However, nickel is a toxic metal that can accumulate in the body over time, particularly when it’s used daily in utensils that come into direct contact with food. Over time, chronic exposure to nickel can lead to health problems that impact your cognitive function and cellular health.
What Nickel Does to Your Body
Nickel exposure can disrupt various bodily functions, starting with its impact on the brain and nervous system. As a neurotoxin, nickel has been linked to cognitive decline, memory problems, and even behavioral changes.[1] Over time, nickel can accumulate in tissues, including your cells, which can interfere with mitochondrial function—the cell's powerhouses. When mitochondria are disrupted, the body’s ability to produce energy is compromised, leading to chronic fatigue and other energy-related issues.
Moreover, nickel can weaken the immune system and reduce your body’s ability to detoxify effectively. The liver and kidneys work hard to filter toxins out of the body, but their efficiency declines when they’re constantly exposed to harmful substances like nickel. This toxic burden can lead to oxidative stress and inflammation, both of which are precursors to chronic diseases such as cardiovascular issues, autoimmune conditions, and even certain cancers.
How to Identify Safer Flatware
The first step in protecting yourself from nickel exposure is understanding what the numbers on your flatware mean. When you see “18/10” stamped on your utensils, the flatware contains 18% chromium and 10% nickel. While chromium adds rust resistance, you want to avoid the second number—nickel.
Nickel-free flatware is labeled as 18/0 stainless steel, containing 18% chromium and 0% nickel. By opting for 18/0 stainless steel, you can dramatically reduce your exposure to this toxic metal.[2] Unfortunately, many flatware sets available at popular retailers like Costco are made from 18/10 stainless steel, so it’s important to check the packaging or ask customer service if you’re unsure.
While some Costco flatware sets offer knives made from 13/0 stainless steel (which also contains no nickel), the rest of the utensils in the set often contain nickel. So, even if you’re using nickel-free knives, your forks and spoons may still contribute to nickel exposure. Be sure to look for a full set of flatware labeled 18/0 for complete protection.
Why You Should Avoid Nickel Exposure
When you reduce your exposure to nickel, you’re avoiding short-term effects like skin irritation and headaches and protecting your long-term health. Here are just a few of the benefits of switching to nickel-free flatware:
- Improved Cognitive Function: Nickel is a neurotoxin that can impair memory and brain function. Removing it from your daily utensils can help reduce brain fog and improve overall cognitive clarity.[1]
- Better Energy Levels: Nickel disrupts mitochondrial function, which can lead to chronic fatigue. Limiting your exposure supports your body’s natural energy production at the cellular level.[3]
- Support for Detoxification: Your liver and kidneys play critical roles in filtering toxins, but when substances like nickel overburden them, they can’t function as effectively. Reducing nickel exposure helps to lighten the load on your detox pathways.
- Reduced Inflammation: Chronic nickel exposure can lead to inflammation, a root cause of many chronic diseases. By choosing nickel-free flatware, you help your body maintain a lower level of inflammation, protecting your health in the long term.
Nickel-Free Alternatives: What to Look for
If you’re committed to reducing your toxic load, here are some tips for finding safe, nickel-free flatware:
- Look for 18/0 Stainless Steel: This is the gold standard for nickel-free flatware. The “0” means no nickel, making it a safer option for you and your family.
- Consider Specialty Retailers: While big-box stores may have limited options, specialty kitchenware stores often carry flatware for those concerned about nickel exposure. These sets may cost more upfront, but the long-term benefits to your health are worth the investment.
- Check for 13/0 stainless steel knives: Some sets have knives made from 13/0 stainless steel, nickel-free. However, be cautious about the rest of the utensils in the set, as they may still contain nickel.
- Choose Alternative Materials: In addition to stainless steel, some brands offer utensils made from bamboo, ceramic, or titanium, which are naturally free from harmful metals like nickel.
Final Thoughts: Prioritize Your Health by Reducing Nickel Exposure
We’re exposed to enough toxins daily, so why let your flatware add to the burden? By being mindful of the materials used in your everyday kitchenware, you can reduce exposure to harmful metals like nickel. Switching to 18/0 stainless steel flatware is a small but impactful change that will protect your health, support your detoxification systems, and keep your cells functioning optimally.
Your health is worth the effort. By choosing non-toxic, nickel-free utensils, you’re taking an important step toward a healthier lifestyle—one meal at a time.
- Anyachor, Chidinma Promise, et al. “Mechanistic Considerations and Biomarkers Level in Nickel-Induced Neurodegenerative Diseases: An Updated Systematic Review.” IBRO Neuroscience Reports, vol. 13, July 2022, pp. 136–46. PubMed Central.
- Kamerud, Kristin L., et al. “Stainless Steel Leaches Nickel and Chromium into Foods During Cooking.” Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, vol. 61, no. 39, Oct. 2013, pp. 9495–501. PubMed Central.
- Clemente-Suárez, Vicente Javier, et al. “Mitochondria and Brain Disease: A Comprehensive Review of Pathological Mechanisms and Therapeutic Opportunities.” Biomedicines, vol. 11, no. 9, Sept. 2023, p. 2488. PubMed Central.