Balsamic Vinegar of Modena is one of the most representative products of the Italian culinary tradition, but often it raises many questions in consumers regarding its composition and the effects that its consumption can produce on health. One of the most frequently asked questions is if Balsamic Vinegar of Modena contains nickel, an important thing to know for those who have to follow a diet excluding this element.
It has scientifically proven that Balsamic Vinegar of Modena contains a minimum quantity of nickel, a heavy metal that, if consumed in significant amounts, can become toxic. However, it is important to highlight that the nickel content in the case of Balsamic Vinegar is very low, so it does not represent a risk to human health.
How Much Nickel Does Balsamic Vinegar Contain?
According to the research conducted by the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, the quantity of nickel present in Balsamic Vinegar of Modena may vary from 0,009 to 0,025 milligrams per liter. This is much lower than the maximum tolerable daily nickel intake established by the World Health Organization, which is equal to 1 milligram per 1 kilogram of body weight. Furthermore, we have to consider that the recommended daily dose of Balsamic Vinegar is of 15 ml., while the consumption of the Traditional Balsamic Vinegar is limited to a few drops, which makes its consumption safe and within large safety margins. For that reason, an allergic reaction to nickel caused by Balsamic Vinegar assumption, if used correctly in culinary preparations, is to be considered impossible.
Why Does Balsamic Vinegar Contain Nickel?
The presence of nickel in Balsamic Vinegar is not the result of an intentional addition, but of a completely natural environmental contamination. In fact, nickel is naturally present in water and soil, and consequently it gets absorbed by the plants and foods that grow in those places. As a result, the very use of natural raw materials explains the presence of nickel in Balsamic Vinegar of Modena. Anyway, in order to reduce as much as possible the nickel content in the final product, most of the Balsamic Vinegar producers adapt rigorous quality and hygiene controls during the production process.
It is important to point out that nickel, in non-allergic subjects, plays a highly important role for the health. In fact, this metal, which is also present in different foods, acts as a cofactor for various enzymes, has a role in metabolism of some hormones, in that of glucose and lipids, and it seems that it is also involved in maintaining the integrity of cell membranes and stability of DNA and RNA. For that reason, it is highly important to follow a balanced and varied diet, rather than a depriving one, unless it is about hypersensitivity and allergy.
Nickel-Free Diet. Yes or No to Balsamic Vinegar of Modena?
We can surely say that Balsamic Vinegar of Modena contains such a low amount of nickel, that it does not represent any risk to human health, either for healthy subjects or for those who necessarily need a nickel-free diet. The recommended daily dose of Balsamic Vinegar ensures a very low nickel intake that remains much below the tolerability standards defined by the WHO.
The vinegars of “La Vecchia Dispensa” are all produced with care and meticulous attention, in order to guarantee the highest quality and food safety to the consumer. So, if you love the aromas and flavors of Balsamic Vinegar, know that you can enjoy it at any time you wish with no worries.
