Health Guide

Praseodymium

Praseodymium is a rare earth element (symbol Pr, atomic number 59). While it is used in industrial applications like magnets and lasers, it is **NOT** a dietary nutrient and is **NOT** found naturally in fruits, vegetables, or any edible plants. It has no established biological function in the human body. Ingesting praseodymium compounds can be toxic. This guide clarifies why you will not find this in a health food store and the safety risks associated with it.
Evidence BasedDietary Supplement
Praseodymium
VERIFIED SOURCE

Bio-Activity Analysis

Praseodymium: Industrial Use vs. Human Need

SCIENTIFIC DATA VISUALIZATION

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Health Benefits & Sources

Why You Should Avoid It

Praseodymium has no known health benefits for humans. Unlike vitamins or minerals, it is not essential for life. It is classified as a toxic heavy metal.

Industrial Uses vs. Health

  • Magnets: Used to make strong permanent magnets for electronics.
  • Lasers: Used in specialized lasers for medical and industrial cutting.
  • Glass Coloring: Adds a yellow-green tint to glass and ceramics.

It is strictly a material for engineering and technology, not nutrition.

Natural Food Sources

Praseodymium does not exist in the human food chain as a nutrient. While trace amounts can be found in soil, and therefore minute traces might be absorbed by plants, it is considered a contaminant, not a food source.

Food SourcePresenceSafety
Fruits/VegetablesTrace Contaminant (Soil residue)Unsafe as a source
WaterTrace ContaminantUnsafe as a source

Supplementation

Do not take Praseodymium supplements. There are no dietary supplements containing praseodymium recommended for human consumption. Any product claiming to contain this as a health booster is dangerous and misleading.

Top Food Sources

None
Not a dietary nutrient.
Soil (Trace)
Considered a contaminant, not a food.

Frequently Asked Questions

No. It is not a nutrient or vitamin. While trace amounts from soil might be present on unwashed produce, it is a contaminant, not a beneficial ingredient.
No. Praseodymium is a heavy metal that can be toxic to the liver and kidneys. It has no proven health benefits for humans.
It isn't. You might be confusing it with 'Prickly Pear' or other plant names. Legitimate health supplements do not contain rare earth elements like Praseodymium.
It can cause gastrointestinal distress, liver damage, and other signs of heavy metal poisoning. Seek medical attention immediately.

Safety & Side Effects

Praseodymium is considered toxic if ingested or inhaled. It can cause damage to the liver and kidneys. There is no Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) because the body has no use for it. If you suspect exposure to rare earth metals, consult a medical professional immediately.

Scientific References

  • [1]National Center for Biotechnology Information. PubChem Compound Summary for CID 23944, Praseodymium.
  • [2]World Health Organization (WHO). "Concise International Chemical Assessment Document 72: Praseodymium."
  • [3]Toxicological Profile for Rare Earths (Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry).