DrFeb
Health Guide

protactinium

Protactinium is a rare, naturally occurring radioactive element found in the Earth's crust. It is a byproduct of uranium decay and exists in trace amounts in rocks and soil. It is critically important to understand that Protactinium is **not a nutrient** and is not found in any food sources. It has no known biological function in the human body and is considered a hazardous, toxic material due to its radioactivity.
Evidence BasedDietary Supplement
protactinium
VERIFIED SOURCE

Bio-Activity Analysis

Toxicity vs. Benefit Analysis

SCIENTIFIC DATA VISUALIZATION

Y-Axis
Risk Level (1-100)
Metric →

Health Benefits & Sources

Why You Need It

None. There are no proven health benefits to consuming or supplementing with Protactinium.

Deep Dive

Unlike essential minerals, Protactinium poses severe health risks. Historically, its high toxicity was explored for potential use in targeted cancer therapies, but the damage to healthy tissue was too high. Today, it is strictly regulated as a radiological hazard. It accumulates in the liver and bones, disrupting function and emitting damaging alpha radiation.

Natural Food Sources

There are no natural food sources. Protactinium is not present in fruits, vegetables, meats, or grains.

Food SourcePresenceSafety
Fruits0%N/A
Vegetables0%N/A
WaterTrace (negligible)Safe

Supplementation

WARNING: Do not purchase or consume any supplement claiming to contain Protactinium. Such products are illegal in many jurisdictions and pose a severe health risk.

Top Food Sources

Uranium Ore
Found in rock, not edible
Granite Rock
Found in rock, not edible
Fruits
Not present
Vegetables
Not present
Meat
Not present

Frequently Asked Questions

No. While it was historically researched for cancer therapy due to its toxicity, it is not used in current medical treatments.
No. It does not accumulate in the food chain in any significant or measurable way.
It is a medical emergency. It will deposit in your bones and liver, causing severe radiation damage and organ failure.
No. It is a hazardous radioactive element, not a dietary supplement.

Safety & Side Effects

Protactinium is a radioactive heavy metal and is toxic to humans. It should not be ingested, inhaled, or handled by untrained individuals. It is a known carcinogen.

Scientific References

  • [1]World Health Organization (WHO) - Guidelines for Drinking-water Quality
  • [2]Argonne National Laboratory - Chemical Elements: Protactinium
  • [3]Journal of Radiological Protection - Biological effects of alpha radiation