Health Guide

Rhenium

Rhenium is a rare, dense, silvery-white chemical element (symbol Re) that sits on the periodic table. While it is a fascinating metal used in super-alloys for jet engines and electrical contacts, it is **not considered an essential nutrient** for the human body. Unlike vitamins or minerals like Iron or Magnesium, there is no scientific evidence that Rhenium provides health benefits when consumed in the diet, nor is it found naturally in fruits or vegetables. It is primarily an industrial metal, and any discussion regarding its ingestion must focus strictly on safety and toxicity rather than nutritional value.

Evidence BasedDietary Supplement

VERIFIED SOURCE

Bio-Activity Analysis

Rhenium Bioavailability & Function

SCIENTIFIC DATA VISUALIZATION

Y-Axis

Functional Utility (%)

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Health Benefits & Sources

Why You Need It

There are currently no recognized health benefits to consuming Rhenium.

Deep Dive

Because Rhenium is not classified as an essential nutrient, the human body has no biological mechanism to utilize it for metabolic processes. Unlike trace elements that act as co-factors for enzymes (like Zinc or Selenium), Rhenium serves no physiological function in humans.

While some laboratory studies have looked at Rhenium compounds for potential anti-cancer properties (radiopharmaceuticals), this is strictly in the realm of experimental medicine, not dietary supplementation. For the everyday person, Rhenium is a substance to avoid ingesting, not a health booster to seek out.

Natural Food Sources

Rhenium is not found naturally in the human food chain. It is not present in fruits, vegetables, grains, or meats in any significant or bioavailable quantity. It exists in the earth's crust bound to minerals like molybdenite and copper ores, but plants do not absorb it in a way that makes them dietary sources.

Supplementation

Do not take Rhenium supplements. There is no Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) because it is not an essential nutrient. Ingesting elemental Rhenium or its salts can be toxic.

Top Food Sources

None Identified

Not found in the human food chain

Rhenium Metal

Industrial use only - do not ingest

Frequently Asked Questions

No. Rhenium is a chemical element, but unlike Iron or Calcium, it is not classified as an essential mineral for human health.

No. Plants do not accumulate Rhenium in edible parts, so there are no natural food sources.

It likely appears in this context due to a database error. Rhenium has no place in human nutrition or supplementation.

Yes. While less studied than lead or mercury, soluble Rhenium compounds are toxic and can damage the liver and kidneys.

Safety & Side Effects

Safety & Toxicity

Who should avoid it: Everyone. There is no safe established intake level for Rhenium as a dietary element.

Potential Side Effects: While data on human ingestion is limited due to its rarity in food, Rhenium compounds are considered toxic. Inhaling Rhenium dust (common in industrial settings) can cause irritation to the eyes, skin, and respiratory tract. Ingestion can lead to severe gastrointestinal irritation, liver damage, and kidney damage. It acts as a heavy metal toxin similar to other transition metals.

Scientific References

[1]The Merck Index: An Encyclopedia of Chemicals, Drugs, and Biologicals.
[2]World Health Organization (WHO) - Concise International Chemical Assessment Document on Rhenium.
[3]National Center for Biotechnology Information (PubChem) - Rhenium Compound Toxicology.