Our body is about one third sulfur, and our body tissue has high concentrations of this natural mineral. Sulfur has a vital relationship with protein, since sulfur is found in the amino acids methione, cystine, and systeine. These amino acids are know as the sulphur-bearing amino acids which are considered the building blocks of protein. A lack of proper protein in our diet, therefore means a lack of the vital organic sulfur necessary to good health. Proteins contain sulfur, while carbohydrates and fats do not.
Sulfur is necessary for collagen synthesis.
Sulfur plays an important role in tissue breathing, the process whereby oxygen and other substances are used, to build cells and release energy. Sulfur also helps to maintain overall body balance between acidity and alkalinity, and works importantly with the liver to secrete bile. Research reports that perhaps sulfur's most important health role is in carbohydrate metabolism, which is significant for hypoglycemic and diabetics. Sulfur is a significant component of insulin, the protein hormone secreted by the pancreas that is essential to the metabolism of carbohydrates. The lack of nutritional sulfur in the diet can result in low insulin production.