This seems relevant:
www.foodsmatter.com/allergy_intolerance/sulphites/articles/sulphates_sulphites.htmlArticle said...
Ulcerative colitis
Like many things, sulphate is good in the right place, and harmful in the wrong one.
Some undigested protein reaches the large intestine. Those amino acids that contain sulphur provide sulphate for certain bacteria, which make hydrogen sulphide out of it.
An enzyme called rhodenase should remove this hydrogen sulphide. If you are short of rhodenase, the hydrogen sulphide can damage the cells of the colon wall, causing ulcerative colitis.
Meat, fish and eggs are good for most people, but if you lack rhodenase, you are better off without them, because they contain a lot of sulphur amino acids.
It is a pity that people have their colons removed, because no one has suggested they try a meat, fish and egg-free diet. If you do try this diet, it is a good idea to take some fish oil, and if you like the taste of meat, you can always use meat fat in your cooking.
Epsom salt baths are important for people with ulcerative colitis. They deliver sulphate to the gut wall via the bloodstream. What is to be avoided is sulphate delivered via the contents of the gut.
Glucosamine sulphate/NAG
Some people have digestive symptoms if they take glucosamine sulphate for their aches and pains. It is better for them to take n-acetyl glucosamine, which may be labelled NAG.
In the past, sulphite was something we made in our bodies, but it was only one of the steps towards producing the sulphate we needed. Now many people consume sulphite from various foods and drinks, and their capacity to process it is inadequate. As with any allergy or intolerance, it is not enough to reduce your exposure. You also need to make yourself less susceptible. Nutrition is a powerful tool, but it needs to be targeted carefully at a particular problem.