CHROMIUM

Chromium is an essential trace mineral that the body needs in small amounts. The kidneys, followed by the spleen, liver, lungs, heart, and skeletal muscle are the tissues with the greatest chromium concentration. Chromium helps in reducing the blood glucose concentration in people with high glucose levels and an increase in those with low blood glucose levels.

Why is Chromium essential for the human body?

Chromium exists in several oxidation states but only the trivalent form is biologically important to humans. The active form of chromium known as GTF (Glucose Tolerance factor) potentiates the action of insulin and thus influences carbohydrate, lipid, and insulin metabolism in the body.

The biological function of chromium is closely associated with that of insulin and most chromium-stimulated reactions are also insulin-dependent. It plays a key role to decrease blood glucose concentration in people with elevated glucose levels and an increase in those with low blood glucose levels. It shows no effect in people with normal blood glucose levels.

Chromium is also important in the breakdown of fats. It stimulates fatty acid and cholesterol synthesis. Chromium helps to reduce levels of total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides in the blood and increases the level of HDL cholesterol.

What are the signs and symptoms of Chromium deficiency?

Chromium deficiency is rare amongst normal, healthy individuals. Though the mineral is poorly absorbed in the human body with only about 5% in the gut, deficiency is rare. The hallmark of marginal chromium deficiency is impaired glucose tolerance.

Individuals receiving TPN (Total Parental Nutrition) without chromium have been shown to develop symptoms of deficiency such as impaired glucose tolerance with high blood glucose levels and glucose excretion in urine. Peripheral neuropathy has also been reported which was reversed with chromium supplementation.

Chromium deficiency results in insulin resistance characterized by hyperinsulinemia. Hyperinsulinemia is implicated as a risk factor for coronary heart disease.

What is the daily requirement of Chromium?

There is no Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for chromium but adequate intakes that can be used as a goal for individual intakes have been proposed by the Food Nutrition Board of the National Academy of Services, USA.

What are the good food sources of chromium?

Good sources of chromium include whole grains, spices, and condiments, meats especially organ meats, mushrooms, cheese, prunes, and tea. Vegetables like broccoli, green peas, potatoes, and fruits like apples and bananas are rich sources of chromium.

Brewer’s yeast has a high content of biologically active organically complexed form known as the Glucose Tolerance Factor (GTF).

Can a high intake of chromium cause toxicity?

Trivalent chromium, the form of chromium found in foods and supplements, is the least toxic. Oral supplements up to 800 to 1000 mcg per day appear to be safe. However, hexavalent chromium often found in paints, welding fumes, and other industrial settings are very toxic. Inhalation of this form of chromium may result in respiratory disease while direct contact results in dermatitis and skin ulceration.

Although only present in small amounts in food, chromium is one of the most common elements in the earth’s crust and seawater.

Vitamin B3 (niacin) and vitamin C help to improve the absorption of chromium.