![]() Some researchers have long believed the rising rate of type II diabetes is due in part to chromium depletion in the food supply. However, food processing strips chromium from foods, particularly when grains and sugars are refined. Cereals, particularly high-bran cereals, contribute variable but potentially important amounts of chromium. ![]() Few foods are good chromium sources, a recent USDA analysis found. The recent establishment of a daily chromium requirement of 35mcg for men and 25mcg for women by the Institute of Medicine in the US has raised its profile. Send all comments or additions to: The JANUARY 2003 Issue of Functional Foods & NutraceuticalsĪs this trace mineral begins its integration into foods, conclusive research remains to be conducted on toxicity and optimal dosage amounts for various conditions. There is no established safe upper limit for chromium supplementation but in studies it has been safely used by adults in doses of up to 1000mcg per day for periods of up to six months, much higher than the daily recommended intake of around 50mcg for teenagers and 200mcg for adults.This section is compiled by Frank M. However supplements would likely be needed to reach the higher doses required to help with the conditions listed above. The mechanism by which it may help depression is not known.įor most people, sufficient amounts of chromium are relatively easy to obtain from a healthy diet as it is present in many foods such as potatoes, broccoli, green beans, brown bread, pasta, rice and many fruits. A small study found 70% of patients taking the chromium had a significant improvement whereas no one in the placebo group did. Atypical depression is a form of the disease characterised by excessive sleeping, increased appetite, quick mood changes and being hypersensitive to rejection. A review found chromium to be one of the most effective dietary supplements with the 10 double-blind studies of chromium picolinate showing an average reduction of 1.1–1.2 kg during the intervention period of 6–14 weeks.Ītypical depression - finally, chromium supplementation may be of benefit for a completely different condition. Weight loss - this is more promising with several studies finding that this mineral can enhance the action of insulin leading to a lower appetite and burning off more calories thereby promoting weight loss. Some studies are negative but some are positive, including a double blind, placebo controlled 4-week study which found that taking a chromium supplement significantly decreased levels of LDL cholesterol and slightly increased levels of HDL cholesterol compared to a placebo. High cholesterol - Chromium supplementation may improve blood lipid levels. Therefore overall the value of chromium supplements for diabetes is inconclusive. But a review of randomised controlled clinical trials found overall, chromium supplementation had little effect on glucose or insulin concentrations in people without diabetes nor did it reduce these levels in people with diabetes except in one study. Diets high in simple sugars can increase chromium excretion in the urine leading to low levels in the body, as can infection, too much exercise, pregnancy, lactation, and stress from any cause.Ĭhromium supplements, or multivitamin supplements with chromium may be useful for several conditions as well as for correcting any chromium deficiency.ĭiabetes - Several studies have found that chromium supplements may improve diabetes control. When absorbed it is stored in the liver, spleen, soft tissue, and bone. ![]() ![]() Only around 0.4% to 2.5% of chromium is absorbed from the intestinal tract but the level of absorption is enhanced by vitamin C and the B vitamin niacin. Emeralds derive their green colour from the small amount of chromium they contain. Pure chromium has a shiny silver colour, its name comes from the Greek word chroma, meaning ‘colours’. Chromium is an essential trace element, meaning that the human body needs it in very small amounts.
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