Chromium

Chromium helps regulate blood sugar levels by collaborating with insulin in facilitating the uptake of glucose into the cells. If chromium is not present, insulin’s action is blocked and blood sugar levels are elevated. Insulin is secreted in response to the rise in blood glucose levels after the consumption of a meal. Insulin functions by increasing the rate that glucose is taken up by the cells and the lowers blood glucose levels.

The ability of the body to control blood sugar levels is adversely affected by poor diet and lifestyle choices. These habits result in the increase of hypoglycemia and diabetes. Obesity causes a decreased sensitivity to insulin and strongly correlates with blood sugar imbalances. Chromium is essential to proper insulin action and increases the body’s sensitivity to insulin. Through this mechanism, insulin improves blood sugar control and possibly facilitates weight loss.

Chromium is difficult to store and only about 3 % of dietary chromium is retained in the body. Chromium is primarily stored in the spleen, kidneys, and testes with smaller amounts in the heart, pancreas, lungs, and brain. Excretion of the mineral occurs mainly through urination and the amount stored in the body decreases with age. On average, the human body contains 600 micrograms of chromium with the highest concentration occurring during infancy.

Chromium supplementation is primarily used in hypoglycemia and diabetes (conditions of impaired glucose tolerance). The mineral is used to reduce elevated blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels, and promote weight loss. Chromium supplementation may also be beneficial in the treatment of acne.

_DIABETES AND HYPOGLYCEMIA_

Chromium helps regulate blood sugar levels and is thus helpful in both diabetes and hypoglycemia. Chromium is a key component of glucose tolerance factor (GTF), a substance that works with insulin to facilitate the uptake of glucose (blood sugar) into the cells. Numerous studies have demonstrated chromium’s beneficial effects on the treatment of impaired glucose tolerance. The majority of the studies involved patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM). Chromium deficiency is common in these patients and may contribute to both insulin resistance and elevations in cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

Studies have shown that chromium supplementation is helpful with hypoglycemia and can improve glucose tolerance test results and increase the number of insulin receptors on red blood cells.

_WEIGHT LOSS_

Chromium supplementation enhances weight loss by increasing the body’s sensitivity to insulin. Insulin is crucial in regulating proper blood sugar levels and stimulating thermogenesis. Chromium decreases weight yet increases lean body mass.

_ELEVATED CHOLESTEROL AND TRIGLYCERIDE LEVELS_

Chromium supplementation lowers cholesterol and triglyceride levels in both diabetic and non-diabetic people. The decreases in cholesterol and triglycerides are most dramatic if the initial body chromium levels are low. The typical changes are 10 percent reduction in total cholesterol and triglycerides and 2 percent increase in HDL .

Glucose intolerance characterized by elevated blood sugar and insulin levels is the primary sign of chromium deficiency.

 Tests have shown that chromium deficiency is common in the United States due to the soil being depleted of minerals. The refining of foods and the high intake of sugars and refined carbohydrates may also contribute to chromium deficiency and possible aggravates adult-onset diabetes. Chromium deficiency is most likely to occur in the elderly, pregnant women and athletes.

Studies have shown that chromium blood levels drop with the administration of glucose. Chromium should be supplemented in postoperative patients receiving glucose intravenously for nourishment. Blood chromium levels drop even further if the patient has a virus infection.

The trivalent form of chromium is the dietary and supplemental kind and is extremely safe. Numerous double-blind studies with chromium supplementation have reported no significant side effects or toxicity reactions.

There is no official RDA for chromium. The following are considered the safe and adequate ranges for chromium.