Chromium Information Chromium Uses Chromium Dosage Information Chromium Safety Potential Side Effects
Chromium Information
Chromium was recognized as a consistent component of plants and animals by 1948. Chromium also can be found in small amounts throughout the human body.
In 1954, chromium was found to enhance the synthesis of cholesterol and fatty
acids from acetate.Researchers believed that Chromium can help reduce blood sugar in Type 2 diabetes.
It may play a role in reducing high blood pressure as well. It is an important component in
the metabolism of glucose to energy, in addition to, converting fat, proteins and carbohydrates into energy
for your body to thrive on.
Chromium Uses Chromium supplementation is used to lower cholesterol and blood glucose levels.
This mineral promotes the loss of fat and an increase in lean muscle tissue. Studies have shown it may increase
longevity and help fight osteoporosis. Active, athletic people burn more carbohydrates and have higher Chromium
requirements than those who are not as active, and as we age Chromium levels decrease in our body which can cause
a variety of health concerns. Adding Chromium supplements to the diet can also be helpful for diabetics and those
with hypoglycemia. Chromium is necessary for energy and essential in the synthesis of cholesterol, fats, and
proteins. It helps maintain stable blood sugar levels. Additional Chromium is needed during pregnancy because
a developing fetus demands an increase in this mineral, and it helps regulate the expectant mother's blood
sugar levels. Only 1 in 10 Americans has an adequate amount of Chromium in their diet. The major reasons for
this deficiency is that Chromium is not easily absorbed in the body, people are not consuming enough foods that
contain Chromium, and the high quantities of sugar in the diet is causing a loss of Chromium from the body.
Chromium can be found in the following food sources: beer, brewer's yeast, brown rice, cheese, meat, and whole
grains. It is also contained in dried beans, blackstrap molasses, calf liver, chicken, corn and corn oil,
dairy products, dried liver, dulse (edible red seaweed), eggs, mushrooms, and potatoes. Catnip, horsetail,
licorice, nettle, oat straw, red clover, sarsaparilla, wild yam and yarrow herbs contain Chromium as well.
Chromium is generally accepted as an essential mineral that enhances insulin action and thus influences
carbohydrate, lipid, and protein metabolism. In August 2005, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
allowed a qualified health claim for chromium picolinate. The FDA's ruling was based on the findings that
chromium picolinate helps to increase insulin sensitivity in those at high risk for diabetes. Recent
studies indicate that chromium picolinate may be helpful for those who have diabetes.
Chromium Dosage Information
The adequate daily intake (AI) for chromium as recommended by the National Institutes of Health is as follows:
• Children 1 to 3 years: 11 mcg
• Children 4 to 8 years: 15 mcg
• Boys 9 to 13 years: 25 mcg
• Teenage boys 14 to 18 years: 35 mcg
• Girls 9 to 13 years: 21 mcg
• Teenage girls 14 to 18 years: 24 mcg
• Pregnant teenagers 14 to 18 years: 29 mcg
• Breastfeeding teenagers 14 to 18 years: 44 mcg
• Adult Men 19 to 50 years: 35 mcg
• Men 51 years and older: 30 mcg
• Women 19 to 50 years: 25 mcg
• Women 51 years and older: 20 mcg
• Pregnant women 19 years and older: 30 mcg
• Breastfeeding women 19 years and older: 30 mcg
Supplemental Chromium is absorbed
best by the body when it is taken in a form called Chromium picolinate, a naturally
occurring amino acid metabolite which enables Chromium to enter the body's cells where
the mineral can directly help insulin do its job. Chromium requirements vary from person to
person so it is important to consult your physician to determine the amount you should take.
Chromium deficiencies have been associated with impaired glucose tolerance, and may affect the ability of insulin to regulate sugar balance. Low chromium levels may also cause high cholesterol levels, and increase the risk of heart disease. It is often associated with insulin resistance, hyperglycemia and abnormalities of lipids in the blood. Severe chromium deficiency are rare, but can cause weight loss, peripheral neuropathy and inflammation of the brain.
More commonly, low levels of chromium in the body seem to be associated with type II diabetes, high blood sugar and insulin resistance.
Chromium Safety For those who have insulin-dependent diabetes, do not use Chromium unless
prescribed by your healthcare practitioner. Chromium deficiencies have been associated with impaired glucose tolerance, and may affect the ability of insulin to regulate sugar balance. Low chromium levels may also cause high cholesterol levels, and increase the risk of heart disease. It is often associated with insulin resistance, hyperglycemia and abnormalities of lipids in the blood. Severe chromium deficiency are rare, but can cause weight loss, peripheral neuropathy and inflammation of the brain.
.
More commonly, low levels of chromium in the body seem to be associated with type II diabetes, high blood sugar and insulin resistance.
Chromium taken in excessive amounts can lead to toxicity which has been associated with dermatitis, gastrointestinal ulcers, and kidney and liver impairment.
High
doses of chromium may reduce the effectiveness of insulin and may cause stomach
aches as well. There have been very rare reports of liver dysfunction and rapid
heartbeat, and two reports of kidney damage attributed to chromium picolinate
supplements. In addition, one research study reported that chromium picolinate
supplements caused chromosome damage – a precursor of cancer – in hamsters.
Other forms of chromium did not cause any damage. As a result, many doctors
caution against taking chromium picolinate in high doses. Therefore, consult
your doctor for the best option for you and your health Safety in young children, nursing women, or those with severe liver or kidney disease is not known.
