What is it
Chromium is a mineral necessary for the proper metabolism of sugars in the body.
It can come in different forms that have different properties and different toxicity. The two most common forms are trivalent chromium and hexavalent chromium.
Food sources
Amounts of chromium are mainly present in brewer’s yeast, meat, cheese and whole grains.
Effects
Among the functions of chromium is the ability to increase the effectiveness of insulin and to use glucose, helping to prevent hypoglycemia or diabetes.
Chromium, together with iron, also has the task of transporting proteins into the bloodstream and also plays a role in protein synthesis through bonds with RNA (ribonucleic acid) molecules.
Deficiency
Chromium deficiencies generate glucose intolerance, high triglyceride and cholesterol values.
Recommended doses
Children over 7 years, teens and adults should take 0.05 to 0.20 mg of chromium daily, while for younger ages the suggested amounts are lower.
Precautions
Trivalent chromium can cause skin irritation when taken at high parenteral doses. When taken by mouth and at lower doses it is non-toxic.
Hexavalent chromium, which fortunately is not found in food, is very toxic and irritating to the skin, lungs and stomach and intestines.
Joycelyn Elders is the author and creator of EmpowerEssence, a health and wellness blog. Elders is a respected public health advocate and pediatrician dedicated to promoting general health and well-being.
The blog covers a wide range of topics related to health and wellness, with articles organized into several categories.