CHROMIUM

Facts

• Chromium is an essential element required for proper sugar and fat metabolism. It acts as a potentiator of insulin.
• According to Prescription for Nutritional Healing, two out of three Americans are hypoglycemic, pre-hypoglycemic or diabetic. The ability to maintain normal blood sugar levels is further jeopardised by the lack of chromium in the soil and water supply and by a diet high in refined white sugar, white flour and junk foods.1 Dietary surveys have shown a significant number of Americans receive less than 20 micrograms (mcg.) per day, which is considered generally inadequate to meet its nutritional requirement.2
• The biologically active form of chromium is called glucose tolerance factor or GTF chromium.

Functions

• Chromium potentiates insulin action and, therefore, is involved in the metabolism of glucose and is vital in the synthesis of cholesterol, fats and protein.
• Studies have indicated that chromium picolinate (chromium chelated with picolinate, a naturally occurring amino acid metabolite) promotes weight loss and increases lean muscle tissue.1
• Some studies have indicated that individuals with low plasma chromium levels can be an indication of coronary heart disease.1
• Chloride and the other electrolytes work with calcium and magnesium in maintaining nerve transmission and normal muscle contraction and relaxation.

Requirements

There is currently no Recommended Daily Allowance or Daily Value for Chromium.

Signs of Deficiency

Symptoms of a chromium deficiency include: fatigue, anxiety and glucose intolerance (particularly individuals with diabetes), inadequate metabolism of amino acids, elevated plasma free fatty acids, neuropathy and increased risk of arteriosclerosis.1

Safety

Individuals with diabetes should first consult with a physician or health care professional before taking supplemental chromium, especially chromium picolinate as chromium can affect insulin requirements. Individuals with low blood sugar may experience symptoms of hypoglycemia if an excess of chromium is taken.5

Signs of Toxicity

According to Prescription for Nutritional Healing, excessive intake of chromium (excessive in terms of dosage is not defined) can produce gastric irritation and ulcers, kidney and liver impairment.1

Current Research

Heart Disease
Recent findings indicate that chromium supplementation can reduce one's risk factors for developing cardiovascular disease. Researchers at Shaare Zedek Medical Center in Israel found that supplementation of 250 mcg. of chromium lowered serum triglyceride levels and raised high density lipoprotein (HDL) levels in 76 patients diagnosed with atherosclerosis. In animals, the same researchers discovered that chromium supplementation reduced "aortic intimal surface covered by plaque, aortic weight and cholesterol concentrations in rabbits."6,7

Diabetes
Chromium has been shown to improve glucose tolerance, insulin and haemoglobin of persons in China with Type 2 diabetes. In a study performed in China, the use of 1,000 micrograms of chromium per day (five times above the upper limit of the estimated safe and adequate daily dietary intake) was highly effective in relieving many of the symptomatic manifestations of type 2 diabetes mellitus.8 In a separate study, 200 mcg of chromium was administered to persons with slightly elevated blood sugar levels and persons with moderately low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia). In the subjects with slightly elevated blood sugar levels, there was a considerable drop of roughly 20 points in blood sugar levels. In persons with hypoglycemia, chromium supplementation was affiliated with a 10-point increase in blood sugar levels.9

Weight Loss
In a recent review of the literature on chromium, two researchers conclude, "In addition to type 2 diabetes mellitus, chromium supplementation may be useful to direct overall weight decrements specifically towards fat loss with the retention of lean body mass and to ameliorate many manifestations of aging."8

1 Balch, J.F. and P.A. Prescription for Nutritional Healing. Avery Publishing, 1997.:pp24

2 Nielsen, F. The balderdash and realities of health and performance claims for supplements as exemplified by calcium, chromium and vanadium. Proceedings of North Dakota Academy of Science, 1999; v. 53.

3 Nielsen, F. Importance of making dietary recommendations for elements designated as nutritionally beneficial, pharmacologically beneficial, or conditionally essential. J of Trace Elem in Exp Med, 2000; 13: 113-129.

4 Schauss, A. Minerals and human health: the rationale for optimal and balanced trace element levels. Life Sciences Press, 1995: pp.15-16.

5 Barney, P. Doctor's Guide to Natural Medicine. Woodland Publishing, 1998.

6 Abraham A., Brooks B., Eylath U., The effects of chromium supplementation on serum glucose and lipids in patients with and without non-insulin dependent diabetes. Metabolism, 1992; 41: 768-771.