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| Proper name |
Chromium |
| Category |
Mineral |
| Functions |
Chromium is the basis of glucose tolerance factor (GTF), which facilitates
the action of insulin. GTF is composed of trivalent chromium, niacin, glycine,
glutamic acid and cysteine. GTF supports the action of insulin by assisting
the uptake of blood sugar into the cells, Studies suggest that adult onset
diabetes may be prevented or at least partially controlled by adequate chromium.
Chromium is also used to treat the symptoms of hypoglycemia. GTF also
seems to help lower elevated serum cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triglycerides,
while increasing levels of HDL (cardioprotective) cholesterol. Low levels
of chromium are associated with cardiovascular disease. Chromium may increase
lean body mass when combined with exercise, more than exercise alone. |
| RDA |
50 to 200 micrograms per day for adults. |
| Therapeutic
dose |
200 to 400 mcg per day. |
| Deficiency symptoms |
Adult onset diabetes, hypoglycemia, elevated cholesterol. |
| Toxicity |
No reported ill effects from taking supplemental chromium. |
| Best
forms
|
GTF (tri-valent) chromium, chromium nicotinate |
| Food
sources |
Brewer's yeast is by far the best food source. Other sources include liver,
cheddar cheese, wheat germ and other whole grain products. Due to consumption
of refined carbohydrates, as many as 90% of Americans may be deficient in
chromium. |
| Lab
tests |
Hair mineral analysis |
| Drug
interactions |
None known. |
| Nutrient interactions |
None known. |
| Metabolism |
The total body store
of chromium is approximately 6 mg. Chromium is stored primarily in the
skin, adrenal glands, brain, muscle and fat.
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