category: nutrition science: nutrients

Chromium, de.: Chrom, fr.: chrome, it.: cromo, es.: cromo

Chromium is a mineral and an essential trace element for the human organism. Apart from regulating insulin and cholesterol levels, other important body functions are accredited to chromium.

Functions of chromium

Chromium can be found in our inner organs like liver and spleen and in larger amounts in bones, fat and muscle tissue. It plays an important role in our carbohydrate and fat metabolism, and acts as a co-factor for some enzymes, for example in cell reproduction. It is also assumed that chromium is important for the maintenance of the cornea and ocular lens. Chromium may help prevent diabetes and high blood pressure and may repress addephagia.

Chromium requirement

There are various guidelines for chromium requirements in different countries. While the German Nutrition Society (DGE) recommends 100 micrograms chromium per day, the United States lowered their dietary guidelines to 35 micrograms for adult males and 25 micrograms for females because new studies showed that chromium supplements generate chromosome damages in hamster cells. In periods of stress, malnutrition, in pregnancy and old age chromium levels should nonetheless not be too low.

Chromium deficiency

Chromium deficiency results in a disruption of the sugar metabolism and may lead to symptoms similar to diabetes. There are discussions in medical research if chromium deficiency is one factor leading to heart diseases and elevated blood lipids. Mental symptoms of chromium deficiency: bad temper, nervousness, problems with concentration and learning, confusion and even depressions. Physical symptoms are: muscle weakness, weight loss, increased urinating, itching, opacity of the ocular lens and cornea.