Chromium is a naturally occurring trace element obtained from foods such as liver, American cheese, brewer’s yeast, wheat germ, meat, fish, fruits, whole grains, brown sugar, alfalfa and animal fats. This essential mineral is difficult for the body to absorb, whether from food or nutritional supplements. Chromium is thought to be required in only small amounts, and deficiency is rare. While it can be measured in hair and blood, no laboratory standards have been developed; therefore, no daily value recommendation has been established.

Chromium’s biological role has not been well-defined, although we do know that it is required for fat, protein and carbohydrate metabolism. Animal studies have shown that chromium has beneficial effects on cholesterol levels. However, the results of studies involving human subjects are varied. Even if human studies confirmed that chromium affected cholesterol levels, additional studies would need to evaluate whether that reduction resulted in reducing the risk of heart disease to prove a direct benefit.

Chromium is also involved with the activity of insulin. This mineral works with insulin to transfer glucose from the bloodstream into cells, where it is used for energy. Chromium supplementation appears effective in lowering glucose and insulin levels in type 2 diabetics. Human and laboratory studies suggest that chromium enhances the activity of insulin, although it has not proved to bring blood sugar levels down to normal levels. Optimal doses of chromium have not been determined. Chromium is not considered an effective stand-alone treatment for diabetes because diabetes is not a chromium-deficiency disease.

Chromium: An Element of Success with Diabetes and Cholesterol

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