Chromium’s role in the body:

• Essential trace element for carbohydrate and fats metabolism
• Part of the glucose tolerance factor (GTF) which promotes efficient insulin function. (Insulin helps regulate blood sugar levels, stimulates metabolism, and helps build and retain muscle tissue.)
• May protect against diabetes. Although there is no direct evidence that chromium can prevent diabetes, research shows chromium can improve glucose tolerance (and possibly reduce blood cholesterol).

RDA: Not yet established. 50-200 mcg considered adequate and safe.

Toxicity: Low


Deficiency: Chromium deficiency is difficult to assess. It may take many years to develop and so is more likely to occur in elderly people. It is thought that chromium deficiency may contribute to “mature onset diabetes” (Type 2) and associated problems.

The best indicator of chromium deficiency may be a beneficial response to a period of chromium supplementation.

Chromium losses may result from strenuous exercise, infection and physical trauma. High sugar diets also increase chromium loss.

Good food sources: Brewer's yeast, (from chromium-rich barley), blackstrap molasses, egg yolk, cheese, liver, whole-wheat products, whole grains, wheat bran, wheat germ, meat, and apple peel are all good sources of chromium.