Chromium Flashcards
<p>Chromium</p>
<p>• Chromium (Cr) is an essential trace mineral that potentiates the action of insulin.<br></br>• The predominant form in the body is trivalent chromium (Cr 3+<br></br>• Absorption of Cr from the intestinal tract is low (0.4-2.5%)<br></br>• Cr is widely distributed in the food supply but most foods contain very small amounts (<2mcg)</p>
<p>Chromium: Food Sources</p>
<p>Vegetables: <strong>broccoli</strong> , green beans, potatoes <strong>11mcg</strong><br></br>Grains: <strong>barley</strong> , oats, whole wheat <strong>8.6mcg</strong><br></br>Meat and poultry: <strong>turkey</strong>, beef <strong>2mcg</strong><br></br>Herbs/spices: <strong>black pepper (2tsp)</strong>, basil, garlic <strong>1mcg</strong></p>
<p>Chromium: Insulin Receptor function- Functions</p>
<p>• Cr is a component of chromodulin ’, which is a protein that increases the sensitivity of the enzyme ‘tyrosine kinase’, so that when insulin binds to its receptor, its action is enhanced and subsequently glucose uptake by cells in facilitated. [ Cinnamon works on the same pathway].<br></br>• In addition to carbohydrate (glucose) metabolism, insulin also influences the metabolism of fats and protein.</p>
<p>Chromium: Insulin Receptor function- Therapeutic Uses</p>
<p>• Blood sugar regulation<br></br>• Diabetes mellitus<br></br>• Insulin resistance (e.g. PCOS)<br></br>• Lowering HbA1c<br></br>• Reducing Triglycerides</p>
<p>Chromium Deficiency</p>
<p>• Marginal Cr deficiency leads to poor blood sugar control and subsequent symptoms; e.g. anxiety, sugar cravings, fatigue.<br></br>• High carbohydrate intake and vigorous exercise ↑ Cr excretion.</p>
<p>Chromium: Toxicity</p>
<p>• Cr in foods and supplements is one of the least toxic minerals (No Tolerable Upper Limit (TUL) has been established<br></br>• Adequate intake (AI) for adults spans from 30-44mcg/day but no adverse effects are seen in amounts up to 10mg/day.</p>
<p>Chromium Interactions</p>
<p>Fe overload (haemochromatosis) can impair Cr transport.</p>
