Minerals - Chromium (Cr)

Question 1

Chromium (Cr)

Answer 1

Chromium (Cr) Is an essential trace mineral that potentiates the action of insulin
* The predominant form in the body is trivalent chromium (Cr³+)
* Absolution of Cr from the intestinal tract is low (0.4 - 2.5%)
* Cr is widely distributed in the food supply but most foods contain very small amounts (< 2 mcg)

Question 2

Key food sources

Answer 2

Key food sources / Per 100 g:
Vegetables: Broccoli, green beans, potatoes / 11 mcg
Grains: Barley, oats, whole-wheat / 8.6 mcg
Meat and poultry: Turkey, beef / 2 mcg
Herb/spices: Black pepper (2 tsp), Basil, garlic / 1 mcg

Question 3

Functions: Insulin receptor function

Answer 3

Functions: Insulin receptor function
* 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 is facilitated. Cinnamon works on the same pathway
* In addition to carbohydrate (glucose) metabolism, insulin also influences the metabolism of fats and protein
Therapeutic uses:
* Blood sugar regulation
* Diabetes mellitus
* Insulin resistance (e.g. PCOS)
* Lowering HbA1c
* Reducing triglycerides

Question 4

Deficiency

Answer 4

• Marginal Cr deficiency leads to poor blood sugar control and subsequent symptoms, e.g:
  o Anxiety
  o Sugar cravings
  o Fatigue
• High carbohydrate intake and vigourous exercise increases Cr excretion

Question 5

Toxicity

Answer 5

• Cr in foods and supplements is one of the least toxic minerals (no tolerable upper limit (TUL) has been established)
• Adequate intake (AI) for adults spans from 30-44 mcg /day but no adverse effects are seen in amounts up to 10 mg/day

Question 6

Nutrient interactions

Answer 6

• Fe overload (Haemochromatosis) Can impair Cr transport