Chromium: an essential micronutrient
1982
Mertz, Walter
Chromium is an essential trace element in humans required for normal glucose tolerance. It potentiates insulin action as part of the Glucose Tolerance Factor (GTF). Placebo-controlled experiments suggest that chromium deficiency does occur in the US population and that it manifests itself through insulin resistance and a derangement of blood lipid profiles. The Food and Nutrition Board has set a range of safe and adequate intake at 50 to 200 micrograms/day for adults, (a figure based on the chromium content of a typical US diet). Chromium deficiency was implicated in the atherosclerotic process in 2 animal species and low chromium levels were identified as the best predictor of angiographically-determined coronary artery disease in humans in 1 study. A prudent diet which includes a variety of foods is likely to provide needed amounts of chromium while a diet high in fat, sugar, and/or alcohol will most likely not. Chromium supplementation (other than through diet) should be undertaken only under the advice and supervision of a physician. (ds)
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