Chromium

Chromium is part of the triad of micronutrients commonly called the "glucose tolerance factor" because of its connection to the key hormone- insulin, which controls blood sugar levels. Nicotinic acid and glutathione are the other elements in this trio.   After a meal, insulin surges into the bloodstream demanding that our cells inhale glucose and store it, and to absorb amino acids, needed to build muscles. Most scientists agree that insulin requires chromium to function. When insulin levels go awry so do the levels of fats in the blood- high blood sugars are associated with high triglycerides and high cholesterol- increasing the risk for heart disease.  

There are several dozen studies that show that diabetics and healthy people whose insulin response is a little sluggish clear glucose from their blood more quickly when given chromium. If there is a lipid abnormality connected to glucose changes there may be a concomitant lowering of blood fats. 

Still there are other insulin experts who are not convinced that there is a chromium deficient human being. Furthermore they fault the studies cited as being small 11-13 people, sloppy designs, and inconsequential improvements. Therefore supplementation does no good. 

Chromium supporters promote 50-200-mcg day. Best sources are Brewer's yeast, oysters, potatoes, mushrooms and whole grains. Since the amounts of chromium in food is miniscule to meet these requirements supplements are needed to reach these recommendations.

If you are supplementing, it is wise to avoid the popular chromium piccolinate as it enters cells differently than other formulations. One study indicates that this preparation can lead to potentially harmful hydroxyl radicals and carcinogenesis. Chromium is probably a human carcinogen at a high enough dose regardless of the formulation as metal can accumulate in tissues over years.

Donna Tinnerello, MS, RD, CD/N Updated August 2000

Donna Tinnerello MS, RD, CD/N is registered dietitian with more than 10 years experience in HIV and nutrition. She works in lower Manhattan at Cabrini Medical Center, the community and in private practice. Her subspecialties are cardiovascular, renal, gastrointestinal disease, diabetes and weight loss. Donna is available for private consultation by referral only.