1. Chromium
Chromium is one of the trace minerals needed in very
small amounts by the body, and deficiency of chromium
can result in diabetes. It cannot be made in the body,
and must be obtained from the diet or supplements.
Discovered in 1797 by N.-L. Vauquel
There re Three forms of chromimum:
Chromimum 0
Chromimum iii
Chromimum vi
Small amount of Chromimum iii are nedeed for human
2. Sources of Chromium ContainingFoods:.
Foods high in chromium are · brewer's yeast · egg yolks · molasses ·
onions (raw).
Other foods with chromium include · apples, bananas, oranges and
grapes · beer · brown rice · cheese · dried beans · liver · meat (beef,
chicken, turkey) · mushrooms · oysters · vegetables like broccoli,
carrots, green beans, green peppers, potatoes, romaine lettuce,
spinach, ripe tomatoes · wheat germ · whole grains
3. Requirements:
Infants
0-6 mo: 0.2 ug/d
7-12 mo: 5.5 ug/d
Children and adolescents
1-8 yrs: 11 - 15 ug/d
9-15 yrs: 21 - 25 ug/d
Adults
14- 50 yrs: Male = 35 ug/d
Female = 25 ug/d
>50 yrs: Male = 30 ug/d
Female = 20 ug/d
Females:Pregnant women: 29-30
ug/d
Lactating women: 44-45 ug/da
According to National Academy
Of Sceienc:
-10 micro gm <Adequate Intake <
45 micro gm
-Maximum Intake equavalent to
1000 mocro gm
4. Signs and Symptoms
-problems in blood sugar metabolism, such as anxiety or
fatigue
-Abnormal cholesterol metabolism and increased progress
of atherosclerosis
-decreased growth in young people and slower healing time
after injuries or surgery,
- diabetes.
-Allergic reaction[dermatitis],
-gastro intestinal and nurological effects
-respiratory reactions
5. Chromium Overdose Symptoms or Toxicity
Extensive research has found no adverse chromium side
effects from high intake of it. The Food and Nutrition Board of
the Institute of Medicine did not establish a Tolerable Upper
Intake Level (UL) for chromium.
-DNA damage
-people with kidney or liver disease may be more
vulnerable,
-Chromium taken in extremely high amounts can
accummulate in tissue and impair rather than enhance the
effectiveness of insulin. It can also irritate the stomach and
cause rapid heartbeat, light-headedness and skin
-Chromium causes blood sugar to drop, as it enhances the
effectiveness of insulin in moving glucose from blood
6. Treatment and Prevention
-dosage range for chromium supplementation is 200-300mcg
.- chromium in lower doses, such as 50mcg, since it is thought to
be better absorbed with niacin and the amino acids glycine,
cysteine and glutamic acid.
-To Avoid Deficiency and Maintain a Good Intake of Chromium:
Avoid sugar and sugar products, soda pops, candy, and
presweetened breakfast cereals.
Avoid refined, white flour products, such as white breads and
crackers.
Use whole wheat products, wheat germ, and/or brewer's yeast.
Eat whole foods