CHROMIUM

Chromium is a trace mineral; mineral use in small amounts for normal body functions, such as digesting food.

Chromium's Function(s)

• Chromium is required to maintain normal blood glucose levels. It is believed to act by enhancing the effects of insulin.
• Chromium helps to move blood sugar (glucose) from the bloodstream into the cells to be used as energy and to turn fats, carbohydrates, and proteins into energy.
• Chromium slows the loss of calcium.

The top 5 food sources for this mineral

• Liver
• Brewer's Yeast
• Nuts
• Whole Grains
• Meats

When chromium is deficient, more insulin is required to produce the same effect. A deficiency of chromium therefore affects the body's ability to regulate blood glucose, cause diabetes-like symptoms such as elevated/high blood glucose levels and increased insulin levels.

Taking excessive chromium supplements can lead to stomach problems and low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Excess amounts can also damage the liver, kidneys, and nerves, and it may cause irregular heart rhythm.

People with diabetes get hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) when their bodies don't have enough sugar to use as fuel.

SYMPTOMS OF HYPOGLYCEMIA

• Confusion
• Dizziness
• Feeling shaky
• Hunger
• Headaches
• Irritability
• Pounding heart; racing pulse
• Pale skin
• Sweating
• Trembling/Weaknesses
• Anxiety

Absorption of chromium from the digestive tract is low, ranging from less than 0.4% to 2.5% of the amount consumed, and the remainder is defecated. Enhancing the mineral's absorption are vitamin C (found in citrus fruits and vegetables plus their juices) and the B vitamin niacin (found in meats, poultry, fish, and grain products). Absorbed chromium is stored in the liver, spleen, soft tissue, and bone.

The body's chromium content may be reduced under several conditions. For example; diets high in simple sugars can increase chromium excretion in the urine. Infection, acute exercise, pregnancy and lactation, and stressful states (physical trauma) increase chromium losses and can lead to deficiency, especially if chromium intakes are currently low.

SOURCES

• http://www.webmd.com
• Textbook**
• https://ods.od.nih.gov

Knight Allehcem
Goodman Jesscia