Chromium

About Chromium

Chromium is a trace element whose trivalent form, Cr III, occurs in food and has been proposed to enhance insulin action, possibly as part of a glucose tolerance factor, though the mechanism is unclear and its status as an essential nutrient is debated. The United States has set an adequate intake, while European authorities found no evidence of a requirement. Chromium picolinate is widely marketed for blood sugar control and weight loss, but trials in type 2 diabetes are inconsistent, and the FDA allows only a qualified health claim citing limited evidence on insulin resistance. Deficiency has been described in patients on long term parenteral nutrition without chromium, whose glucose intolerance, weight loss and neuropathy improved when it was added, but deficiency from ordinary diets has not been convincingly shown. Sources include broccoli, grapes, whole grains, meat and brewers yeast. Hexavalent chromium, Cr VI, from industry is a recognized lung carcinogen, and drinking water contamination with it was the subject of the film Erin Brockovich.