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Balancing chromium

Chromium plays a significant role in human health

Vitamin C found in fruits helps absorption of chromium

Chromium, the shiny metal, is an essential nutrient. It enhances the effect of insulin, a hormone essential for the metabolism for glucose, fat, and protein. Chromium's role in human health was known since the 1950s, but the matter wasn't settled until 1977 when Khursheed N. Jeejeebhoy, a researcher in Toronto, published a study that proved chromium's critical role in human health.

Foods rich in chromium include broccoli, cauliflower, grapes, whole wheat, brown rice, meat, garlic, mushrooms and beans. Vitamin C (found in fresh fruit and vegetables) and niacin (found in meats, poultry, fish, and grains) enhances the absorption of chromium.

Foods rich in simple sugars increase chromium excretion in the urine. Infection, pregnancy and lactation, strenuous exercise, and physical trauma increase chromium losses and can lead to deficiency, especially if chromium intake is already low. Hospitalised patients who are unable to take food orally rapidly develop chromium deficiency if the parenteral nutrition does not include chromium.

Safe dietary intake for teens and adults ranges from 50 microgram to 200 microgram per day. Lactating mothers have the highest requirement.

Medication can affect chromium and vice versa. Drugs that lower the acid content in the stomach (antacids, H2 blockers, proton pump inhibitors, etc.) tend to decrease chromium absorption or increase its excretion. Beta-blockers, cortico-steroids, insulin, nicotinic acid, aspirin and other NSAIDS may have their effects enhanced by chromium or they may increase chromium absorption.

Chromium controversies: Pills containing Chromium are used by some to reduce body fat. This has no basis in scientific fact. A review of studies of people on chromium supplements did not show any fat-burning effect or muscle enhancing effect.

Chromium increases the effect of insulin, but it does not mean that it has a role in diabetics. Chromium supplements also do not improve the blood lipid profile. Chromium supplements are not necessary for most people on a healthful diet.

RAJIV. M

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