Chromium Mineral

It is an essential trace mineral that helps the hormone insulin function well in regulating blood sugar levels.

Sources of The Mineral Chromium

This important mineral is present for intake in food products, medicines, and supplements.

Chromium Rich Foods

Foods rich in chromium include;

• Whole grains product; oats, wheat
• Cereals; brewers yeast
• processed meat; liver, beef
• Vegetables; broccoli, 
• Nuts

Chromium Supplements

They help increase chromium levels in deficient patients. Supplements are poorly absorbed when taken alone. However, when taken with chromium III, it’s readily absorbed in the body. Thus doctors recommend incorporating the two for effective results.

Chromium Toxicity

Hexavalent chromium is a form of the mineral that is toxic when ingested as it can cause serious negative health effects to the body such as;

• skin problems and lung cancer.
• kidney and liver failure

This toxic element is found in leather tanning products, paints, and dye.

Toxicity can be as a result of extreme high dosage of chromium supplements above 1900–3300 mg/kg

Side Effects

People suffering from diseases such as; kidney diseases, liver diseases, and diabetes may develop side effects when taking these supplements. This is because these drugs interact differently with the supplements. This side effects may include;

• Headaches
• Nausea
• Kidney and liver damage
• Blood disorders

Chromium Deficiency

The human body requires at least 200 micrograms of this mineral. People who take foods below this level are at a risk of being deficient. However, deficiency cases are rare and only a group of people are at the risk, they include; athletes and pregnant women.

Reasons for decrease in chromium levels may be;

• Lack of exercise
• Use of refined sugars that are excreted through urine
• and white flour products

Effects of Deficiency

• weight loss
• confusion
• impaired insulin function
• causing problems with glucose management resulting in diabetes
• atherosclerosis,

Deficiency symptoms

• decrease in energy levels and lethargy
• anxiety

Health Benefits

There are a handful of benefits related to this mineral which include;

• It helps enhance protein, carbohydrate, and lipid metabolism.
• It is essential in glucose tolerance that aids in regulating blood sugar levels.

Chromium Use For Diabetes

Reliable studies have shown that picolinate can lower blood sugar in people with diabetes 1 and 2. As a result, it is used in the treatment of diabetes. Regardless, you should seek medical advice from an expert before taking any medication.

Chromium Use For Weight Loss

Other studies have stated that chromium may be used for weight loss. However, recent reliable researches have proved that it is unreliable in decreasing body weight. Therefore discipline and frequent exercises are the main solutions to weight loss.