Chromium

​Function: 
Chromium is a trace mineral, meaning that it is a mineral that the body needs in very small amounts.  Chromium increases insulin’s effectiveness in the body. 

Deficiency: 
May result in insulin resistance, high blood sugar, undesired weight loss, and peripheral neuropathy.   

Absorption:
Vitamin C may improve absorption when consumed at the same time.  Antacids and phytates (found mostly in grains and legumes) may reduce Chromium absorption when consumed at the same time.

Sources:
Good sources of Chromium include mushrooms, prunes, asparagus, organ meats, whole grains, meat, fish, poultry, cheese, cocoa, green peppers, green beans, spinach, apples, bananas, cinnamon, cloves, bay leaves, turmeric, tea, beer, wine, and brewer’s yeast.

Toxicity:
It is possible to consume too much Chromium in supplement form; do NOT self-supplement.  Micro-nutrient testing is required before supplementation.  Over supplementation of chromium picolinate has been associated with kidney failure and liver dysfunction.

---

* This information is not intended to encourage self-supplementation.   As you will read in individual nutrient content, self-supplementation can be unnecessary or even dangerous.  I highly recommend micro-nutrient blood testing before choosing to take any supplements that are not whole-foods based.
​
References:
Gropper SS, Smith JL, Groff JL. Advanced nutrition and human metabolism. 5th ed. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth; 2009.
Mahan L, Escott-Stump S, Raymond J. Krauses's food and the nutrition care process. 13th ed. St. Louis, Missouri: Elsevier Saunders; 2012.