Chromium is a crucial mineral that plays a role in the body's use of insulin, which helps regulate blood sugar levels. Insulin is important for converting sugar, carbohydrates, and other food into energy the body needs for daily activities.
A small percentage of people may experience low chromium levels, even though 90% of American diets might not provide enough chromium. Those who might be more at risk include elderly individuals, heavy exercisers, those who consume a lot of sugar, and pregnant women. Low chromium levels can be associated with changes in blood sugar, triglycerides, and cholesterol, which may contribute to health concerns.
Supplementing with chromium may help support individuals in managing their blood sugar levels, especially when insulin is not used effectively, leading to glucose accumulation in the bloodstream.
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What is Chromium?
Chromium is a trace element found in many foods and as a dietary supplement in its trivalent (+3) form. However, hexavalent (+6) chromium is a by-product of certain manufacturing processes and is toxic.
Trivalent chromium may help support blood sugar regulation by enhancing insulin's efficacy. Chromium is often used to address low chromium levels and is claimed to have benefits for conditions such as diabetes, high cholesterol, and polycystic ovary syndrome, among others.
Studies have suggested that chromium may impact carbohydrate, lipid, and protein metabolism by enhancing insulin action. The exact mechanism for this activity is unknown.
In 2001, chromium was considered to be an essential nutrient, according to the Food and Nutrition Board (FNB). This was due to its effects on insulin action. However, recent research has shown that although chromium may have benefits at pharmacological levels, it is not essential since a deficiency does not cause abnormalities that can be reversed by adding chromium. A scientific panel concluded that there is no evidence to support chromium as an essential nutrient.
Most of the chromium in the blood is bound to plasma proteins, with only about 5% being unbound. Chromium is mainly stored in the liver, spleen, soft tissue, and bone. Chromium is excreted primarily through the urine, but urinary chromium levels are not a good indicator of chromium stores. Some studies have measured chromium levels in sweat, serum, hair, and toenails, but there is no validated method for determining chromium status or a clinically defined chromium deficiency state.
What are Chromium's Health Benefits?
There are five conditions where chromium could potentially have positive effects:
Impaired glucose tolerance and diabetes: Low levels of chromium have been linked to type 2 diabetes. Insulin resistance contributes to cardiovascular disease and is present in conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and gestational diabetes. Chromium has been shown to enhance insulin's metabolic effect and may help support cardiovascular health and blood sugar management, especially in overweight individuals.
Metabolic syndrome: This refers to a group of risk factors, including abdominal obesity, high triglycerides, low HDL cholesterol, hypertension, and elevated fasting blood glucose, that increase the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and stroke. A study of 3,648 adults found lower baseline chromium concentrations in toenails were associated with a higher incidence of metabolic syndrome over 23 years. Therefore, it is believed that chromium supplements may be beneficial for people with metabolic syndrome. Evidence shows that chromium picolinate supplementation appears to contribute to the improvement of metabolic control and health.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): PCOS is a hormonal disorder affecting the ovaries and is the most common among women of reproductive age, with an estimated 15-20% of women having the condition. PCOS is often underdiagnosed, and many women experiencing its symptoms may not know that it can be addressed through a functional medicine approach. PCOS patients are usually deficient in vitamins B, D, E, and K and minerals like selenium, chromium, and zinc. A study showed that PCOS patients who received chromium supplementation showed a significant decrease in body mass index, free testosterone levels, and fasting insulin levels.
Dyslipidemia: Dyslipidemia is a disorder with unequal distribution of lipids such as cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), triglycerides, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL). Studies have linked low chromium levels to elevated blood cholesterol levels. As a result, it is believed that chromium supplementation may help support healthy blood lipid levels. This hypothesis has been tested in various populations, including individuals with impaired glucose tolerance, diabetes, and PCOS. Meta-analyses of chromium supplementation in individuals with diabetes and PCOS have shown no significant changes in total cholesterol and LDL levels. However, some studies have indicated that chromium supplementation may increase HDL cholesterol levels and decrease triglyceride levels.
Weight and lean body mass: Chromium supplementation has been proposed to enhance weight loss, decrease body fat, and increase muscle mass. This is due to its potential to amplify insulin action, reduce the amount of glucose converted to fat, and increase protein synthesis. Some preliminary research suggests chromium supplements can reduce food intake, hunger, and fat cravings. A meta-analysis found that participants taking chromium supplements lost more weight (and significantly reduced BMI and body fat percentage compared to the placebo group).
How to Test Chromium Levels
Chromium levels are mainly measured in blood and urine. The urine test is primarily used for cases where there is suspicion of poisoning or exposure to toxic hexavalent chromium.
Chromium blood tests are aimed at detecting if there is a deficiency. The analysis can be performed in whole blood or serum. The test results will indicate the amount of chromium present in the blood. They can help determine if the individual has enough chromium in their body or if they may have low chromium levels. It's important to note that chromium levels can be influenced by diet and age and that a single test may not provide a complete picture of an individual's chromium status.
Also, chromium levels can be analyzed as a part of a Micronutrients Panel, which tests the status of several nutrients, including chromium.
How to Boost Chromium Levels
The NIH has established the following Adequate Intakes (AI) for Chromium according to sex, age, pregnancy, and lactation:
*Note that for infants from birth to 12 months, the AIs are calculated based on the mean chromium intake of infants primarily fed by human milk. While for older infants, complementary foods are considered.
There are different food sources of chromium:
- Brewer's yeast (especially yeast grown in soil high in chromium)
- Whole grain bread and cereals
- Molasses
- Spices
- Some bran cereals
- Organ meats
- Mushrooms
- Oatmeal
- Prunes
- Nuts
- Asparagus
There are also different chromium supplements, including:
- Chromium nicotinate
- Chromium histidinate
- Chromium picolinate
- Chromium-enriched yeast
- Chromium chloride
- Glucose Tolerance Factor Chromium (GTF)
Chromium supplements are commonly sold in the form of tablets and capsules and are often a part of multivitamins. Chromium picolinate is considered a popular form of chromium supplementation and has been studied in numerous animal and human trials.
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Summary
Trivalent chromium is a mineral that plays a role in several physiological processes in the body. Chromium is involved in the metabolism of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats and helps support insulin function, which can impact overall health in several ways.
Chromium may help enhance insulin function, which is important in controlling blood sugar levels, particularly in individuals with type 2 diabetes. Chromium supplementation has been proposed to support weight management, decrease body fat, and increase muscle mass, potentially improving body composition. Some studies suggest chromium supplementation may support healthy blood lipid levels by reducing triglycerides and increasing high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol.
The results of studies on chromium supplementation and its effects on health have been mixed, and more research is needed to fully understand its impact. Additionally, chromium supplementation should not be used as a substitute for a healthy lifestyle and diet, and you should talk to your healthcare provider before taking chromium supplementation.
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