Since it’s identification as an essential trace element in 1955, Chromium has been considered an essential nutrient for humans (1). Chromium is a trace mineral found in foods in its biologically active trivalent form (Cr+3) (2). It is not made by the body and so must be obtained through diet. Chromium plays a critical role in regulating blood sugar levels and is also thought to promote heart health, brain health, optimum weight maintenance and support diabetes control strategies. First discovered in brewer’s yeast (3), it is found most abundantly today in vegetables, fruits and whole grains. As Chromium is a nutrient, the benefits of supplementation will only be experienced by those who have a deficiency.
What is chromium used for
Chromium is essential, in minute doses, for the optimum functioning of the human body. Most well supported in research, is the critical role chromium plays in the control of glucose and lipid metabolism. Chromium helps to make insulin work. Insulin is a hormone that controls blood sugar. As such, chromium is essential for maintaining stable blood sugar levels.
Recommended daily intake of chromium
The ideal intake for adults is approximately 50 micrograms of chromium per day (5). The average person today consumes approximately 20-30 micrograms (6), this level of intake is adequate and is unlikely to cause a severe deficiency. Below is a table adapted from the National Institute of Health outlining adequate chromium intakes for all ages.
Chromium deficiencies and common symptoms
Chromium deficiency occurs as a result of consuming a diet high in processed and refined foods that are high in sucrose, fructose and simple carbohydrates. These foods both contain low levels of chromium and stimulate chromium excretion through urine, depleting existing stores. Fortunately, while many individuals, particularly in America and other developed nations, consume less than adequate amounts of chromium, true deficiency in this nutrient is difficult. Severe chromium deficiency, though rare, produces symptoms that can be indistinguishable from those associated with mild diabetes mellitus such as glycosuria (excess sugar in the urine) and fasting hyperglycaemia (high blood sugar) (7). Other symptoms include (8):
- Compromised glucose tolerance
- Hypoglycaemia
- Elevated circulation of insulin in the blood
- Reduced numbers of insulin receptors
- A reduction in insulin binding
- Reduced lean body mass
- Increased body fat percentage
- Heightened ocular pressure
- Impaired growth
- Decreased Longevity
- Elevated levels of serum cholesterol and triglycerides
- Increased deposits of aortic plaque
- Decreased fertility and sperm count
Top 10 Health Benefits of Chromium
Helps to stabilize blood sugar levels
Chromium plays a role in the metabolism and storage of carbohydrates. As a result of this, it helps the body be more effective in using insulin which in turn, contributes to the stabilizing of blood sugar levels. When blood sugar levels are stable, energy levels and weight will also stabilize.
Helps to maintain healthy cholesterol levels
Patients with diabetes supplemented with chromium were found to have, on average, an increase of 25% in HDL cholesterol (the good kind) and a decrease in total cholesterol (9). Chromium supplementation is thought to decrease cholesterol accumulation and increase the rate of removal for cholesterol already accumulated in the aorta (7). More research is needed however to determine the extent of effectiveness and the dosage required to be of benefit to health.
Reduces cravings for carbohydrates
As chromium helps to stabilize blood sugar levels, cravings for carbohydrates commonly experienced when blood sugar levels spike and drop will be minimized.
Reduces fat and increases lean muscle mass
Chromium supplementation has long been proposed and marketed as a means of enhancing fat loss and lean muscle development. Research, however, has not yet provided consistent support for these claims (8, 9)
Assists diabetes control efforts
There is evidence that suggests chromium supplementation for those with Diabetes can enhance blood sugar control. In the presence of chromium, much lower levels of insulin are required. Chromium has the capacity to increase the activity of insulin ten-fold. This is important as complication relating to diabetes can be traced back to heightened levels of insulin (4).
Protects against cardiovascular disease
Studies have found that individuals with coronary artery disease have lower levels of chromium in their blood and/or tissues, suggesting that increased chromium levels may reduce risk of cardiovascular disease.
Assists metabolism
Chromium plays a role in the breakdown and metabolism of food, particularly fats and carbohydrates, into energy to be used by the body.
Contributes to brain health
Chromium stimulates the synthesis of fatty acids and cholesterol which is necessary for optimal brain functioning.
Best food sources of Chromium:
Chromium is found in all whole foods. Whole foods are those that grow in the ground or on a tree or plant such as nuts, seeds, fruits, vegetables and whole grains. When foods are refined, such as with white sugar, white flour or white rice, 98% of the chromium is removed. Below is a table adapted from the National Institute of health (10), identifying whole foods that contain the greatest amount of chromium.
| Food | Chromium (mcg/100g) |
| Broccoli | 16 |
| Turkey Ham | 14 |
| Grape Juice | 7.5 |
| Brazil nut | 100 |
| Tomato | 20 |
| Mushroom | 17 |
| Barley (Wholegrain) | 13 |
| Egg yolk | 6 |
| Date (dried) | 29 |
| Pear | 27 |
Who may need extra chromium in their diet?
Individuals at higher risk of becoming chromium deficient are those who consume a diet high in sugar, often undertake strenuous exercise, have recently undergone physical trauma, and are pregnant or lactating. The elderly are also at higher risk, as are those diagnosed with diabetes mellitus or identified as pre-diabetic. These stressors faced by individuals are linked by their symptoms of altered or impaired glucose metabolism. Factors that affect the metabolism of glucose often also lead to changes in chromium levels. Chromium responds to glucose, and once triggered chromium is not reabsorbed by the body but rather quickly excreted through urine. Every time sugar is consumed, blood sugar levels rise. In response to elevated blood sugar levels, the hormone insulin is released. Releasing insulin requires the use of chromium. Therefore, chromium deficiency indicates heightened chromium activity and excretion, combined with a lack of replacement from foods (5).
Are chromium supplements necessary and safe?
Supplements can be found in pill or capsule form and either as part of a multi-vitamin supplement or as an individual nutrient.
The maximum level of safe chromium intake is unknown; as such it is believed to be at low risk for toxicity. The unlikelihood of toxicity from chromium is likely due to the low absorption and high excretion nature of the nutrient.
While taking chromium in the form of a multi-vitamin will provide approximately 20-30 mcg, taking chromium as a unique supplement will provide significantly higher amounts. Dr. Patrick Holford, author of The Optimum Nutrition Bible, suggests those that want to curb sugar cravings, or who have problems controlling their blood sugar levels (i.e. Diabetics) take between 200-600 mcg per day to see benefits (6). Chromium supplements will most benefit those who are diabetic, have high cholesterol, struggle to lose weight or have difficulty building lean muscle mass. While still in research trial stages, it has been suggested the chromium may be considered helpful in preventing or reducing memory loss in treating Alzheimer’s. The mechanisms by which this may occur however are not yet understood (14).
Being a nutrient, however, supplementing chromium will only be of benefit in cases where there is a pre-existing deficiency.
2 Chromium Rich Recipes to Try:
Mediterranean Roasted Broccoli and Tomatoes
This recipe from Eating Well is full of chromium-rich foods such as broccoli and tomatoes that will stabilize your blood sugar and give you sustained energy.
Credit to EatingWell.com
- Preparation time: 10 mins
- Cooking time: 10-13 mins
Ingredients:
- 12 ounces’ broccoli crowns, trimmed and cut into bite-size florets (about 4 cups)
- 1 cup grape tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly grated lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 10 pitted black olives, sliced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons capers, rinsed (optional)
Method:
- Preheat oven to 450°F.
- Toss broccoli, tomatoes, oil, garlic and salt in a large bowl until evenly coated. Spread in an even layer on a baking sheet. Bake until the broccoli begins to brown, 10 to 13 minutes.
- Meanwhile, combine lemon zest and juice, olives, oregano and capers (if using) in a large bowl. Add the roasted vegetables; stir to combine. Serve warm.
Roasted Potatoes with Green Beans and Speck
This recipe from Donna Hay will fulfill, satisfy and energize with Chromium rich green beans and potatoes.
Credit to Donna Hay
- Preparation: 10mins
- Cooking time: 40 mins
Ingredients:
- 1.5KG Kipfler (waxy) potatoes, halved lengthways.
- 300G speck*, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Sea salt and cracked pepper, to taste
- 300G green beans, trimmed and blanched
mustard dressing
- ¼ cup (60ml) olive oil
- 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Method
- Preheat oven to 180ºC (350ºF).
- To make the mustard dressing, place the oil, vinegar, lemon juice, mustard, salt and pepper in a bowl and whisk until well combined. Set aside.
- Place the potatoes, speck and oil in a baking dish, sprinkle with salt and toss to coat. Roast for 40 minutes, turning occasionally, or until crisp and golden.
- Serve roasted potatoes with the green beans and drizzle with mustard dressing.
*Speck is a slab of cured ham. Usually available at delicatessens. If unavailable, substitute bacon or flat pancetta.
While more research is needed in order to identify and determine the specific benefits chromium has for humans, and the extent to which deficiency in this trace mineral can impair health and wellbeing, there is enough substantial findings to suggest that chromium plays an important role in biological functioning. Eating a balanced diet based on whole foods should, in most cases, provide enough chromium so as not to become severely deficient. Adequate chromium intake will aid in achieving stable energy, a clear mind and balanced, healthy weight. In cases where supplementation is being considered, ensure consultation with a GP is sought prior to taking the supplement.
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References
- Mertz, W. and K. Schwarz, Arch. Biochem. Biophys., 58 (1955) 504.
- Mertz, W. and K. Schwarz, Am. J. Physiol. 196 (1959) 614.
- Toepfer, E. W., W. Mertz, M. M. Polansky, E. E. Roginski and W. R. Wolf, J. Agric. Food Chem.,
- Anderson, R.A. (1997). Chromium as an essential nutrient for humans. Regul. Toxicol. Pharmacol. 26, 35-41977) 162.
- Anderson, R.A. (1989). Essentiality of chromium in humans. The Science of the Total Environment. 86, 75-81
- Holford, P. (2004). The optimum nutrition bible. Piatkus Books, London.
- Anderson, R.A. and A.S. Kozlovsky, 1985. Chromium intake, absorption and excretion of subjects consuming self-selected diets. Am. J. Clin. Nutr., 41: 1177-1183.
- Schroeder, H.A. (1966). Chromium deficiency in rats: A syndrome simulating diabetes mellitus with retarded growth. J. Nutr. 88, 439
- Anderson, R.A. (1981). Nutritional role of chromium. The Science of The Total Environment. 17, 13-29
- National Institutes of Health. (2013). Dietary supplement fact sheet: Chromium, https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Chromium-HealthProfessional/
- Vincent, J.B. (2003). The potential value and toxicity of chromium picolinate as a nutritional supplement, weight loss agent and muscle development agent. Sports Med. 33(3), 213-230 Department of Chemistry and Coalition for Bimolecular Products, The University of Alabama, Alabama, USA
- Lukaski, H.C. (2001). Magnesium, zinc, and chromium nutrition and athletic performance. Can. J. Appl. Physiol. 26(Suppl.): S13-S22. Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology.
- Hambridge, K.M. (1974). Chromium nutrition in man. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 27, 505-514
- Krikorian, R., Eliassen, J.C., Boespflug, E.L., Nash, T.A., Shidler, M.D. (2010). Improved cognitive-cerebral function in older adults with chromium supplementation. Nutritional Neuroscience. 1393), 116-22