

Read Also: 10 Foods That Lower Cholesterol and 10 that Cause Plaque Build Up Interactions with other nutrients Some studies have shown that chromium supplementation may improve the lipid profile by increasing the levels of good cholesterol (HDL) and decreasing bad cholesterol (LDL).Ĭhromium also appears to be involved in nucleic acid metabolism and in the regulation of gene expression.

The primary role of glucose tolerance factor is to enhance the action of insulin, increasing insulin uptake by cells and affecting carbohydrate and lipid metabolism. The action of insulin is more effective in the presence of chromium. The biological role of chromium is due to its contribution to the creation of the glucose tolerance factor. ☝ Chromium-rich tissues are the kidneys, liver, muscles, spleen, heart and pancreas. The inorganic form is not active so it is transported mainly in the liver, where it can be converted to the active organic form. Also albumin (a protein made by the liver) is involved in the transport of chromium. In the blood, the inorganic form is bound to transferrin and transported with iron. The biologically organic complex of chromium, known as the glucose tolerance factor, is absorbed to a greater extent, between 10-25%. The absorption of inorganic chromium is very low and ranges between 0.4-2%. The absorption of chromium by the body occurs mainly in the duodenum (the first part of the small intestine and depends on the form in which the chromium is found, i.e. The daily dose of chromium ranges from 50 to 200μg per day for adults and adolescents. ☝ The processing of grains and the removal of the germ reduces the chromium content. Some studies show that chromium supplements can lower LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol) and triglyceride levels and increase the concentration of apolipoprotein A (HDL or good cholesterol) in patients with atherosclerosis or elevated cholesterol levels. The effects of chromium on blood lipids are also controversial. More scientific data are needed to prove that it is effective in treating diabetes. Of course, the use of chromium supplements for diabetes is controversial. Many studies have shown that chromium supplements help control type 2 diabetes and insulin response in people who are at high risk of developing the disease. Insulin resistance leads to higher than normal blood glucose levels (hyperglycaemia).Ĭhromium deficiency interferes with the body’s ability to use glucose to meet our energy needs and increases insulin requirements. Insulin allows glucose to enter most cells, where glucose is converted into energy, stored in the liver and muscles (as glycogen) and converted into fat when in excess. The disease occurs because muscle cells and other tissues become resistant to insulin, especially in obese people. In type 2 diabetes the pancreas usually produces enough insulin, but for unknown reasons, the body cannot use insulin effectively. Health BenefitsĬhromium has attracted the interest of scientists for its potential benefits in some health problems.Ĭhromium is used as a dietary supplement to treat diabetes, lower blood lipid levels and weight loss. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission without any surcharge to you. However, it also has some risks and its use is controversial. In particular, chromium forms a complex in the body that enhances the action of insulin, thereby reducing blood glucose levels. What is the biological role of chromium?Ĭhromium is an essential trace element that plays an important role in various body functions.
