Chromium - A trace element with great effects

In contrast to other trace elements, chromium is only required in very small quantities. Nevertheless, it is an essential trace element and it's important for the absorption of glucose into the cells as well as for a stable blood sugar level.

Chromium supports the carbohydrate metabolism and the effect of insulin as a blood sugar lowering agent. But it also plays an important role in the production of endogenous protein and in the thyroid gland function.

Chromium is mainly found in the liver and spleen, bones, adipose tissue and muscles in the human body, its concentration steadily tends to decrease with age.

What is chromium

• Chromium is an essential trace element that fulfils numerous functions in the human body.
• As a trace element, it supports the carbohydrate metabolism and the functioning of the thyroid gland.
• The trace element is also responsible for the production of endogenous proteins.
• It also supports the hormone insulin in its task of lowering the blood sugar level.

Chromium effect

In fact, the human organism only contains a very small amount of chromium. It is an essential trace element that is involved in the carbohydrate metabolism and in regulating blood sugar and cholesterol levels.

It improves the insulin effect by the fact that chromium increases the ability of cells to absorb glucose. Chromium controls the formation of ribonucleic acid in the cell metabolism and is also important for the incorporation of certain amino acids into the heart tissue.

Chromium is recommended for

• frequent consumption of predominantly industrially produced foods
• predominant consumption of food treated by freezing, blanching or heating
• increased consumption of white flour products such as cakes, pasta or bread
• the use of trace elements which decreases with age
• physical strain caused by infections, stress or intense sporting activities
• diabetes mellitus
• intake of foods high in fat and the intake of phytates that inhibit the chromium supply
• if you are taking certain medication such as vanadium, calcium carbonate as well as acid inhibitors and zinc

Which foods contain chromium?

Especially black pepper and brewer's yeast are high-quality chrome suppliers. Chromium is also found in whole grain products and in meat, such as giblets and lean meat, as well as shellfish.

It is also found in mushrooms, cheese, legumes, wheat germ, red currants, cranberries and tropical fruits, but also in bran and nuts, as well as in chocolate and raw unprocessed sugar.

With chromium in particular, it is important to ensure that there is an adequate supply through food intake. When taking chromium with the help of dietary supplements, make sure that the dosage is correct.

How does a lack of chromium show itself?

Signs of a possible chromium deficiency are:

• Concentration disorders
• Nervousness and irritability
• Depressive moods
• Muscle weakness
• Increased urination
• Itchiness
• Weight loss

Chromium intake and application:

In general, healthy people who are on a balanced and healthy diet do not suffer from a chromium deficiency. The chromium requirement of adolescents and adults is 30 to 100 micrograms per day. A hair analysis can provide information about deficiencies or excesses of this or other trace elements.

For whom is chrome particularly important?

• The elderly
• Athletes
• Stroke patients
• Diabetics
• People who suffer from arteriosclerosis
• People with high blood pressure, high cholesterol or weight problems
• People who suffer from an infectious disease