Additional Information

Chromium is a trace mineral that is commonly deficient within most individual's diet. A deficiency in chromium can lead to developing a sugar intolerance, or diabetes. As individuals age they retain less chromium within the body. Several clinical studies indicate that chromium reduces the probability of heart disease, diabetes, and may even assist in firming muscle tissue and in the burning of fat. In addition, chromium works with the body's insulin to assist in the utilization of sugar and the metabolism of fat. Since chromium aides in the metabolism of fat, it may reduce LDL levels (bad cholesterol) while increasing HDL levels (good cholesterol).

Bodily Functions That Chromium Assists In

Chromium is a mineral found in the body but only in small amounts. However, chromium is an essential mineral that plays important roles in metabolism, blood sugar level, protein production and healthy bodily growth. It was initially found in 1957, when it was identified as the active mineral in a compound that regulates glucose and insulin effectiveness from pork kidney. The majority of chromium that is taken in via diet is not absorbed but deficiency is only a considerable problem in the elderly due to a reduced ability to retain chromium as the body ages.

Symptoms Of Deficiency:

• Low or high blood sugar level
• Fatigue
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol level
• Sudden mood swings
• Cardiovascular Disease
• Diabetes symptoms

Foods High In Chromium

Foods that contain adequate sources of dietary chromium include egg yolk, molasses, brewer's yeast, beef, poultry, cheese, calf liver, grape juice, whole wheat bread and green vegetables.

Ailments That Chromium Helps Against:

• Prevents high blood pressure
• Helps prevent diabetes
• Helps control cholesterol level
• Helps maintain healthy triglyceride level
• Increased HDL level
• Improves Insulin effect

Side Effects/Toxicity

Chromium has no set upper intake limit because of the lack of information on adverse side effects from high chromium doses. Excess chromium is generally excreted through urine.