Chromium: A Mini-Review of Its Role in Human Nutrition

CHROMIUM IS AN ESSENTIAL TRACE ELEMENT FOR HUMANS. Its supplementation often, but not invariably, resolves abnormalities of blood glucose and blood lipids and its deficiency is associated with several cardiovascular risk factors. Chromium picolinate is the most readily absorbable form of chromium and for that reason has the most potent effect on insulin action. Concern about the safety of chromium supplementation generally is confined to excessive ingestion of chromium picolinate, so prolonged supplemental doses above 50 mcg should be avoided in non-diabetics. Chromium is widely distributed in unprocessed foods and unrefined grains but not in processed foods and refined grains.