Chromium
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[edit] Chromium
Chromium is a mineral that humans require in trace amounts, although its mechanisms of action in the body and the amounts needed for optimal health are not well defined. It is found primarily in two forms: 1) trivalent (chromium 3+), which is biologically active and found in food, and 2) hexavalent (chromium 6+), a toxic form that results from industrial pollution. This fact sheet focuses exclusively on trivalent (3+) chromium.
Chromium is known to enhance the action of insulin , a hormone critical to the metabolism and storage of carbohydrate, fat, and protein in the body. In 1957, a compound in brewers' yeast was found to prevent an age-related decline in the ability of rats to maintain normal levels of sugar (glucose) in their blood. Chromium was identified as the active ingredient in this so-called "glucose tolerance factor" in 1959.
Chromium also appears to be directly involved in carbohydrate, fat, and protein metabolism, but more research is needed to determine the full range of its roles in the body. The challenges to meeting this goal include:
* Defining the types of individuals who respond to chromium supplementation; * Evaluating the chromium content of foods and its bioavailability; * Determining if a clinically relevant chromium-deficiency state exists in humans due to inadequate dietary intakes; and * Developing valid and reliable measures of chromium status
[edit] General uses
A. Chromium 4 mcg/mL (Chromic Chloride Injection, USP) is indicated for use as a supplement to intravenous solutions given for total parenteral nutrition (TPN). Administration helps to maintain Chromium serum levels and to prevent depletion of endogenous stores and subsequent deficiency symptoms.[1]
B. Chromium is widely distributed in the food supply, but most foods provide only small amounts (less than 2 micrograms [mcg] per serving). Meat and whole-grain products, as well as some fruits, vegetables, and spices are relatively good sources.In contrast, foods high in simple sugars (like sucrose and fructose) are low in chromium.
C. Dietary intakes of chromium cannot be reliably determined because the content of the mineral in foods is substantially affected by agricultural and manufacturing processes and perhaps by contamination with chromium when the foods are analyzed. Therefore, Table 1, and food-composition databases generally, provide approximate values of chromium in foods that should only serve as a guide.[2]
D. Geriatric Use
An evaluation of current literature revealed no clinical experience identifying differences in response between elderly and younger patients. In general, dose selection for an elderly patient should be cautious, usually starting at the low end of the dosing range, reflecting the greater frequency of decreased hepatic, renal, or cardiac function, and of concomitant disease or other drug therapy.
This drug is known to be substantially excreted by the kidney, and the risk of toxic reactions to this drug may be greater in patients with impaired renal function. Because elderly patients are more likely to have decreased renal function, care should be taken in dose selection, and it may be useful to monitor renal function.[3]
E. Chromium is needed for energy, maintains stable blood sugar levels. In cooperation with other substances, it controls insulin as well as certain enzymes. It works with GTF (Glucose Tolerance Factor) when this hormone-affiliated agent enters the bloodstream because of an increase of insulin in the bloodstream.
F. GTF (containing niacin, vitamin B3, glycine, cysteine, glutamic acid etc.) enhances insulin, which results in the sugars passing quicker into the cells and in that way they are removed from the bloodstream. By stabilizing the blood sugar level it also assists in regulating the cholesterol in the blood.
G. Natural chromium levels decline with age and so with the action of the GTF. Although chromium picolinate is readily absorbed by the body, and is one of the best types of chromium when it comes to absorption, it will only be absorbed it if there is a shortage of chromium.
H. Chromium picolinate has been used as a carbohydrate-burning supplement for some time and has proved very successful. (Chromium picolinate is chromium chelated with picolinate - a natural amino acid metabolite) It is also required in synthesis of fats, protein and carbohydrates, and may assist in preventing coronary artery disease.[4]
[edit] Pricing structure
[edit] Current consumption trends
Chromite ore is not produced in the United States, Canada, or Mexico. Chromite ore is produced in the Western Hemisphere only in Brazil and Cuba. Most of Brazilian production is consumed in Brazil. Cuban production is small. The largest chromite-ore-producing countries (India, Kazakhstan, and South Africa) accounted for about 76% of world production. South Africa alone accounts for more than 45% of world production and has been the major supplier of chromium in the form of chromite ore and ferrochromium to Western industrialized countries.[5]
