Chromium

Function

This mineral is important in the metabolism of fats and carbohydrates. This mineral stimulates fatty acid and cholesterol synthesis, which are important for brain function and other body processes. It is an activator of several enzymes, which are needed to drive numerous chemical reactions necessary to life. This mineral is also important in insulin metabolism.

Food Sources

The best source of this mineral is brewer´s yeast, but many people do not use brewer´s yeast because it causes abdominal distention (a bloated feeling) and nausea.

Other good sources of this mineral include the following:

• Beef
• Liver
• Eggs
• Chicken
• Oysters
• Wheat germ
• Green peppers
• Apples
• Bananas
• Spinach

Black pepper, butter, and molasses are also good sources of this mineral, but they are normally consumed only in small amounts.

Side Effects

Chromium deficiency may be seen as impaired glucose tolerance. It is seen in older people with type 2 diabetes and in infants with protein-calorie malnutrition. Supplementation of this mineral helps with management of these conditions, but it is not a substitute for other treatment.

Because of the low absorption and high excretion rates of this mineral, toxicity is not common.

There has been great interest in this mineral´s potential to help people lose weight and increase their lean body mass, however, multiple studies have not shown any of these effects.