Chromium Uses & Side Effects

Chromium is an essential trace mineral that aids in glucose metabolism, regulation of insulin levels, and maintenance of healthy blood levels of cholesterol and other lipids. Chromium forms part of a compound in the body known as glucose tolerance factor (GTF), which is involved in regulating the actions of insulin in maintaining blood sugar levels and, possibly, in helping to control appetite.

Source: Chromium is abundant in the earth's crust and is found in concentrations ranging from 100 to 300 ppm. Commercially, it is obtained from chrome ore among other sources. The organic form of chromium exists in a dinicotino-glutathionine complex in natural foods, and appears to be absorbed better than the inorganic form. Good dietary sources of chromium include brewer's yeast, liver, potatoes with skin, beef, fresh vegetables and cheese.

History: Chromium is important as an additive in the manufacture of steel alloys (chrome-steel, chrome-nickel­steel, stainless steel) and greatly increases the durability and resistance of these metals. Synthetically-produced 51Cr is used as a tracer in various hematologic disorders and in the determination of blood volume. Because chromium is a recognized element required for the normal glucose metabolism, a number of over-the-counter products promote the use of chromium, alone or in combination with "glucose tolerance factor" (GTF), to improve carbohydrate utilization. The effectiveness of these products has not been established although they represent nutritionally sound sources of chromium.

Uses of Chromium

Chromium is a necessary nutrient. Deficiencies, though rare, may contribute to adult diabetes and atherosclerosis and may complicate aging and pregnancy. Chromium may be beneficial for individuals with certain types of high cholesterol because chromium can alter the breakdown of fats in the diet.

Side Effects of Chromium

Ingestion or exposure to certain forms of chromium may cause or contribute to GI irritation and ulcers, cancer, dermatitis, circulatory shock, and hepatitis.

Dosage and Administration

National Academy of Science recommends a range of 50-200 mcg per day. The high incidence of adult-onset diabetes suggests to some doctors that many people should be supplementing with small amounts of chromium. A daily intake of 200 mcg is recommended by many doctors. In general, a pregnant woman needs an additional 5 mcg of chromium per day (over the RDA) and a breast-feeding woman needs about 10 mcg more per day than other women in her age group.

Toxicology: Acute oral ingestion of chromate salts may lead to irritation of the gastrointestinal tract (nausea. vomiting, ulcers), circulatory shock or hepatitis. Renal damage (including acute tubular necrosis) has been observed following occupational exposure to chromium. Trivalent chromium compounds (the kind found in foods: show little or no toxicity.

Exposure to occupational dust contaminated with hexavalent chromium and CrO3 or CrF2 (which are used as corrosion inhibitor pigments, and in metallurgy and electroplating) has been associated with the development of mucous hypersecretion and respiratory (lung) cancers. The incidence of lung cancer is increased up to 15 times normal in workers exposed to chromite, chromic oxide or chromium ores. The hexavalent species of chromium appears to be most highly associated with the development of cancers.

Topical effects following exposure to chromium and chromates may lead to incapacitating eczematous dermatitis and ulceration. Ulceration and perforation of the nasal septum have also occurred. About 1 % to 4% of a
topically applied dose of hexavalent and trivalent clromium penetrate guinea pig skin in 24 hours. Only 2 mcg of hexavalent chromium are required to induce a topical reaction in sensitive individuals. Chromium may be chelated by the systemic administration of dimercaprol.

Summary: Chromium is a trace element that is required for normal metabolic function. Although dietary requirements may generally be met by a balanced diet, supplements are available. Certain forms of chromium are associated with the development of topical skin irritation and the induction of renal disease and cancers.