Chromium
Year of discovery: 1798 | Louis Nicolas Vauquelin
Chromium is an essential mineral involved in glucose and fat metabolism. Like iron, chromium takes on different charges. Cr3+ is the most stable form and is commonly found in foods; Cr with other charges, such as Cr6+, will be toxic. Chromium supports normal blood glucose levels by increasing the activity of the hormone insulin.
Main sources of chromium
Chromium is found in egg yolk, whole grain products, high bran cereals, green beans, broccoli, nuts and beer yeast. Diets rich in simple sugars can increase chromium excretion with urine due to increased insulin secretion.
Chromium bioavailability
Low pH in the stomach increases the bioavailability of chromium. Vitamin C increases chromium absorption.
Risks associated with insufficient chromium intake
Chromium deficiency in humans is very rare. Cases of chromium deficiency have been described in a few long-term intravenous fed patients who did not receive chromium supplementation in intravenous solutions.