Bowenwork
FAQ
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Chromium
Atomic No. 24 Symbol-Cr Atomic Weight-51.9961
Density-7.19 g/cm3
The trace mineral Chromium is considered to be
an essential mineral, even though the body only requires minute amounts of this
mineral. Chromium makes up only about 6 mg. of the body's weight, and the blood
level of chromium is approximately 20 ppb (parts per billion). Chromium is
necessary for all the proper actions of the hormone insulin. Without chromium,
insulin would not be able to work properly.
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Function |
Helps insulin perform it's functions properly and
effectively, vital in the synthesis of cholesterol, fats, and proteins,
maintains stable blood sugar levels through normal insulin utilization, a
critical component of GTF (glucose tolerance factor) which contains
niacin, glycine, glutamic acid, cysteine, and chromium in the trivalent
form, helps the transport of protein, works with RNA and it's building
action, and is useful in the prevention of atherosclerosis. |
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Deficiency can cause: |
Reduced peripheral tissue sensitivity to glucose, anxiety,
fatigue, inadequate metabolism of amino acids, increased risk of
atherosclerosis, hypoglycemia, prehypoglycemia, and diabetes. |
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Toxicity |
Excessive intake (depends on individual tolerance levels)
has been associated with dermatitis, gastrointestinal ulcers, kidney and
liver impairment. |
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Food Sources |
Beer, brewer's yeast, brown rice, cheese, meat, and whole
grain. It can also be found in dried beans, blackstrap molasses, calf
liver, chicken, corn and corn oil, dairy products, dried liver, dulse,
eggs, mushrooms, and potatoes. Hard water can also supply from 1-70% of
the daily RDA (depends on you location and water content). |
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Herbal Sources (in declining order) |
Hibiscus flower, spirulina algae, gymnema leaf, oat straw,
nettle leaf, red clover flower, stevia leaf, barley grass, lemon grass,
horseradish root, peach bark, juniper berry, parthenium root, pollen,
damiana leaf, safflower, buchu leaf, ginkgo leaf, and catnip herb. |
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RDA*
(Recommended Daily Allowance) |
No RDA has been established for Chromium, but based on
excretion rates and extremely low toxicity, as well as typical daily
intake, the following levels are considered safe and adequate.
Infants up to 6 months 10-40 mcg
6 months to 1
year 20-60 mcg
Children 1 to 3
years 20-80 mcg
4 to 6 years 30-120 mcg
Young Adults and Adults
7 years+ 50- 200 mcg |
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Forms Available |
Chromium can be found in liquid, tablet, and capsule in the
following forms; chromium picolinate, chromium chloride, GTF chromium,
yeast free GTF chromium, and chromium polynicotinate. Research has shown
that all the forms above affect glucose metabolism in a positive way, but
chromium picolinate has been shown to be most effective. Chromium
polynicotinate, which is chromium bonded to niacin, is also an effective
form of this mineral. |
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CAUTION |
If you are an insulin-dependent
diabetic, you should not take chromium unless prescribed by your doctor or
health care provider. Chromium supplementation can make insulin function
more effectively, and can also reduce insulin requirements in doing
so. Those with diabetic conditions need to monitor their blood sugar
levels carefully and regularly when supplementing with chromium. As
requirements differ from person to person, consult your physician/health
care provider to determine what dosage would be correct for you.
If you experience lightheadedness or a slight rash while taking chromium,
stop immediately. A smaller dose or another brand may be all that is
needed, but consult you health care provider before continuing
supplementation with chromium. |
Comments: The average American diet provides 50-80 mcg per day, while
absorption rates are only 5-10%. Chromium competes with other minerals for
absorption sites in the body. There is no organ in the human body that
concentrates this mineral. Herbs and spices seem to be the best source for this
mineral. Dr. Richard Passwater, author of GTF Chromium says that
he believes that "unrecognized chromium deficiency may be among the worlds
most serious nutritional problems."
*The Nutrition Desk Reference by Robert Garrison, Jr.,
M.A., R.Ph. and Elizabeth Somer, M.A., R.D. (Keats Publishing Company, New
Canaan, Connecticut) 1995, pp. 186.
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