Vitamins & Minerals: Focus on Chromium
En Español (Spanish Version)Chromium is a trace mineral that works with insulin to help regulate and maintain normal amount of sugar, glucose, in the blood. It also plays a role in carbohydrate, fat, and protein metabolism. Chromium can be found naturally in foods and also comes in a variety of supplemental forms.
Age Group
Adequate Intake (micrograms/day)FemaleMale0-6 months0.20.27-12 months5.55.51-3 years11114-8 years15159-13 years212514-18 years243519-50 years253550+ years2030Pregnancy 18 years or younger29n/aPregnancy 18+30n/aLactation 18 years or younger44n/aLactation 18+45n/a
Severe chromium deficiency is likely very rare. As chromium works closely with insulin, a deficiency of this mineral can produce symptoms similar to those seen in people with
diabetes
and can worsen glycemic control in people with pre-existing diabetes.
It is difficult to consume toxic amounts of chromium from dietary sources alone. But, harmful levels of the mineral can potentially be ingested in the form of supplements. Daily dosages of 50-200 mcg are believed to be safe. The Institute of Medicine has not established a Tolerable Upper Intake Level.
A daily intake of over 1,200 micrograms has been reported to cause kidney, liver, and bone marrow damage in one person. In another case report, a patient taking daily dose of 600 mcg caused damage. You should talk to your doctor before taking more than 200 mcg. chromium toxicity may be more likely in people who already have liver or kidney disease
Many foods contain a small amount of chromium. In general, whole grain breads and cereals and meats are all good sources. The content of chromium in many foods can be affected by how food is gown and processed. Here is a list of the approximate contents of chromium in certain foods:
FoodServing Size
Chromium content
(micrograms)
Broccoli½ cup11Grape juice1 cup8English muffin (whole wheat)14Potatoes, mashed1 cup3Garlic, dried1 teaspoon3Basil, dried1 tablespoon2Beef cubes3 ounces2Orange juice1 cup2Turkey breast3 ounces2Whole wheat bread2 slices2Red wine5 ounces1-13Apple, unpeeled1 medium1Banana1 medium1Green beans½ cup1
Researchers have studied using chromuim to help treat the following conditions, but the results are inconclusive:
- Always talk to your doctor before taking a chromium supplement or any other dietary supplement. The supplement can interact with other prescription or over-the-counter medicines that you are taking or possibly affect a condition that you have.
- You can get plenty of chromium from eating a healthy diet rich in whole grains, fruits, vegetables, meats, and dairy products.
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
United States Department of Agriculture
Canadian Diabetes Association
Balk E, Tatsioni A, Lichtenstein A, Lau J, Pittas AG. Effect of chromium supplementation on glucose metabolism and lipids: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials.
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2007 May 22. [Epub ahead of print]
Chromium. EBSCO Natural and Alternative Treatments website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/healthLibrary/. Updated July 2012. Accessed February 11, 2013.
Dietary supplement fact sheet: chromium. National Institutes of Health website. Available at: http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Chromium-HealthProfessional/. Updated August 05, 2005. Accessed February 11, 2013.
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Minneapolis, MN: Chronimed Publishing; 1998.
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Last Reviewed February 2013