Chromium in Diet

What is Chromium?

Chromium is a heavy metallic element that occurs quite abundantly in nature. Its use in humans and the level of its need is much debate and the scientific evidence for many of the claims of chromium are still being examined or are found wanting. This despite the fact that we know that there is a disorder called chromium deficiency in humans.

Uses of Chromium

Chromium is used for a wide variety of applications. In humans, chromium is used in its trivalent state in trace quantities. A trivalent state is a state in which a metal has three positive ions. The other state that also concerns human is the hexavalent state where there are six positive ions. This state of chromium is a dangerous one with carcinogenic effects and can even cause cellular mutations. Apart from this complication of the ionic make up of chromium, the amount or trivalent chromium needed by the body is so small that there is no need to even supplement the amounts of this element in the diet. In fact, the liver will simply dispose of any extra quantities of this element. Chromium deficiency is the disorder that affects humans when there is a shortage of the element in the body as is the case of people living with an intravenous drip for long periods. Chromium is required by the body as a catalyst in sugar and lipid metabolism. To this extent, it is crucial for staying alive. This doesn’t mean that you need to run to the drugstore and ask for chromium because you wouldn’t get it any way. It is believed that that when you eat a regular diet and are not on an intravenous drip, you will get all the chromium you need.

There is some diatribe among the medical community about the use of chromium in a metalloprotein for to cure diabetes as it is believed that it is responsible for the nervous signal to create insulin. This has not been proved without a doubt and is therefore not yet worth considering as a cure. Diabetics are in fact better off indulging in bitter melon supplements because of the power of the lectin protein in simulating insulin. It is worth noting that chromium poisoning due to the presence of the carcinogenic hexavalent isotope is an indication of environmental pollution and sewage being used to fertilize farmland. In summation, chromium can be even completely forgotten as something required for the body considering the doses required.