You are here:

Chromium in diet

Definition

Chromium is an essential mineral that is not made by the body and must be obtained from the diet.

Alternative Names

Diet - chromium

Function

Chromium is important in the metabolism of fats and carbohydrates. Chromium stimulates fatty acid and cholesterol synthesis, which are important for brain function and other body processes. Chromium is also important in the breakdown (metabolism) of insulin.

Food Sources

The best source of chromium is brewer's yeast, but many people do not use brewer's yeast because it causes bloating (abdominal distention) and nausea.

Other good sources of chromium include the following:

Beef
Liver
Eggs
Chicken
Oysters
Wheat germ
Green peppers
Apples
Bananas
Spinach

Black pepper, butter, and molasses are also good sources of chromium.

Side Effects

Chromium deficiency may be seen as impaired glucose tolerance. It is seen in older people with type 2 diabetes and in infants with protein-calorie malnutrition. Supplementation of chromium helps with management of these conditions, but it is not a substitute for other treatment.

Because of the low absorption and high excretion rates of chromium, toxicity is not common.

Recommendations

The Food and Nutrition Board at the Institute of Medicine recommends the following dietary intake for chromium:

Infants

0 - 6 months: 0.2 micrograms per day (mcg/day)
7 - 12 months: 5.5 mcg/day

Children

1 - 3 years: 11 mcg/day
4 - 8 years: 15 mcg/day
Males age 9 - 13 years: 25 mcg/day
Females age 9 – 13 years: 21 mcg/day

Adolescents and Adults

Males age 14 -50: 35 mcg/day
Males age 51 and over: 30 mcg/day
Females age 14 - 18: 24 mcg/day
Females age 19 - 50: 25 mcg/day
Females age 51 and older: 20 mcg/day

The best way to get the daily requirement of essential vitamins is to eat a balanced diet that contains a variety of foods from the food guide plate.

Specific recommendations depend on age, gender, and other factors (such as pregnancy). Women who are pregnant or producing breast milk (lactating) need higher amounts. Ask your health care provider which amount is best for you.

References

Mason JB. Vitamins, trace minerals, and other micronutrients. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 24th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2011:chap 225.

Disclaimers

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition.
A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.
Call 911 for all medical emergencies.
Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is an independent audit to verify that A.D.A.M. follows rigorous standards of quality and accountability. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial policy, editorial process and privacy policy. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).