Chromium Deficiency
Chromium deficiency is a deficiency disorder which occurs due to inadequate dietary consumption of the trace element, chromium. Unfortunately, there is little evidence about how the deficiency of the trace element occurs in humans. However, the condition is often observed in hospitalized patients, who have been limited to a liquid diet, intravenously for prolonged period of time. The human body doesn’t contain any chromium containing molecules, yet the deficiency of the same is associated with various symptoms.
Chromium Deficiency Symptoms and Causes
- The condition is manifested in the form of severe impairment of glucose tolerance in patients, who have been kept on an intravenous diet for long time.Further additional symptoms include weight loss, confusion and nerve damage in the form of peripheral neuropathy.
- As per the United States dietary guidelines, the average adult intake of chromium required in adult males ranges between 30-35µg while for females it ranges between 20.
Benefits of Chromium
Chromium is present in traces in all organic matter and seems to Daily Allowance be an essential mineral. Chromium levels are higher in infants than Women 50-200 mcg in adults. The total body content Children 20-200 mcg of chromium in adults is 5 to 10 Infants 10-60 mcg mg.
As a person grows older, he is able to retain less chromium in the body.
Chromium is a grayish-white metallic element. Little is known about the chemical forms in which it occurs in individual foods. Most of the intake of chromium is not absorbed and urinary excretion is low. Functions of chromium in the Body
- Chromium plays an important role in the metabolism of carbohydrates and fats.
- It works with insulin in the metabolism of sugar.
- It seems to increase the effectiveness of insulin, thereby facilitating the transport of glucose into the cells and not allowing the bloodglucose levels to rise.
- It helps to take protein where it is needed and also aids in growth.
- Chromium has been found beneficial in the prevention and treatment of high blood pressure.
- It also works as a preventive against diabetes.
- Studies have also found that chromium supplements control total cholesterol and triglyceride levels, and raise the HDL (the good cholesterol).
- In some patients with impaired glucose tolerance, especially children with protein malnutrition, the tolerance to glucose has shown improvement after the patients have been given chromium supplements.
- It is also claimed that a chromium supplement can control the symptoms of epilepsy.
Sources of Chromium
- The main food sources of chromium are betel leaves, arecanut, and nuts.
Chromium Deficiency Symptoms
- A deficiency of chromium can cause impairment of glucose tolerance, which can lead to diabetes.
- It is also a suspected factor in arteriosclerosis.
- In some areas, protein-energy malnutrition appears to be associated with chromium deficiency.
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