Overview:
Chromium belongs to the group of trace elements and must therefore be absorbed through food since the body cannot produce it itself. The human body contains approximately 20-30 µg of chromium per kilogram in storage tissues /organs ( 1 ). The main stores for chromium are in our body Liver, spleen, bones , kidneys and lungs ( 1 ) .
Chromium – Control for sugar and fat
Chromium plays a role in carbohydrate metabolism and fatty acid metabolism. The trace element helps maintain blood sugar levels by increasing insulin action in the body, thus enabling better blood sugar control and reduction (2). Maintaining blood sugar levels is particularly important for diabetics. Studies have found evidence that chromium supplementation could have positive effects on blood sugar levels in diabetics (3). Chromium also plays a role in regulating blood lipid levels. A sufficient amount of chromium ensures a reduction in “bad” LDL cholesterol and an increase in “good” HDL cholesterol (4).
Your daily need for chromium
The German Nutrition Society recommends an intake of 30-100 µg chromium per day for adults (5).
Chromium is found in the following foods: meat, eggs, oatmeal and tomatoes, as well as in dairy products and whole grain products (5,6).
How a chromium deficiency can manifest itself
Not much is known about chromium deficiency in healthy people. It is much more likely that we are talking about lower chromium levels than recommended. Known symptoms of a deficiency have so far only been examined in malnourished or metabolically impaired patients.
Since chromium plays a role in insulin activity, a chromium deficiency can increase insulin resistance and thus negatively affect blood sugar levels. The increased insulin resistance can manifest as weight gain, fatigue and weakness. Overall, it also increases the risk of diabetes. Studies have also found a connection between low chromium levels and increased blood fat levels.
Risk groups for chromium deficiency
The risk group for deficiency includes older people and people with dietary restrictions, such as vegans.
Even people who eat a lot of processed foods with a high sugar content not only have low sources of chromium, but also promote chromium loss.
People with impaired metabolism due to illnesses such as diabetes or who take certain medications are at increased risk of chromium deficiency.
Athletes who engage in long-term, strenuous sports are also at risk.
Which AgilNature® products contain chromium?
|
Product |
Crowd |
NRV* |
|
BasesAgil |
12 µg per 3 capsules (daily ration) |
30% |
*Nutrient Reference Value = Percentage of the reference value according to Appendix XIII of the Food Information Regulation (EC) No. 1169/2011.
** No recommendation available.
Literature:
- Chrome | Lexicon | Eucell . ( October 4, 2023) https://www.eucell.de/ernaehrung/ernaehrungslexikon/urenelemente/chrom
- Bhattacharya, PT, Misra , SR, & Hussain, M. (2016). Nutritional Aspects of Essential Trace Elements in Oral Health and Disease: An Extensive Review. Scientifica , 2016, 5464373.
- Balk EM, Tatsioni A, Lichtenstein AH, Lau J, Pittas AG. (2007) Effect of chromium supplementation on glucose metabolism and lipids : a systematic review of randomized controlled trials . Diabetes Care 30:2154–2163
- Trace element chromium – an important building block in sugar metabolism. ( October 4, 2023 ). https://www.centrosan.com/Wissen/Naehrstoff-Lexikon/Spurenelemente/Chrom.php
- Copper, manganese , chromium , molybdenum . ( October 4, 2023 ). DGE. https://www.dge.de/forschung/referenzwerte/kupfer-mangan-chrom-molybdaen/
- Food Composition and Nutrition Tables , 7th revised and completed edition , Ed. SW Souci, W Fachmann, H Kraut.Wissenschaftliche Verlagsgesellschaft mbH, Stuttgart, 2008.
- Afzal S, Ocasio Quinones GA. Chromium Deficiency . [Updated 2022 Dec 12]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from : https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK582150/
- Office of Dietary Supplements - Chromium. ( December 11, 2023 ). https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Chromium-HealthProfessional/
- The Nutritional Biochemistry of Chromium( III). 1st Edition - March 21, 2007. Editor: John Vincent.