Nutrition and Information Guide: Minerals Chromium

About the mineral chromium, nutritional information guide, uses, effects of deficiency, good sources of chlorine.

Chromium

Use in the Body: Appears to be necessary for the metabolism of carbohydrates and improves the body's utilization of glucose. Chromium may lower the level of cholesterol in the blood.

Deficiency May Lead to: Atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) and opacity of the cornea, which may lead to cataracts.

Notes: An essential trace element, chromium appears to be beneficial to diabetics and atherosclerotic patients. Most Americans are chromium-deficient because 60% of our diet consists of saturated fats and refined sugar and flour which deplete chromium in the body. Women taking birth-control pills need extra amounts of this mineral.

Best Sources: Brewers' yeast (especially high), nuts, grains and cereals, unrefined sugars such as honey, blackstrap molasses, shellfish, chicken, condiments and spices, meat, vegetables and fruits.