| What is chromium? Chromium is found in small amounts in the body and plays an important role in controlling blood sugar levels.
What chromium does for youChromium appears to enhance the performance of the hormone insulin and is part of the glucose tolerance factor. Insulin controls the levels of sugar in the blood, as well as playing a role in the storage of fat.
How much chromium you need There is currently no specified RDA for chromium. As a supplement, 150 – 200 microgram a day is recommended for people with high or low blood sugar and where high stress lifestyles deplete chromium.
Which foods have chromium?Brewer’s yeast, red meat, whole grains such as wheat, nuts, beans, sprouts and green vegetables. But because the chromium content of soil is especially low nowadays, most people need to supplement it.
Signs of chromium deficiencyPoor blood sugar control, such as found in diabetics, low blood sugar, dizziness and irritability after two to three hours without any food, a need for frequent meals, sleepiness at odd times, a craving for sweet foods and excessive thirst.
How much chromium is too much?The daily safe upper limit for daily chromium supplement intake is 200mcg.
New research on chromiumChromium appears to help diabetics control their blood sugar levels.
Read more: Chromium conundrum
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