Chromium in diet: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia

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

T Function
P Chromium is important in the metabolism of fats and carbohydrates. It stimulates fatty acid and cholesterol synthesis, which are important for brain function and other body processes. Chromium also aids in insulin action and glucose metabolism.

T Food Sources
P The best source of chromium is brewer's yeast. However, many people do not use brewer's yeast because it causes bloating (abdominal distention) and nausea. Meat and whole grain products are relatively good sources.
P Other good sources of chromium include the following:
- Beef
- Liver
- Eggs
- Chicken
- Oysters
- Wheat germ
- Broccoli
P Black pepper and molasses are also good sources of chromium.

T Side Effects
P Chromium deficiency may be seen as impaired glucose tolerance. It occurs in older people with type 2 diabetes and in infants with protein-calorie malnutrition. Taking a chromium supplement may help, but it is not a substitute for other treatment.
P Because of the low absorption and high excretion rates of chromium, toxicity is not common.

T Recommendations
P The Food and Nutrition Board at the Institute of Medicine recommends the following dietary intake for chromium:
P Infants
- 0 to 6 months: 0.2 micrograms per day (mcg/day)*
- 7 to 12 months: 5.5 mcg/day*
P Children
- 1 to 3 years: 11 mcg/day*
- 4 to 8 years: 15 mcg/day*
- Males age 9 to 13 years: 25 mcg/day*
- Females age 9 to 13 years: 21 mcg/day*
P Adolescents and adults
- Males age 14 to 50: 35 mcg/day*
- Males age 51 and over: 30 mcg/day*
- Females age 14 to 18: 24 mcg/day*
- Females age 19 to 50: 25 mcg/day*
- Females age 51 and older: 20 mcg/day*
- Pregnant females age 19 to 50: 30 mcg/day
- Lactating females age 19 to 50: 45 mcg/day
P AI or Adequate Intake*
P 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.
P 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.

T Alternative Names
P Diet - chromium

T References
P Mason JB. Vitamins, trace minerals, and other micronutrients. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 25th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2016:chap 218.
P Salwen MJ. Vitamins and trace elements. In: McPherson RA, Pincus MR, eds. Henry's Clinical Diagnosis and Management by Laboratory Methods. 23rd ed. St Louis, MO: Elsevier; 2017:chap 26.

T Review Date 1/7/2017
P Updated by: Emily Wax, RD, The Brooklyn Hospital Center, Brooklyn, NY. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

