Chromium is a dietary mineral that plays an important role in glucidic metabolism. Chromium is transported in the blood and directed to cells when insulin is secreted. It then activates an insulin-regulating protein: chromodulin. The average adult requires 65 µg per day, whereas modern-day food produced by intensive agriculture provides only 30 to 40 µg.
Chromium can be found more easily in unrefined foods such as wholegrain cereals and brewers’ yeast, in some (preferably organic) green vegetables (asparagus, broccoli, green beans), in meat, organ meats (veal liver), wheat germ, mushrooms. Intensive agriculture decreases the amount of chromium contained in commonly chromium-rich foods. In case of a deficit, it may be interesting to supplement your chrome intake.
How to improve your chromium intakes
A deficit in chromium results in signs of hypoglycemia: cravings, tiredness, irritability, etc. This deficit can therefore have significant consequences for someone who suffers from diabetes. This artificial hypoclycemia triggers an over-production of insulin and contributes to further glycemic deregulation. This is why it is important to take chromium supplements and in particular Chromium Picolinate ones, in order to limit the hyperglycemic effects of an overcompensation for a chromium deficit.