Chromium, an essential trace mineral that works hand in glove with insulin, is a vital part of the bodys natural mechanism for maintaining healthy blood glucose levels already in the normal range. Unfortunately, chromium is found in small quantities in most foods and dietary needs can increase due to a variety of health and lifestyle factors. Heres how you can ensure your body receives the chromium it needs for proper insulin function.
Chromium 101
Chromium is critical for helping the body utilize glucose as a source of energy. It works by helping cells respond properly to insulin the hormone that makes blood sugar available to the cells. Whats more, when the body efficiently uses glucose for energy, it is less likely to be stored as fat.
While chromium is widely distributed in the food supply, most foods provide only small amounts (less than two micrograms per serving). In addition, food processing methods often remove the naturally occurring chromium. As a result, obtaining a sufficient amount of chromium in the diet can be difficult.
In addition, several conditions can sap your bodys chromium stores. For instance, diets high in simple sugars can increase chromium excretion in the urine. Infection, exercise, pregnancy and lactation and stressful states (such as physical trauma) can also increase chromium losses from the body.
Keen on Chromium
Getting enough chromium in your diet every day is important to support your bodys use of insulin and blood glucose. According to nutrition experts, the estimated safe and adequate daily dietary intake range for chromium is 50-200 mcg. But consuming this amount daily through foods alone requires serious effort.
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