Chromium is a mineral found in trace amounts in the human body. It enhances the action of insulin, so it's important for the metabolism and storage of glucose. Chromium also appears to have a role in fat and protein metabolism.
Dietary chromium is found in small concentrations in most foods. A balanced diet that includes meats, whole grains, dairy products, fruits, and vegetables will provide all the chromium you need.
Daily Requirements
Females
1 to 3 years: 11 milligrams per day
4 to 8 years: 15 milligrams per day
9 to 13 years: 21 milligrams per day
14 to 18 years: 24 milligrams per day
19 to 50 years: 25 milligrams per day
51+ years: 20 milligrams per day
Males
1 to 3 years: 11 milligrams per day
4 to 8 years: 15 milligrams per day
9 to 13 years: 25 milligrams per day
14 to 18 years: 35 milligrams per day
19 to 50 years: 35 milligrams per day
51+ years: 30 milligrams per day
Chromium deficiency appears to be extremely rare, and no tests have been created that can accurately determine how much chromium is stored in the body. Supplements may be beneficial for people who have impaired glucose tolerance or type II Diabetes; however, research is inconclusive.
Chromium picolinate is often found in 'fat burning' supplements, but scientific studies have not shown any significant difference in weight lost by subjects who took these supplements and subjects who took placebos.
Also Known As: chromium picolinate, chromium-GTF (glucose tolerance factor)
Sources:
National Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements. "Dietary Supplement Fact Sheet: Chromium." Accessed October 15, 2009. http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/chromium/.
Otten JJ, Hellwig JP, Meyers LD. "Dietary Reference Intakes: The Essential Guide to Nutrient Requirements." IOM, 2006.
