Chrome

What is chromium

Chromium (also known as chromium) is one of the essential trace elementsthat must be taken in with food, as the body cannot produce it itself. It is also an essential mineral, similar to magnesium. In general, trace elements are inorganic nutrients that humans need in small quantities. The lungs, liver, spleen and bones are the main storage sites for chromium. In the blood, it is bound to transport proteins such as albumin. The vital substance is particularly important for carbohydrate metabolism and the regulation of blood sugar levels. It also plays an important role in the function of the thyroid gland and protein synthesis. The requirement for adults is less than 1 mg per day. Chromium occurs naturally in various compounds. In micronutrient medicine and supplementation, the form chromium(III) is meant. It is the most bioavailable for humans and we also find it in food. Other forms, such as chromium(VI), are toxic to humans and are used in industry.

Where does the vital substance occur?

Chromium is found in both plant and animal foods. Wholemeal wheat products, maize and Edam cheese contain larger amounts. However, beans, nuts (especially Brazil nuts), fruit (such as blueberries) and meat also contain a considerable amount of this trace element. It should be noted that the proportion in dairy products is subject to considerable fluctuations, as the feeding of the animals influences this again. This also applies to eggs. Chromium from food is only stored in small quantities. A deficiency usually occurs only rarely, but due to stress, pregnancy or intensive training it can develop more quickly. In most cases, a low level leads to insulin resistance, which resembles the symptoms of diabetes mellitus. These include poor concentration, nervousness, confusion and muscle weakness.

What functions does the molecule have in the human body?

The essential trace element chromium, which has only been recognized since 1959, decreases in concentration with age. The vital substance has many important metabolic functions in the human body. Medical studies have shown a positive influence on glucose metabolism in particular. The molecule acts on the blood sugar hormone insulin so that sugar can enter the body cells from the blood. This lowers blood sugar levels. Thus, chromium serves to maintain glucose tolerance and counteract insulin resistance. The latter causes cells to absorb little or no glucose from the blood and even more insulin is released. Our pancreas (pancreas) produces the insulin. More specifically chromium improves the usability of the glucose (smallest carbohydrate unit) present in the blood by increasing the sensitivity of the cell receptors to the hormone insulin. As a result, glucose is better absorbed by the cells. Therefore, the intake of sugar results in an increased release of chromium from the liver depots. A deficiency leads to insulin being unable to exert its effect on the insulin receptors. This mechanism is important for both diabetics and non-diabetics. Chromium is a component of the glucose tolerance factor (GTF), which leads to improved insulin utilization.

Chromium is contained, for example, in BERBERSOME - an innovative molecular complex for improving insulin resistance and glucose tolerance.