You need the essential mineral chromium when you are pregnant, but be careful not to take too much of it because some forms can be unsafe in large amounts. Some theories point to chromium deficiency as a factor in gestational diabetes, but the medical science is unsure about chromium deficiency's role in this condition. Always consult a doctor before trying a supplement or multivitamin that contains chromium.
Identification
Chromium is a mineral that helps the insulin that your body produces bring glucose from your blood to your cells for energy, according to University of Maryland Medical Center. A deficiency can lead to impaired glucose tolerance. Chromium is one of the essential minerals, meaning you must consume it because your body does not make it.
Types
Chromium supplements are available in several forms, including chromium picolinate. Other forms are chromium chloride, chromium nicotinate, glucose tolerance factor chromium and high-chromium yeast. Chromium picolinate can be included in multivitamins or can be taken by itself as a tablet or capsule. Taking a separate chromium supplement is not recommended during pregnancy, however, and you should not take any beyond what is included in your prenatal vitamin, according to experts at Babycenter.com.
Daily Need
If you are 19 years of age or older, you need to take in 30 mcg chromium a day during pregnancy. If you are 18 years old or younger, you need 29 mcg a day, according to Oregon State University. You'll find this nutrient in whole grain products, processed meats, ready-to-eat bran cereals, broccoli, green beans and spices. Eating foods with high simple sugar content such as fructose and sucrose promote chromium loss, according to OSU.
Theories/Speculation
In theory, chromium deficiency might play a role in gestational diabetes because of its role in insulin use, according to the book "Chromium Picolinate," by Richard A. Passwater. The fetus growing inside you may deplete your chromium stores. Chromium is unlikely to be the sole cause of gestational diabetes, however. As of 2010, few studies had examined effects of chromium supplementation on gestational diabetes, according to OSU. The experts at the university note that some research does point to taking 4 mcg of chromium picolinate per 2.2 lb. body weight to decrease fasting blood glucose and insulin levels, but results are far from conclusive. Also, insulin therapy as opposed to chromium picolinate supplementation was needed in women who had severely elevated blood glucose levels. When pregnant, it's important not to ingest more than 200 mcg chromium a day unless your doctor directs you to do so, Passwater says.
Considerations
The safety of chromium picolinate supplementation has raised concerns, so it's important to weigh the pros and cons of using such a supplement with your doctor. Most of these concerns stem from laboratory studies that suggest chromium picolinate might increase DNA damage, according to OSU. However, as of 2010, no existing evidence pointed to DNA damage in living organisms. The Food and Nutrition Board of the U.S. Institute of Medicine hasn't set a tolerable upper level of intake for chromium in general. However, because information is limited, the FNB advises caution regarding chromium supplementation. Some reports of liver problems and fast, irregular heart rhythms associated with taking too much chromium have surfaced. In addition, two reported cases of kidney damage due to use of chromium picolinate supplements exist, according to University of Maryland Medical Center.
