Chromium, carbon and phosphorus are all minerals that fulfill various functions within the body. Tryptophan, an amino acid, performs other tasks. Minerals and amino acids are present in many foods in varying concentrations, but most of the minerals are found in well-fertilized fruits and vegetables. Tryptophan is present in protein-rich foods such as beef, but also turkey, chicken, and animal products such as dairy. Consult your health care provider before beginning any dietary program.
Chromium
Chromium is a metallic element found in many food groups. Romaine lettuce and other leafy greens are good sources of chromium. Tomatoes, onions and potatoes are high in chromium, as are liver and organ meats. Chromium is used within your body to regulate blood sugar, and a deficiency of this mineral is termed metabolic syndrome X. In people with insulin- or sugar-related disorders, chromium supplementation can have a positive effect on blood sugar levels.
Phosphorus
Phosphorus is very common in animal products, with the highest levels commonly present in seafood. Fish such as bass, catfish, clams and cod are all high in phosphorus. Pork and turkey are also high in phosphorus; beef has high levels of phosphorus, but not as high as pork. Phosphorus is the second most abundant mineral in the body, after calcium. Phosphorus greatly contributes to the strength of the skeleton and to skeletal development in the young.
Carbon
Carbon is the fourth most common element in the universe and is found in almost every food we eat. Any food containing sugar or saccharides contains an abundance of carbon, as it is found in every single carbohydrate. Foods such as fruits, vegetables and grains all contain carbohydrates and a high volume of carbon. Animal foods, while low in carbohydrates, still contain carbon in various tissues. Carbon is also found in all fat sources. No common dietary carbon deficiencies exist.
Tryptophan
Tryptophan is an amino acid, one of the building blocks of protein. Tryptophan is an essential amino acid -- your body cannot produce it. Tryptophan is required for the growth and development of children and helps regulate nitrogen balance in adults. Your nitrogen balance is in part responsible for your ability to process other amino acids and repair lean muscle tissue. Tryptophan produces notable effects on both mood and outlook, and some research has shown that tryptophan interacts with other chemicals in the brain that may result in mood alterations.
References
- "Endocrine Practice"; Chromium Effects on Glucose Tolerance and Insulin Sensitivity in Persons at Risk for Diabetes Mellitus; A. Ali et al.; January-February 2011
- "Journal of Nutrition"; Calcium, Phosphorus and Human Bone Development; J.J. Anderson; April 1996
- "Gut"; Acute Tryptophan Depletion Alters the Effective Connectivity of Emotional Arousal Circuitry During Visceral Stimuli in Healthy Women; J.S. Labus et al.; March 2011
