Diabetes is a chronic disease marked by high levels of glucose, or blood sugar. Chromium might help manage diabetes, so people with diabetes can take chromium supplements or eat more foods that contain chromium. Although chromium is not as toxic when taken in excess as some other nutrients, it might cause some health problems.
Chromium Overview
Chromium is a micronutrient that is needed for proper processing of blood sugar in the body. A lack of chromium might cause the body to handle blood sugar incorrectly, according to an article in the August 2001 issue of "Diabetes Spectrum." Increasing chromium in the diet or taking supplements might improve the processing of blood sugar. Chromium is found in whole grains, nuts, seeds, beef, broccoli, cheese and dried beans. Not much chromium is needed for proper health. The current recommended daily intake of chromium is 25 micrograms for women and 35 micrograms for men. In the U.S., the typical dietary intakes are between 20 to 30 micrograms per day, per the "Diabetes Spectrum" article.
DNA Damage
Chromium was found to cause DNA damage at high levels, according to the "Diabetes Spectrum" article. DNA, which is an abbreviation for deoxyribonucleic acid, contains the genetic information for all living organisms. Damage to DNA might cause cancer. The "Diabetes Spectrum" article noted that the DNA damage from chromium was seen at a cellular level in labs, but has not been detected in people out of the research setting.
Reduced Blood Sugar and Insulin Need
Chromium enhances the effectiveness of some diabetes medications, so blood sugar levels might decrease too much if chromium and diabetes medications are taken together, according to the "Diabetes Spectrum" article. An increase in chromium intake might also reduce the amount of insulin needed by people with diabetes. Insulin is a hormone that turns blood sugar into energy for the body. Monitoring blood sugar levels closely is recommended for people with diabetes when they take chromium supplements.
Malabsorption of Zinc and Iron
Chromium might reduce the absorption of zinc, a mineral involved in several bodily activities, according to an article in the March 1, 2000, issue of "BioFactors." Zinc plays a role in the immune system, helps enzymes work, takes part in the making of protein, and supports normal growth during pregnancy, childhood and adolescence. The body does not have a storage system for zinc, so ample amounts of the mineral are required every day for proper health. Chromium might also inhibit iron's ability in the body, per the "BioFactors" article. Iron is needed for transporting oxygen in the blood and regulating cell development. A lack of iron limits the amount of oxygen delivered to cells, which results in fatigue and decreased resistance to viruses and bacteria.
References
- "BioFactors"; "Is Chromium a Trace Essential Element?"; Diane Stearns; March 1, 2000
- American Diabetes Association: Diabetes Basics
- "Diabetes Spectrum"; "Select Vitamins and Minerals in the Management of Diabetes"; Belinda O'Connell; August 2001
