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Chromium is a chemical element in the periodic table that has the symbol Cr and atomic number 24.
Biological role
Chromium is required in trace amounts for sugar metabolism in humans, and its deficiency can cause chromium deficiency.
Chromium deficiency is a disorder that results from an insufficient dietary intake of chromium. It occurs rarely in developed nations. Trivalent chromium is an essential trace metal and is required for the proper metabolism of sugar in humans. Chromium deficiencies can affect the potency of insulin in regulating sugar balance. Unlike other essential trace metals, chromium has not been found in a metalloprotein with biological activity. Therefore, the functional basis for the chromium requirement in the diet remains unexplained. Chromium picolinate is the most commonly used synthetic supplement to correct imbalances in glucose metabolism due to chromium deficency.
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