Chromium - A Helpful Nutrient For Diabetics

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Chromium is a micromineral that has significant benefits for people suffering from diabetes. It can help control both blood glucose and insulin levels in the body. In this article I will be discussing this nutrient in greater detail and providing you with a summary of its main functions, the best food sources, the recommended daily allowances (RDAs) and the potentially adverse effects of consuming too much or too little.

1) DISCOVERY:

Chromium was discovered initially as part of Siberian red lead by the German mineralogist Johann Gottlob Lehmann in 1766. In 1797 the French scientist Louis-Nicolas Vauquelin discovered a new element within Siberian red lead and in 1798 he managed to isolate it. This new element was named chromium by two French chemists Antoine Francois de Fourcroy and Rene-Just Hauy.

2) FUNCTION:

As I mentioned above chromium is particularly useful for people who suffer from diabetes (a condition where your body cannot properly control blood glucose levels). It enhances the effects of insulin (a hormone which allows your body to take glucose from the blood) and therefore allows your body to better control blood glucose levels. It also controls the release of insulin which again improves your body's ability to regulate blood glucose levels. Chromium also supports metabolism, boosts the immune system, keeps your arteries soft and supple and helps break down blood cholesterol.

3) RDA:

Men need slightly more chromium than women and both require more as they get older. The RDA for children aged between 0 and 6 months is 0.0002 milligrams (mg) and this increases to 0.015mg for children aged between 4 and 8 years. Fully grown men need to consume 0.035mg of this nutrient per day whilst fully grown women need to consume 0.025mg per day. Pregnant and lactating women need to consume more chromium than other women. Pregnant women are advised to consume 0.03mg per day whilst lactating women are advised to consume 0.045mg per day.

4) FOOD SOURCES:

Chromium can be found in a selection of foods. Some of the richest sources include beef (0.057mg per 100g), cheese (0.056mg per 100g), egg yolk (0.183mg per 100g) and liver (0.055mg per 100g).

5) OVERDOSE SYMPTOMS:

Currently there are no side effects associated with chromium overdose.

6) DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS:

Failing to get the RDA of chromium can have a number of negative implications, particularly for people suffering from diabetes. The symptoms include high blood glucose levels, increased cholesterol levels, hyperinsulinemia (extremely high blood levels of insulin) and increased triglyceride levels.


About the Author:
Tom Parker owns Free Fitness Tips - a fantastic source of free, impartial fitness advice. You can learn more about chromium and the other microminerals by visiting his website.



Article Originally Published On: http://www.articlesnatch.com


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