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Is chromium a trace essential metal?
1Northern Arizona University, Department of Chemistry, Flagstaff 86011-5698, USA. Diane.Stearns@nau.edu
Biofactors (Oxford, England)
|June 30, 2000
Summary
Chromium is not an essential metal, as no specific biological role or deficiency disease has been identified. Its potential clinical effects may stem from pharmacological actions, not essential nutrient functions.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Toxicology
- Human Physiology
Background:
- Chromium's essentiality is debated due to the lack of identified roles in enzymes or cofactors.
- No direct interaction between chromium and insulin has been established, challenging its role in glucose metabolism.
- Existing chromium supplements provide supraphysiological doses, suggesting a pharmacological rather than nutritional basis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To critically evaluate the evidence supporting chromium as an essential trace metal.
- To investigate the potential toxicological and pharmacological mechanisms of chromium.
- To determine if chromium's purported clinical benefits are linked to essential functions or other actions.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on chromium's biochemical roles and physiological effects.
- Analysis of studies investigating chromium's interaction with insulin and glucose tolerance.
- Examination of toxicological data regarding chromium (III) and its potential genotoxicity.
Main Results:
- No chromium-containing glucose tolerance factor has been characterized.
- The function of low-molecular-weight chromium-binding protein remains unclear.
- Chromium (III) exhibits genotoxic and mutagenic properties, similar to toxic metals, and may contribute to chromium (VI)-induced cancers.
Conclusions:
- There is no direct evidence to support chromium as an essential metal for humans.
- Chromium (III) may exert clinical effects by interfering with iron absorption, potentially impacting iron-related diseases.
- Chromium (III) should be considered a pharmacological agent rather than an essential nutrient.
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