Chromium and parenteral nutrition in children

Chromium (Cr) dosage was assayed in i.v. nutrition, serum, and losses of five children on total parenteral nutrition for > or = 4 weeks. The Cr supply (4.7 +/- 1.2 micrograms/kg/day) was above recommended levels (0.5 microgram/kg/day). Serum (18.2 +/- 1.8 micrograms/L) and urine (37.4 +/- 10.5 micrograms/L) were also higher than control values (0.7-0.9 microgram/L and 0.2-0.8 microgram/L, respectively). Serum and urine Cr concentrations displayed a positive correlation. Serum Cr and Fe showed a negative correlation. These results confirm the potential toxicity of Cr previously reported in animals. Cr levels of i.v. nutrition solutes should be checked thoroughly.