Chromium is a steely-gray, lustrous, hard metal that takes a high polish and has a high melting point. It is also odourless, tasteless, and malleable.
Chromium is mined as chromite (FeCr2O4) ore. About two-fifths of the chromite ores and concentrates in the world are produced in South Africa, while Kazakhstan, India, Russia, and Turkey are also substantial producers. Untapped chromite deposits are plentiful, but geographically concentrated in Kazakhstan and southern Africa.
Chromium is passivated by oxygen, forming a thin protective oxide surface layer with another element such as nickel or iron. This layer is a spinel structure only a few atoms thick and is very dense, preventing diffusion of oxygen into the underlying material. (In iron or plain carbon steels the oxygen migrates into the underlying material.) Chromium is usually plated on top of a nickel layer which may first have been copper plated. Chromium, unlike metals such as iron and nickel, does not suffer from hydrogen embrittlement. It does suffer from nitrogen embrittlement and hence no straight chromium alloy has ever been developed. Below, the pourbaix diagram can be seen. It is important to understand that the diagram only displays the thermodynamic data and it does not display any details of the rates of reaction.
Key Functions of Chromium
Chromium is an essential trace mineral occurring in very small amount in the blood and various tissue. It is a mineral that acts directly on cell membrane. It is involved in amino acid transport and breakdown of glycogen and lipids.
The amount of chromium in the body in various tissue decline with age, depending on the dietary intake. This decline may contribute to glucose intolerance of the elderly. It has also been found that exercise and a high consumption of sugar increase the bodies need for chromium.
Other Function of Chromium in the Body:
Chromium is very important in order for insulin to function. Insulin is an important hormone that regulates the metabolism of carbohydrates (sugars), fats, and proteins.
Chromium help prevent hardening and thickening of arteries.
Adequate use of chromium can dramatically help to form muscles and reduce fat, in addition to significantly contributing to the reduction of cholesterol and to control the metabolism of blood sugars.
Chromium helps to increase energy, suppress the desire for sugar and flours, since it causes the existing insulin to work efficiently, which is a good for those people suffering in diabetes.
Food Sources of Chromium
Beef, Beer (some brands), Black strap molasses, Brewer's yeast, Brown rice, Calves' liver, Cereals, Cheese, Chicken breast, Chicken legs, Corn and corn oil, Dairy products, Dried beans, Dulse, Eggs, Fish and seafood, Fresh fruit, Fresh vegetables, Meat, Mushrooms, Potatoes with skin, Whole grains and bread
Herb Sources of Chromium: Catnip, Horsetail, Licorice, Nettle, Oat straw, Red clover, Sarsaparilla, Wild yam, Yarrow
Recommended Daily Usage
No official RDAs.
US Guidelines say 50-200iu daily is a safe, adequate range.
Nutritional Safety
Deficiency of chromium - A shortage of chromium may also lead to anxiety, fatigue, glucose intolerance (particularly in people with diabetes), inadequate metabolism of amino acids, and an increased risk of arteriosclerosis.
Toxicity and symptoms of high intake - Because chromium is not easily absorbed (chromium picolinate is the best absorbed) and since it is lost easily in the urine, toxicity does not seem to be a problem, but dermatitis has been noted, as well gastrointestinal ulcers as well as liver and kidney damage if taken in large dosages over prolonged periods. If you are diabetic, do not supplement with chromium, as it can make your blood sugar levels drop. Some people have reported a skin rash and lightheadedness - if this occurs, stop taking the supplement and consult your medical practitioner.My next article entitled "The Function of Iron in our Life" will examine the role of Iron in good nutrition.
See you on the Beaches of the World,
Kevin McNabb
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