Chromium in human nutrition

Compelling evidence has accumulated that Cr is essential for normal glucose tolerance in both animals and humans and that it may also be a factor in lipid metabolism. In this chapter, we briefly review the evidence that Cr is an essential nutrient. Then we discuss a number of supplementation trials that have been conducted in people thought to be at risk of Cr deficiency, and we discuss the problems that impede this research. We then review current research findings in chromium metabolism. Finally, we examine the evidence that chromium may be marginal or inadequate in the diets of some people