Indications:
This trace element is required in extremely small amounts and is required for insulin to transport glucose into the cells. Chromium levels have been shown to decline with age.
A chromium deficiency produces a mild diabetic state, and diabetics make better utilisation of insulin when taking chromium supplementation. Chromium deficiency has also been linked to metabolism of cholesterol and coronary heart disease, and low sperm production.
Sugar and refined foods are low in chromium (it is lost during food processing), but they cause a rapid increase in insulin levels which requires additional chromium. This process may also lead to the loss of chromium in the urine.
Good food sources include meats (particularly calf’s liver), whole grains (whole wheat bread and cereals), brewer’s yeast, clams and cheese.
The average intake of chromium is 25-50 micrograms, but 200mcg per day of chromium GTF (glucose tolerance factor) is used for supplementation of a deficiency.
Because chromium is present in such small quantities in the body it has been extremely difficult to measure. Developments in laboratory diagnostics now mean that this trace element can be reliably measured using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) and we offer levels in hair and blood plasma.
Patient Instructions:
No chromium containing supplements for 24 hours prior to testing.
Included in Profiles:
Plasma Mineral and Red Cell Magnesium Profile and Hair Mineral & Toxic Metals Profile.
Datasheet:
Chromium (Cr) – plasma Datasheet
Sample Report:
Chromium (Cr) – plasma Sample Report
Sample Requirements:
Navy Blue (EDTA)
Postal Samples:
Accepted