Optimal Result:
0.2 - 0.8 ug/L.
Chromium, when measured in whole blood as part of a Toxic and Essential Elements panel, provides valuable insights into the body's chromium status, which is pivotal for various physiological functions. Chromium is a trace element essential for human health, primarily recognized for its role in enhancing the action of insulin, a hormone critical to the metabolism and storage of carbohydrate, fat, and protein. Its presence in whole blood reflects both recent dietary intake and the body's stores of the mineral. Chromium exists in several forms, but the trivalent chromium (Cr3+) is the biologically active form, considered safe and necessary for human health, while hexavalent chromium (Cr6+) is toxic and carcinogenic. The measurement of chromium in whole blood can be crucial for evaluating nutritional status, particularly in populations at risk of chromium deficiency, such as those with unbalanced diets, the elderly, and individuals with impaired glucose tolerance. Elevated levels of chromium, on the other hand, might indicate excessive exposure, potentially due to occupational hazards or environmental contamination, and can lead to toxic effects including skin rashes, gastrointestinal issues, or more severe organ damage. Given its dual potential as both an essential nutrient and a toxicant at high concentrations, monitoring chromium levels through such panels is vital for both clinical and occupational health assessments, guiding dietary recommendations and exposure prevention strategies.
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What does it mean if your Chromium result is too low?
Whole blood chromium represents the levels of trivalent chromium (Cr III) in plasma and hexavalent chromium (Cr VI) in the red blood cells. Recent evidence indicates that red blood cell chromium levels primarily reflect exposure to toxic hexavalent chromium (Cr VI), as the nutrient chromium III is not directly taken up appreciably by erythrocytes. RBC Cr VI levels directly correlated with Cr VI exposures (in vitro, Devoy et al. 2016).
Chromium is an essential micronutrient. Low Cr III levels may exacerbate conditions such as glucose intolerance, type II diabetes, cardiovascular disease or gestational diabetes. Cr III is primarily absorbed by the jejunum of the small intestine. Cr III is bound by the protein chromodulin, and the Cr-chromodulin complex binds with cellular insulin receptors to amplify insulin signaling. Less than 3% of dietary chromium is absorbed in the gut. However, vitamin C, niacin, NSAIDs, aspirin, beta-blockers, corticosteroids, or insulin may increase absorption (animal studies). If Cr III supplementation is considered, one should consider that metabolism of chromium picolinate to free Cr III ions may generate oxidative stress. The Institute of Medicine currently recommends a daily intake level of 20û45 µg Cr III for adolescents and adults. Consider Evaluation of type II diabetes risk (Metabolomic Profile, serum).
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