When people first glance at the periodic table, they see the symbol Cr and naturally think of copper. However, Cr is actually the symbol for the metallic and lustrous chemical element known as chromium. And no, we're not talking about the stuff they found in the water in Erin Brockovich. That's hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)). It was often used in pigments, dyes and the tanning of leather and so, it is commonly found underneath the soil around abandoned industrial sites. This form of chromium is highly carcinogenic and can accelerate the effect of free radicals in the body. No, we' re talking about trivalent chromium (Cr(III)), which plays an essential role in metabolizing sugars and lipids in the human body. Chromium was discovered as chromite inside the mineral crocoite by Louis Nicolas Vauquelin in 1797. Since then, the metal has been applied to several industries including the production of stainless steel, the chrome plating of most household faucets and paints and pigments as mentioned before (in fact, the element's name comes from the Greek word "chroma," which means color).

But now, people are capitalizing on the biological role of this trivalent chromium. Numerous supplements have emerged in the form of chromium chloride, chromium picolinate and chromium polynicotinate. These supplements have a future in the weight loss industry thanks to chromium's vital role in metabolism. Basically, chromium works together with niacin (vitamin B3) to help the body getter better control over how it uses glucose. It helps improve cholesterol levels as well.

According to www.medicineonline.com, "The greatest benefits of increasing intake of chromium are seen in people who are severely deficient in the mineral. In these cases, it has been shown to improve glucose and insulin function. People who eat a diet high in sugar and refined foods are more at risk for not getting enough chromium. Sugar increases chromium loss and refined foods are very low in chromium."

This reinforces why the depletion of processed foods demands an increase in the uptake of reliable supplements. Sure, you can try to get enough chromium (or any essential nutrient) through your diet. Good natural sources of chromium include cheese, eggs, whole grains, liver and leaner meats, but refining these foods makes it difficult. The majority of the country is only getting 50-100 micrograms (mcg) of chromium per day in their diet. This is why white bread, white rice and white flour are generally bad choices. They are refined and their chromium content is stripped. Supplements offer a guarantee in the uptake department. The ins and outs of chromium deficiency are consistently debated, but getting a healthy amount of good chromium does decrease the risk of heart attack, diabetes and possible nerve damage.

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