24 Chromium Cr
Chromium is an element discovered in Siberia in the 18th century.
It usually exists in the state of trivalent chromium and hexavalent chromium.
Most of the chromium that exists in nature is trivalent chromium,
Hexavalent chromium is artificially produced.
Hexavalent chromium has a strong oxidizing effect, is highly toxic,
There was a case of poisoning caused by hexavalent chromium at a chrome plating factory.
Although the chromium content in human tissues and foods is extremely low,
In vivo, sugar metabolism, cholesterol metabolism, connective tissue metabolism,
It is involved in the maintenance of protein metabolism.
Foods high in chromium
The amount of chromium required per serving is 10 μg.
The following vegetables are high in chrome.
Turnip leaves
Shiso
spinach
Komatsuna
Characteristics of chrome
Chromium is a silver-white metal with the element symbol Cr, atomic number 24, and atomic weight 52.00.
Because it is stable at room temperature
It will not rust in the air or water.
It is also soluble in hydrochloric acid and dilute sulfuric acid.
Absorption and function of chromium
Most of the chromium present in food is trivalent chromium.
The absorption rate of trivalent chromium ingested is very low,
It is estimated to be 0.5-2%.
It is absorbed mainly in the small intestine, but its intestinal absorption mechanism has not been clarified.
Although the amount of chromium present in the body is extremely small,
Enhances insulin action, normal sugar metabolism,
Cholesterol metabolism, connective tissue metabolism,
It is involved in the maintenance of protein metabolism.
Chromium deficiency problem
Chromium is the only mineral whose content in the body decreases with age,
Chromium deficiency is not a problem in a normal diet.
Complete parenteral nutrition that does not contain any chromium,
High-calorie infusion causes impaired glucose tolerance,
Symptoms are improved by supplementing with chromium chloride.
Symptoms of chrome deficiency
Chromin deficiency reduces insulin sensitivity,
Abnormal nitrogen metabolism, weight loss, peripheral neuropathy, stupor, corneal disorders, etc. occur.
Risk of chromium overdose
Chromium ingested from a normal diet is trivalent chromium with low toxicity,
Hypervitaminosis is less of a problem due to its low absorption rate,
With long-term overdose
Vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, renal tubular disorder, liver disorder, hematopoietic disorder,
Central nervous system disorders can occur.
Hexavalent chromium is also highly toxic and can cause dermatitis and lung cancer.