Compromised chromium status is most common in the elderly, individuals with low protein diet, and refined foods, blood loss, infection, diabetes, pregnant women and individuals experiencing extended periods of physiological stress, including those with chronic infections or those who regularly engage in strenuous exercise.
A deficiency of chromium causes several adverse symptoms in the human body. One of these symptoms is a diabetic-like condition with an elevated blood sugar level and elevated serum insulin, which may lead a person down the treacherous path to type 2 diabetes.
Other symptoms due to lack of adequate chromium are fatigue, low energy level, obesity, depressed growth, deceased high density lipoprotein cholesterol and increased low density lipoprotein cholesterol, and peripheral neuropathy or encephalopathy.
Deficiencies of chromium also cause a stiffening of the arteries which is the first stage in atherosclerosis.
Low levels of chromium are also associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
What are the signs of chromium deficiency?
