Chromium Deficiency
Chromium is an essential mineral that appears to have a beneficial role in the regulation of insulin action and its effects on carbohydrate, protein and lipid metabolism. Studies show that people with type 2 diabetes have lower blood levels of chromium than those without the disease. Insulin resistance is the common denominator in a cluster of cardiovascular disease risk factors. There have been a number of journal articles that appear to validate the role that Chromium plays.
One case of particular note is the person who had most of their intestines removed and developed Type 2 diabetes while receiving parenteral nutrition ( intravenous feeding). Obviously, the feeding was very regulated. Chromium was introduced and the diabetes reversed.
Chromium might be viewed as an insulin enhancer…essentially multiplying the effectiveness of the hormone.
The Effects of Leucine, Zinc, and Chromium Supplements on Inflammatory Events of the Respiratory System in Type 2 Diabetic Rats
Saeed Kolahian, Hassan Sadri, Amir Ali Shahbazfar, Morvarid Amani, Anis Mazadeh, Mehdi Mirani
Editor: Dominik Hartl
University of Tübingen, GERMANY
Published: July 17, 2015
Chromium Reduces Oxidative Stress in Lungs and may have COVID-19 Implications
This 2015 study shows that Chromium has a large antioxidant role in reducing excess auto-immune response (cytokine storms) in the lungs of diabetic rats. This means that Chromium could play a front line role in preventing and treating COVID-19. The reason for this is that Cytokine Storm responses maybe the primary cause of death in those infected with COVID.
Risk of Type 2 Diabetes Is Lower in US Adults Taking Chromium-Containing Supplements
David J McIver, Ana Maria Grizales, John S Brownstein and Allison B Goldfine
Published October, 2015
Journal of Nutrition
Incidence of Diabetes is Significantly Reduced in Adults Supplementing with Chromium
The study showed chromium supplementation in adults to be associated with significantly lower odds of an individual having diabetes. Although causality cannot be determined, this study provides strong evidence that a large-scale study to determine the causal effect of chromium on diabetes is warranted. A very important matter that requires attention is that a substantial proportion of the US population is taking over-the-counter supplements that include chromium, and at a population level, many specifically are using chromium by name in their supplements. Clinical safety and efficacy data for chromium supplementation for improved insulin sensitivity and glycemic lowering is lacking. To support widespread use for diabetes treatment or prevention, and given the prevalence of current use, clinical trials adequately powered and aimed at evaluating safety and efficacy may be warranted.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4656904/