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The Essentiality of Chomium - a Debate

(01.09.2024)


For many years, chromium in its trivalent state [Cr(III)] was considered an essential trace element necessary for the normal metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. However, recent research has challenged this view, leading to some re-evaluation of its status as an essential nutrient. Here’s what is currently known:

Historical Perspective on Chromium Essentiality

  • Discovery and Early Research: Chromium's potential essentiality was first suggested in the 1950s, when studies indicated that it might be involved in glucose metabolism. Researchers observed that chromium supplementation improved glucose tolerance in animals and humans with glucose intolerance, leading to the hypothesis that chromium is an essential nutrient.
    K. Schwarz, W. Mertz, Chromium(III) and the glucose tolerance factor. Arch. Biochem.  Biophys., 85/2 (1959) 292-295. DOI: 10.1016/0003-9861(59)90479-5
  • Chromodulin Hypothesis: It was believed that chromium, in the form of a complex known as chromodulin (also referred to as low-molecular-weight chromium-binding substance, LMWCr), played a role in enhancing insulin signaling, thus aiding in glucose uptake. This theory contributed to chromium's classification as an essential trace element.
    J.B. Vincent, The biochemistry of chromium. J. Nutr., 130/4 (2000) 715-718. DOI: 10.1093/jn/130.4.715 

Recent Research and Re-Evaluation

  • Controversy and Skepticism: Over the past two decades, the idea that chromium is essential has been increasingly questioned. Some studies have failed to demonstrate a clear biological role for chromium, and the chromodulin hypothesis has faced challenges due to a lack of consistent evidence.
    D.M. Stearns, Is chromium a trace essential metal?. BioFactors, 11/3 (2000) 149-162. DOI: 10.1002/biof.5520110301
    J.B. Vincent, Chromium: Is it essential, pharmacologically relevant, or toxic?. Met. Ions Life Sci., 13 (2013) 171-198. DOI: 10.1007/978-94-007-7500-8_6
  • Human Studies: Many controlled studies on humans have shown mixed results regarding chromium supplementation’s effects on glucose metabolism, weight loss, and other health outcomes. Some studies report mild benefits, particularly in people with type 2 diabetes or insulin resistance, while others show no significant effects.
    R.A. Anderson, Chromium as an essential nutrient for humans. Regul. Toxicol. Pharmacol., 26/1 (1997) S35-S41. DOI: 10.1006/rtph.1997.1136
    H.C. Lukaski, Chromium as a supplement. Ann. Rev. Nutr., 19/1 (1999) 279-302. DOI: 10.1146/annurev.nutr.19.1.279
  • Regulatory and Scientific Consensus: Organizations like the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the U.S. National Academy of Medicine have recognized the lack of conclusive evidence for chromium’s essentiality. In 2014, EFSA concluded that chromium is not essential for human nutrition because no chromium deficiency syndrome has been clearly identified, and no specific biological role for chromium has been definitively established.
    EFSA Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies (NDA). Scientific Opinion on Dietary Reference Values for chromium. EFSA Journal, 12/10 (2014) 3845. DOI: 10.2903/j.efsa.2014.3845
  • Toxicity Concerns: While trivalent chromium (Cr3+) is considered relatively safe, hexavalent chromium (Cr6+) is highly toxic and carcinogenic. This distinction is important in discussions about chromium’s health effects, particularly concerning occupational exposure and environmental contamination.
    R.A. Anderson, N.A. Bryden, M.M. Polansky, Lack of Toxicity of Chromium Chloride and Chromium Picolinate in Rats. J. Am. Col. Nutr., 6 (1997) 273–279. DOI: 10.1080/07315724.1997.10718685
    D. Bagchi, S.J. Stohs, B.W. Downs, M. Bagchi, H.G. Preuss, Cytotoxicity and Oxidative Mechanisms of Different Forms of Chromium. Toxicology, 180 (2002) 5–22. DOI: 10.1016/S0300-483X(02)00378-5

Current Understanding

  • Nutritional Status: The current consensus leans towards the view that chromium is not essential for humans. However, some individuals may experience mild benefits from supplementation, particularly in cases of impaired glucose metabolism.
    Institute of Medicine (US), Panel on Micronutrients, Dietary Reference Intakes for Vitamin A, Vitamin K, Arsenic, Boron, Chromium, Copper, Iodine, Iron, Manganese, Molybdenum, Nickel, Silicon, Vanadium, and Zinc. The National Academies Press, (2001). DOI: 10.17226/10026
  • Research Gaps: The role of chromium in human health remains an open question, with some scientists advocating for more research to definitively determine whether it should be classified as essential or not. The lack of evidence for chromium essentiality does not preclude chromium being considered a bioactive element with beneficial effects when supplemented in higher than nutritional or physiological (supranutritional) amounts
    M. Hummel, E. Standl, O. Schnell, Chromium in metabolic and cardiovascular disease. Horm. Metabol. Res., 39/10 (2007) 743-751. DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-985847
  • Supplement Use: Despite the controversy, chromium supplements, particularly in the form of chromium picolinate, are still widely used, often marketed for weight loss or improved glucose metabolism. The effectiveness and safety of such supplements are still under scrutiny.
    D.D.D. Hepburn, J.M. Burney, S.A. Woski, J.B. Vincent, The nutritional supplement chromium picolinate generates oxidative DNA damage and peroxidized lipids in vivo. Polyhedron, 22/3 (2003) 455-463. DOI: 10.1016/S0277-5387(02)01369-4 


In summary, while chromium was once considered an essential trace element, recent evidence suggests that it may not be essential for human nutrition. The debate continues, with some scientists calling for more research to clarify chromium's role in human health. Based on the actual state of research, the best classification for chromium probably is that it is a supranutritional or pharmacological beneficial element that can alter a biochemical pathway or biological structure in a therapeutic manner.
Michael Sperling



Related information




 Related EVISA Resources

Link Database: ATSDR: Toxicological Profile for Chromium
Link Database: More about Cr(III)/Cr(VI)
Link Database: Legislation related to chromium
Link Database: Nutritional role of chromium
Link Database: Toxicity of chromium



 Related EVISA News

January 8, 2016: New study reports evidence for carcinogenic chromium(VI) compounds in chromium(III)-treated living cells
October 19, 2014: EFSA: No evidence for essentiality of chromium June 12, 2010: Chromium(VI) much more toxic than chromium(III): At least for freshwater algae a paradigm to revise?
November 24, 2010: Deemed Essential to Health for Decades, Chromium Has No Nutritional Effect, UA Researchers Show
May 23, 2007: Trivalent Chromium supplemention no help in controlling diabetes
April 24, 2007: Nutrigenomics: The role of chromium for fat metabolism revisited
September 15, 2005: FDA Approves Chromium Claim
March 20, 2005: United Kingdom's Food Standards Agency granted derogation to Chromium (III) compounds as a food supplement
November 23, 2004: Chromium (III) - not only therapeutic?


last time modified: September 2, 2024



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