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Trace Minerals
Chromium

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Chromium

Chromium is a lustrous transition metal known for its hardness and resistance to corrosion. It is a key component of stainless steel. As the 21st most abundant mineral in the Earth's crust, it is abundantly available in the earth (mined in as chromite) and present in trace amounts in soils, river water and the ocean.

Many chromium compounds are toxic, and all are known for their extreme oxidizing capability.

 

 

Key Health Research: Chromium as a Trace Mineral Nutrient

Chromium is extremely important trace mineral commonly found in therapeutic clays. One of its most vital functions is assisting the body break down sugar by boosting the action of insulin. While it is not specifically known exactly how much chromium an individual should consume on a daily basis, the Food and Nutrition Board of the US Institute of Medicine states that between 0.4 micrograms (for infants) and 45 micrograms (women breastfeeding) be consumed on a daily basis.1 However, the National Academy of Sciences in the United States recommends up to 200 micrograms per day.

Chromium deficiency has been linked to impaired glucose tolerance, which increases the probability of cardiovascular disease.2 Utilizing clay internally is often reported to have a positive impact on Type II Diabetes. In twelve out of fifteen controlled studies involving individuals with impaired glucose tolerance, chromium supplementation improved glucose utilization or had measurable benefits on blood lipid profiles.3

Furthermore, individuals diagnosed with Type II Diabetes have been shown to have higher rates of chromium loss than average individuals.4 Chromium is a very important mineral for individuals who are at risk or who have been diagnosed with Type II Diabetes.

According to some research, there may be a link between chromium deficiency and atherosclerosis. According to Alexander G. Schauss, Ph.D, IBR Life Sciences Division in Tacoma , Washington , autopsied individuals who died of heart disease had far in-tissue chromium than normal individuals.5

There are anecdotal claims that suggest chromium supplementation can improve muscle mass and assist in weight loss. However, there are conflicting scientific studies that refute those claims.

References

1. DRI, dietary reference intakes for vitamin A, 2001 Edition, by the Panel on Micronutrients, Institute of Medicine (U.S.). Food and Nutrition Board

2. Lukaski HC. Chromium as a supplement. Annu Rev Nutr. 1999;19:279-302

3. Mertz W. Chromium in human nutrition: a review. J Nutr. 1993;123(4):626-633

4. Morris BW, MacNeil S, Hardisty CA, Heller S, Burgin C, Gray TA. Chromium homeostasis in patients with type II (NIDDM) diabetes. J Trace Elem Med Biol. 1999;13(1-2):57-61

5. Schauss, A.G. Minerals, Trace Elements and Human Health. Life Sciences Press: Tacoma, (WA), 1996

Nutritional Sources for Cerium

Much of the available information regarding supplementing with chromium involves taking an unnatural oral supplement such as Chromium Picolinate. We do not recommend supplementing chromium with a chemicalized supplement. However, by choosing the right food sources and natural "whole food" supplements, one can safely consume trace amounts of chromium as a part of a healthy diet and lifestyle.

Please note that trace minerals should only be consumed in very minute amounts, in forms that exist in natural food ecosystems, and not in any concentrated form. Consuming any trace mineral in a concentrated form may have unintended and potentially catastrophic effects. Consuming excess chromium may cause kidney problems as well as heart valve problems.

Ionic Mineral Supplement	Organic Broccoli	"Edible" Clay Colloid

Organic Broccoli - Organic brocoli is an excellent source of chromium, 11 micrograms per half cup.

Ionic Mineral Supplements - The quality of ionic mineral supplements vary greatly, and it is difficult to gauge whether or not one is actually overdosing on trace minerals, since very few ionic mineral supplements are actually natural, even the ones that claim to be plant based. Only a drop per gallon is necessary to supplement with most of these naturally acquired ionic and/or colloidal mineral supplements. According to levels set forth by the EPA, no more than 100 micrograms of chromium should be present in drinking water.

Sea Salt and Sea Mineral Supplements (inorganic) - Most sea mineral products, including sea salts, have trace amounts of chromium.

Organic Fruits/Juices - A natural source for bioavailable chromium.

Therapeutic edible green clays - Completely natural dietary source for chromium. According to research conducted for NASA on edible calcium bentonite, therapeutic clays not only provide trace minerals that act at the cellular level in the body, but they can correct maladsorption issues.(5) Edible clays tested by the Eytons' Earth show that prominent edible clays contain between 10 and 60 PPM of chromium oxides.

References

5. Eaton, Jason R. (2009) Upon a Clay Tablet, Volume I " Las Vegas, NV: AV Websites Marketing Group, pp 191-193, Dr. Benjamin Ershoff, Ph.D., pp 301-331

Links to Outside Resources

A caution about Chromium Supplementation - Dietician advises against chromium supplements, and presents a very conservative view of research data.

Linus Pauling Institute article - Chromium as a micronutrient

Chromium, Periodic Table - Cerium minerology information at Environmentalchemistry.com

Liqumins ConcenTrace Trace Mineral Drops - This is one source we use as a trace mineral water additive (Amazon.com), although we only use about one drop of water per gallon.

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