There are indications that this trace element plays an essential role, but according to the European perspective, chromium has a pharmacological effect, influencing metabolic processes rather than preventing or disrupting them in states of deficiency. Some evidence indicates that eliminating chromium from the diet does not cause any changes in body function. There is continuing debate among scientists and doctors about whether chromium is an essential element. Chromium (+3) is a trace element included in the human body and food products, while chromium (+6) is a toxin formed as a by-product of, for example, the production of stainless steel.Ĭhromium in the human body is mainly stored in the kidneys, spleen, testes, soft tissues, bones and blood, where it binds to proteins, mainly transferrin. In nature, chromium usually occurs in two varieties - in the third oxidation state (+3) and the sixth oxidation state (+6). It is unique because it forms numerous colourful compounds. Chromium is primarily known as a weight loss supplement, but does chromium actually support weight loss? Chromium in nature and the human bodyĬhromium is a chemical element with the symbol Cr. Scientists do not all agree on whether it is an essential element, although it has been established that chromium is involved in several important life processes and may also help to treat diabetes. The role of chromium in the human body is the subject of many debates.

Chromium deficiency symptoms in humans