====== Chromium as a micronutrient ======

The metal Chromium  - specifically Chromium(III), the trivalent ion - has been suggested by some researchers to be an essential micronutrient. Other groups claim that it isn't //essential//, but that its presence can be of benefit.

It's commonly found (in trace amounts) in the bodies of birds and mammals, including humans.

>__The biologically beneficial effects of Chromium(III) continue to be debated.__ Some experts believe that they reflect pharmacological rather than nutritional responses, while others suggest that they are side effects of a toxic metal. The discussion is marred by elements of negativity and occasionally becomes acrimonious. Chromium is accepted by the U.S. National Institutes of Health as a trace element for its roles in the action of insulin, a hormone critical to the metabolism and storage of carbohydrate, fat and protein. __The precise mechanism of its actions in the body, however, have not been fully defined, leaving in question whether chromium is essential for healthy people.__\\ \\ Source : [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chromium#Biological_role|Wikipedia]]

The metal is (believed to be) transported around the body by a compound (in the form of a peptide protein) called //Chromodulin.// (also known as low-molecular-weight chromium-binding substance, or LMWCr). The way in which it does so, however, is unknown, as is its physical structure.

Further reading :   [[https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs12011-015-0231-9|Biological Trace Element Research volume 166, pages7–12(2015)]]  and [[https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10930-008-9146-z|The Protein Journal volume 27, pages371–375(2008)]]

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Also see : [[content:life_sciences:human_body:ultratrace_elements]]