Recent developments in the biochemistry of chromium(III)

Chromium is generally believed to be an essential trace element and to have a role in maintaining proper carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, probably by enhancing insulin signaling. Three recent events have strongly influenced biochemical and nutritional studies of Cr(III): (1) the Food and Nutrition Board’ new daily adequate intake (AI) of Cr, (2) the Food Standards Agency’s determination that Cr picolinate might have the potential to cause cancer, and (3) the National Institutes of Health’s program announcement “Chromium as an adjuvant therapy for type 2 diabetes and impaired glucose tolerance.” A discussion of these three events allows the current understanding of the nutritional biochemistry of Cr to be outlined.