Chromium recommended daily intake
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Recommended Daily Intake of Chromium: Guidelines and Ranges
The recommended daily intake of chromium for adults is generally set at 50 to 200 micrograms (µg) per day, according to several expert bodies and nutritional guidelines 2436. This range is considered both safe and adequate for supporting normal metabolism of sugars and fats in the body 24.
Typical Dietary Chromium Intake: Global and Regional Data
Studies from various countries show that most people consume less than the recommended minimum of 50 µg per day. For example, average daily intakes in the United States are often below 50 µg, with men averaging about 33 µg and women about 25 µg per day . In Belgium, the mean intake is around 53 µg/day, which is at the lower end of the recommended range . In southern Spain, mean intake is about 100 µg/day, which falls within the recommended range . In Northern Italy, the median intake is about 57 µg/day, also within the recommended range . These findings suggest that while some populations meet the guidelines, many do not, especially in Western countries 1269.
Chromium in Foods: Sources and Variability
Chromium is found in a variety of foods, but its content can vary widely. Meats, poultry, fish, grains, fruits, and vegetables all contain chromium, but most dairy products are low in chromium . The actual chromium content in foods depends on factors such as soil composition, food processing, and preparation methods . Even well-balanced diets may sometimes provide suboptimal levels of chromium 17.
Absorption, Safety, and Toxicity of Chromium
The body absorbs only a small fraction of dietary chromium, typically between 0.4% and 2.5% from food, and up to 5.2% from supplements, depending on the form and other dietary factors 18. Trivalent chromium (Cr(III)), the form found in food and supplements, is considered safe, with no documented toxicity at intakes up to 1 mg (1000 µg) per day in nutritional studies 248. No tolerable upper intake level (UL) has been established for chromium due to its low toxicity .
Special Considerations: Children and Supplementation
For children, especially those receiving total parenteral nutrition (TPN), recommended intakes have been set at 0.2 µg/kg per day, but studies suggest this may be too high, as excessive intake can lead to elevated blood chromium levels without deficiency symptoms . For adults, supplementation above the recommended range may be considered in certain health conditions, such as diabetes, but should be done under medical supervision 24.
Conclusion
The recommended daily intake of chromium for adults is 50–200 µg per day. Most people, especially in Western countries, consume less than this amount through their regular diets. Chromium is safe at recommended levels, and deficiency is rare but possible with poor dietary intake. There is no established upper limit for chromium due to its low toxicity, but supplementation should be approached cautiously, especially in children and special populations 12345678+1 MORE.
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