Searched over 200M research papers
9 papers analyzed
These studies suggest that foods rich in chromium include meat, fish, seafood, cereals, pulses, dried fruits, yeast products, chocolate products, prawns, bran-based breakfast cereals, and soy-based meat substitutes.
20 papers analyzed
Chromium is an essential trace mineral found in various food groups, with its concentration varying significantly across different types of foods. Research indicates that meat, fish, seafood, cereals, and pulses are particularly rich in chromium, often containing more than 0.100 micrograms per gram. These food groups are considered primary sources of dietary chromium.
Conversely, fruits, milk, oils, fats, and sugar are generally poor sources of chromium, contributing less significantly to daily intake . Dairy products, in particular, provide less than 0.6 micrograms of chromium per serving, making them a less reliable source of this mineral.
Plant-based foods also exhibit a wide range of chromium content. Dried fruits, for instance, have been identified as having the highest chromium content among plant foods, with values ranging from 96 to 168 micrograms per 100 grams. Other plant foods such as cereals, vegetables, and pulses also contain notable amounts of chromium, contributing to their role as significant dietary sources.
The chromium content in foods can vary by region due to differences in agricultural practices, soil composition, and food processing methods. For example, Greek foods such as vegetables, cereals, and meat are major contributors to the dietary chromium intake in Greece, estimated at 143 micrograms per day. Similarly, Spanish diets rich in seafood, cereals, and vegetables also provide substantial chromium content, with levels ranging from 0.004 to 0.456 micrograms per gram.
Processed and convenience foods also contain varying levels of chromium. In Poland, convenience foods have been found to contain between 2.22 to 18.2 micrograms per 100 grams, while fast foods range from 3.76 to 28.6 micrograms per 100 grams. These foods can contribute to the overall chromium intake, although their nutritional value may vary.
Several factors influence the chromium content in foods, including the methods of food processing and preparation. For instance, the use of stainless-steel equipment in meat grinding and homogenization can significantly increase the chromium content of foods. Additionally, acidic fruit juices stored in steel cans may have higher chromium levels, whereas cooking in aluminum vessels can reduce chromium content.
In summary, chromium is present in a variety of foods, with meat, fish, seafood, cereals, and pulses being the richest sources. While fruits, dairy products, and oils are generally low in chromium, dried fruits and certain vegetables can provide significant amounts. Regional dietary habits and food processing methods also play crucial roles in determining the chromium content of foods. Understanding these variations can help in planning a diet that meets the recommended chromium intake levels.
Most relevant research papers on this topic
5 Citations