Chromium intake for health

One supplement that certain individuals choose to take is chromium. The body only requires chromium in small amounts; however, it is important in order to enhance the action of insulin, which is involved in regulating blood sugar levels. This mineral also plays a key role in the metabolism of carbohydrates, protein, and fat.

The main food sources that provide you with chromium include broccoli, grape juice, English muffins, potatoes, garlic, basil, beef cubes, orange juice, turkey breast, whole wheat bread, red wine, apples, and bananas.

The unfortunate thing, however, is that it is hard to establish 100% correct dietary levels of chromium in the foods we eat because the mineral can be altered during various agricultural and manufacturing processes. Because of this, food sources should only be used as a guideline, and if you are quite concerned with your intake, it's wise to look into supplemental form.

The recommended intake set for this mineral is 35 micrograms per day for males aged 14 to 50 and then 30 micrograms from 50 years of age onwards. For females, the recommendation is 25 micrograms per day from 14 to 50 years of age and then 20 micrograms from then on.

Most individuals are consuming enough of this micronutrient each day from their diets, so unless you are some type of special diet that is highly limited, you are probably doing alright with regards to meeting your needs.