“Chromium works with insulin to help your body use blood sugar and may also be involved in the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins,' explains Melissa Majumdar, RD, a spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and the bariatric coordinator at Emory University Hospital Midtown in Decatur, Georgia. This necessary mineral supports the role of insulin, a hormone that’s critical for the absorption and storage of glucose, or blood sugar, according to the NIH. “Basically, you need chromium to properly convert the food you eat into energy,” says Kristi King, RD, who works at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston. The former plays a key role in metabolism. The kind we find in food is known as trivalent or chromium 3+, while the form emitted by industrial pollution is called hexavalent or chromium 6+, according to the NIH. Chromium: What It Does and Why We Need ItĪlthough we need to ingest chromium in small amounts, the mineral has two forms, and one can be toxic. Here’s more about chromium, including how much you need, whether you might be deficient, how chromium may impact weight loss and diabetes, and the best foods for obtaining this vital nutrient. Like other minerals, chromium doesn’t naturally occur in the body, so it must be obtained through diet or supplements. This mineral plays a role in metabolizing protein, carbohydrates, and fats and providing energy to your muscles and brain, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), but it may be best known for its ability to increase insulin sensitivity.

Eat for Health has information and advice about healthy eating.Chromium isn't a micronutrient you tend to hear a lot about, but it’s an essential one nevertheless.

Visit Nutrition Australia for information about healthy eating.

They can advise you whether any of your medicines are likely to interact. Magnesium supplements can interfere with some other medicines you may be taking,Īlways tell your doctor or pharmacist about any other medicines, supplements or over-the-counter medicines you are taking. Having too much magnesium from a supplement can cause diarrhoea, nausea and stomach cramps.

You can't get too much magnesium from food, but if you have been prescribed a magnesium supplement, it is important not to take more than the recommended dose. If you have a magnesium deficiency or certain health problems that put you at risk of a deficiency, your doctor may recommend you take a magnesium supplement. Most young children in Australia get enough magnesium, but more than 1 in 3 people don't get enough magnesium every day. The amount of magnesium that each food item has is shown in milligrams (mg): Foodįind out how much magnesium you should have every day. You can get magnesium from the following foods. Tap, mineral, and bottled waters can also be sources of magnesium, but the amount of magnesium they contain depends on the brand. leafy green vegetables, such as spinach.In general, foods that are high in fibre provide magnesium. Most people get all the magnesium they need from food. Many foods contain magnesium, but the main sources in Australia are cereals and non-alcoholic drinks like coffee and water. If you don't get enough magnesium in your diet over a long time, you may be at a higher risk of health problems such as heart attack, stroke, diabetes and osteoporosis. Magnesium is a mineral essential for healthy muscles, nerves, bones and blood sugar levels. Related information on Australian websites.If you have a magnesium deficiency or certain health problems, your doctor may recommend you take a magnesium supplement.Most young children in Australia get enough magnesium, but more than 1 in 3 Australian adults don't get enough magnesium every day.Many foods contain magnesium, including leafy green vegetables, such as spinach, legumes, nuts, seeds and whole grains.If you don't get enough magnesium in your diet over a long time, you may be at a higher risk of health problems such as heart attack, stroke, diabetes and osteoporosis.

Magnesium is a mineral that is essential for healthy muscles, nerves, bones and blood sugar levels.

Vegetables high in chromium