Trivalent chromium (CrIII) as a trace element essential for animals and humans

Abstract

Trivalent chromium is considered an essential element in the nutrition of both animals and humans. Animal studies confirm many beneficial effects of organic and inorganic chromium compounds on carbohydrate, protein and lipid metabolism in the body. Glucose tolerance factor (GTF) has been demonstrated to involve an active form of trivalent chromium, which sustains normal glucose metabolism. Cr(III) compounds form enzymes and ribonucleic acids, accelerate blood clotting and increase β-glucuronidase activity. Chromium also participates in antioxidant processes, in the synthesis of RNA and DNA and in the immune response, as well as affects secretion of hormones and some vitamins. It has been demonstrated that chromium improves lean body mass in animals, increases growth rate and feed conversion and improves feed intake and energy efficiency. Organic chromium reduces mortality and improves animal reproduction parameters. It also enhances immunity and strengthens response to preventive vaccination. It has been noted in many animal species that a diet low in chromium leads to deficiency symptoms, such as reduced feed intake, lower weight gains, reproductive disorders and increased lipid levels. Chromium deficiency can also result from stress. Moderate chromium deficiency is a risk factor of ischemic heart disease with myocardial infarction. Such a condition may pose a great risk of coronary artery disease. Dietary chromium requirement of an animal body is probably 300 μg Cr/kg d.w. of feed, which is usually satisfied by the ration provided. The highest concentration of chromium is found in the hair, skin and teeth, followed by the liver, kidneys, spleen, and slightly lower in the heart, muscles, pancreas, lungs, bones and brain. Chromium absorption rates in the human intestine range between 0.5 and 2% of the daily intake of inorganic Cr forms, and from 25 to 30% of the element ingested as organic complexes. Clinical studies show that the kinetics of chromium excretion from the system are complex and can be described by a multi-range model, the half-life ranging from 13 min to 192 days. Dietary chromium nanocomposite supplementation (CrNano) used in pigs nutrition has significantly increased Cr content in the blood, longissimus muscle, heart, liver, kidneys, jejunum and ileum. Chromium nanocomposite supplementation acts more effectively on the tissues and, as a consequence, increases the accumulation of the element. .

Bone Mineral Composition Among Long‐Term Parenteral Nutrition Patients: Postmortem Assessment of Calcium, Phosphorus, Magnesium, and Select Trace Elements

“…However, tissue samples (liver, kidney, heart, and muscle) from the same 7 individuals were considered elevated (≈0.2–3 µg/g) relative to controls 10 . That observation is consistent with reports that Cr preferentially accumulates in the liver and kidneys, followed by the heart, other muscles, and bone 34 …”

“…10 That observation is consistent with reports that Cr preferentially accumulates in the liver and kidneys, followed by the heart, other muscles, and bone. 34 Bone Pb levels among the PN group were similar (P = 0.3175) to those found in the control group and are consistent with background values reported for nonoccupationally exposed individuals. 35 This suggests that Pb is not a major contaminant of concern for these PN patients.…”

Essential and Potentially Toxic Elements (PTEs) Content in European Tea (Camellia sinensis) Leaves: Risk Assessment for Consumers

“…The formation of enzymes and ribonucleic acids, blood clotting speed, and glucuronidase activity are all facilitated by Cr(III) compounds. Additionally, Cr(III) has roles in the immune system, RNA and DNA synthesis, antioxidant activities, and the production of hormones and several vitamins [62]. Anthropogenic activities such as chromium plating, metal polishing, leather tanning, and paint manufacturing have been linked to Cr(VI), a compound that is highly toxic to biota, including plants [63].…”

Potential of Nanomaterial Applications in Dietary Supplements and Foods for Special Medical Purposes

“…Cr improves lean body mass in animals, increases growth rate and feed conversion, and improves feed intake and energy efficiency, and the dietary Cr requirement of an animal body is probably 300 μg Cr/kg d.w. of feed. A pronouncedly increased Cr content in the blood, longissimus muscle, heart, liver, kidneys, jejunum, and ileum was observed in pigs receiving dietary Cr nanocomposite supplementation [ 286 ]. Dietary CrPic NPs supplementation at 400 ppb increased feed intake in finisher gilts during mid-summer and was able to improve some of the adverse effects of heat stress in pigs, through decreasing circulating cortisol levels [ 287 ].…”