Chromium

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Chromium is a mineral that is stored throughout the body. It is involved in making glucose available as energy in the body, and it also plays a role in the metabolism of fats and amino acids (the breakdown products of proteins).

Exercise may increase the loss of chromium from the body via urine. So, if you exercise or train regularly, you may need to increase the amount of chromium in your diet to compensate.

Chromium supplements sometimes contain chromium in the form of chromium picolinate. In this form, the chromium has been combined with another substance, picolinic acid, to increase its absorption into the body.

Food sources

Chromium can be removed from foods during refining procedures, so the best sources tend to be unrefined or minimally refined foods.

Good sources of chromium include:

Apples
Peanut butter
Spinach (cooked)
Wholemeal bread.

This information does not replace medical advice. If you are concerned you might have a medical problem please ask your Boots pharmacy team in your local Boots store, or see your doctor.