Chromium
What is Chromium?
Chromium is an essential trace mineral that our bodies only absorb in small amounts at a time.
Chromium can be found in a wide variety of foods, making it easy for picky eaters to still get this mineral in their diet.
Chromium enables insulin, which helps with proper blood sugar management. Chromium deficiency can cause elevated blood sugar and signs of diabetes. [7]
Chromium was found to be excreted via the urine at a much faster rate in children with autism and individuals with type 2 diabetes than other individuals. [4]
Another study found that blood plasma levels of chromium were elevated in children with ASD. [5]
One study discovered that children with ASD with pica (consuming non-food items or earth substances) had almost 40% lower blood levels of chromium (p=0.002). [14]
Recommended Intake
These recommendations are based on the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA), which is the average daily level of intake sufficient to meet the nutrient recommendations of nearly all (97-98%) of healthy individuals.
Males
o-6 months: 0.2 mcg
7-12 months: 5.5 mcg
1-3 years: 11 mcg
4-8 years: 15 mcg
9-13 years: 25 mcg
14-18 years: 35 mcg
19-50 years: 35 mcg
51+ years: 30 mcg
Females
o-6 months: 0.2 mcg
7-12 months: 5.5 mcg
1-3 years: 11 mcg
4-8 years: 15 mcg
9-13 years: 21 mcg
14-18 years: 24 mcg
19-50 years: 25 mcg
51+ years: 20 mcg
Deficiency
Although there is much more research to be done on the effects of chromium deficiencies in humans, many studies have found that chromium deficiencies have similar symptoms of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and may be correlated. [1-2]
Common Symptoms of Chromium Deficiency
Weight loss, confusion, and impaired coordination
Increased blood sugar levels
Increased triglycerides and cholesterol levels
Increased risk of Type 2 Diabetes and heart disease
Risk Factors for Deficiency
Severe picky eating
Malnourishment
High- intensity exercises (running, weight lifting, strength/resistance training)
High levels of bodily stress (infections, post- surgery, trauma, etc.)
Individuals at Increased Risk of Chromium Deficiency
Individuals with extreme picky eating or ARFID
Those who are pregnant or lactating
Those with diets high in refined sugars
Toxicity
Oral chromium toxicity is not common as humans can only absorb an extremely small amount of this mineral at a time. Chromium is also excreted in the urine at a high rate, making it nearly impossible to consume a toxic level of this mineral. The Institute of Medicine has not declared a Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) for Chromium as of now. [1-3]
Exposure to chromium in the workplace (topically or inhaled) can be more harmful and may irritate the respiratory and digestive systems, and even increase risk of lung cancer. [7]
Supplements
The human body only absorbs about 5% of chromium taken orally, no matter how much of this mineral one gets from their diet or supplementation. With this being said, supplementation should be limited to low-dose options as high-doses could potentially lead to damage of vital organs such as the kidney and the liver. [1]
Multivitamin Powders (Contain Chromium)
Capsules
Liquid
Note: All supplements are linked to Amazon for convenience, however, buying supplements on Amazon does not guarantee quality, as there are many “unverified resellers” selling nutrition supplements. To buy supplements that are verified to be sent directly to the consumer, you can create an account on the Autism Dietitian FullScript and search for the respective supplement under “Catalog”.
DISCLAIMER: Before starting any supplement or medication, always consult with your healthcare provider to ensure it is a good fit for your child. Dosage can vary based on age, weight, gender, and current diet.
Chromium & Autism in the Research
There are not many current studies on the effects that ASD has on trace minerals, including chromium. Studies have shown both increased and decreased levels of chromium in children with ASD, but much more research needs to be conducted on this subject.
Urine Chromium Levels
Two studies found that children with ASD excreted chromium in their urine at a much higher rate than neurotypical individuals. [4, 13]
It is suggested that increased levels of oxidative stress in children with ASD could play a role in chromium urine levels being high. [4-5]
Blood Chromium Levels
A study found that despite chromium levels being high in the urine, blood plasma concentrations of this mineral were higher than normal. [5]
Another study discovered that children with ASD with pica (consuming non-food items or earth substances) had almost 40% lower blood levels of chromium (p=0.002). [14]
Hair Chromium Levels
Four studies found that those with ASD have lower hair chromium levels than other individuals participating in the studies. [8-11]
It was also found that non-Asian individuals with ASD tend to have lower hair chromium levels [12]
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[1] Chromium. The Nutrition Source. https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/chromium/. Published January 28, 2021. Accessed August 18, 2022.
[2] Office of dietary supplements - chromium. NIH Office of Dietary Supplements. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Chromium-HealthProfessional/#h3. Published June 2, 2022. Accessed August 18, 2022.
[3] Higdon J. Chromium. Linus Pauling Institute. https://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/minerals/chromium#toxicity. Published January 3, 2022. Accessed August 19, 2022.
[4] Yorbik, Ö., Kurt, İ., Haşimi, A. et al. Chromium, Cadmium, and Lead Levels in Urine of Children with Autism and Typically Developing Controls. Biol Trace Elem Res 135, 10–15 (2010). https://doi-org.webproxy2.ouhsc.edu/10.1007/s12011-009-8494-7
[5] Zhang, J., Lin, J., Zhao, X. et al. Trace Element Changes in the Plasma of Autism Spectrum Disorder Children and the Positive Correlation Between Chromium and Vanadium. Biol Trace Elem Res (2022). https://doi-org.webproxy2.ouhsc.edu/10.1007/s12011-021-03082-6
[6] Maret W. Chromium Supplementation in Human Health, Metabolic Syndrome, and Diabetes. Met Ions Life Sci. 2019;19:/books/9783110527872/9783110527872-015/9783110527872-015.xml. doi:10.1515/9783110527872-015
[7] Johnson, L. Chromium Deficiency. Merck Manual Consumer Version. Accessed 19 Aug 2022. https://www.merckmanuals.com/home/disorders-of-nutrition/minerals/chromium-deficiency
[8] Dickerson AS, Rotem RS, Christian MA, Nguyen VT, Specht AJ. Potential Sex Differences Relative to Autism Spectrum Disorder and Metals. Curr Environ Health Rep. 2017;4(4):405-414. doi:10.1007/s40572-017-0164-x
[9] Al-Ayadhi LY. Heavy metals and trace elements in hair samples of autistic children in central Saudi Arabia. Neurosciences (Riyadh). 2005;10(3):213-218.
[10] Wecker L, Miller SB, Cochran SR, Dugger DL, Johnson WD. Trace element concentrations in hair from autistic children. J Ment Defic Res. 1985;29 ( Pt 1):15-22. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2788.1985.tb00303.x
[11] Skalny AV, Simashkova NV, Klyushnik TP, et al. Hair toxic and essential trace elements in children with autism spectrum disorder. Metab Brain Dis. 2017;32(1):195-202. doi:10.1007/s11011-016-9899-6
[12] Saghazadeh A, Ahangari N, Hendi K, Saleh F, Rezaei N. Status of essential elements in autism spectrum disorder: systematic review and meta-analysis. Rev Neurosci. 2017 Oct 26;28(7):783-809. doi: 10.1515/revneuro-2017-0015. PMID: 28665792.
[13] Rezaei M, Rezaei A, Esmaeili A, Nakhaee S, Azadi NA, Mansouri B. A case-control study on the relationship between urine trace element levels and autism spectrum disorder among Iranian children [published online ahead of print, 2022 Mar 29]. Environ Sci Pollut Res Int. 2022;10.1007/s11356-022-19933-1. doi:10.1007/s11356-022-19933-1
[14] Adams, J.B., Holloway, C.E., George, F. et al. Analyses of toxic metals and essential minerals in the hair of arizona children with autism and associated conditions, and their mothers. Biol Trace Elem Res 110, 193–209 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1385/BTER:110:3:193
Authors
Kassidy Murray, Dietetic Intern
Edited & Reviewed by Brittyn Coleman, MS, RDN/LD, CLT
