Chromium as a supplement

Chromium (Cr) is an essential mineral element that has received considerabl e public attention. The suggestion that Cr intake is generally low has gene rated interest regarding the purported beneficial effects of Cr supplementa tion on biological function and health of animals and humans. This review b riefly describes key aspects of Cr nutritional status and evaluates the eff ects of Cr supplementation on various components of biological function, bo dy composition, and health. A novel biological role of Cr in regulation of insulin function is described. Although promising results of Cr supplementa tion are presented, the considerable challenge of developing methods for ro utine assessment of Cr nutriture in humans remains.