Chromium

Chromium

Clinical significance

Chromium is an essential element for the proper functioning of the body. Symptoms of chromium deficiency in the body can be associated with impaired glucose tolerance, reduced tissue sensitivity to insulin, impaired growth, as well as elevated serum levels of total cholesterol, its LDL fraction, triglyceridesów and reduced levels of HDL cholesterol. Chromium deficiency in the body is most common in patientsów parenteral nutrition of elderly people, patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes, people with hypoglycemia or impaired glucose tolerance. The demand for this element also increases during pregnancy, lactation, under stress, trauma and intense exercise. Excess chromium is toxic to the body. Chromium compounds can damage the respiratory system, gastrointestinal tract, cause skórne lesions, have carcinogenic and mutagenic effects, can damage the fetus and affect the development of newborns. Impaired fetal maturation and complications during pregnancy and childbirth have been reported in women occupationally exposed to chromium. Determination of chromium levels in blood is used in suspicion of both deficienciesów of this element in the body and toxic concentrations.

Patient preparation

Material: heparinized blood