Chrome et syndrome métabolique

Trivalent chromium, an essential trace element, acts as a potentiating factor of insulin in regulating glucose homeostasis. Chromium increases insulin sensitivity and function by increasing the number of insulin receptors, insulin binding and insulin internalization. Western diets are usually poor in chromium, and do not reach the dietary recommendations. Low dietary chromium intakes are associated with the consumption of high sugar foods and other refined foods that are often not only low in chromium, but also increase chromium losses. An optimal chromium status contributes to decrease risk factors associated with metabolic syndrome, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Beneficial effects of chromium supplemental intakes have been reported in patients with the metabolic syndrome, but this effect remains controversial.