Dietary supplements with chromium could be carcinogenic, according to the results ofa study published in the medical journal Angewandte Chemie. There is an increased risk of cancer associated with taking these supplements over the long term.
Researchers at the University of Sidney (Australia) carried out an experiment to analyze the health effects of chromium. Scientists have treated animal fat cells in the lab by giving them chromium III, called trivalent, found in foods and supplements. Using ultra-powerful X-rays, they were able to observe that the oxidation of chromium was occurring within cells.
“The mineral releases electrons which take a form carcinogenic Explains Dr Lindsay Wu.
Fill up on chrome with your diet
Dietary supplements containing chromium are commonly used for the weightloss and for bodybuilding, some containers up to 500 micrograms per tablet. However, chromium is a trace element which the body only needs in very small quantities (50 micrograms per day) and the current diet is sufficient. But an insufficient intake can result in difficulties in using the insulin produced by the body (in the pancreas), the role of which is to allow the use of the absorbed sugar. “A deficiency can promote the onset or worsening of diabetes. Foods rich in chromium are yeasts, liver (veal, poultry, etc.), eggs, spices and unrefined cereals ”recalls Dr. Laurent Chevallier, practitioner attached to the Montpellier University Hospital, expert for Top Santé. Foods high in chromium include calf’s liver, broccoli, green beans, potatoes, whole grain cereals, wheat germ, gruyere, plums, mushrooms, asparagus, meats, brewer’s yeast and beer.
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