Do you know how much chromium your body needs in your daily diet? Generally, a healthy adult needs about 25 to 30 micrograms per day. As you age, your chromium needs may increase. Pregnant and breast feeding women needs about 30 micrograms of chromium daily. As a rule, your chromium needs are based upon your age, health, weight, and body size.

While chromium is highly effective in regulating pancreatic insulin and thus aids in the treatment of type 2 diabetes, this important mineral also plays a part in regulating your body's metabolism and the storage in your body of fats, carbohydrates and protein. Just how this occurs is still an avid subject of medical research, but a primary focus of such research is analyzing foods to determine their chromium content, discovering even more about the benefits of chromium, and addressing the issue of chromium supplements and their role in supplying our body's need for an adequate amount of chromium.

There are many different foods that contain chromium. Unfortunately, the chromium amount found in these foods is quite small, approximately 2 microgram per serving. Examples of foods rich in chromium include vegetables, fruits, meat, seafood, spices and whole grain products. if you do not want to lose more chromium than usual, then you should stay away from foods that contain high amounts of sugar. These foods are known to deplete the chromium reserve in your body. To give you and idea how much chromium is contained in these foods, check the list below.

Broccoli and red wine lovers may find this list especially helpful! But it is unwise to over-indulge in either, of course. Foods that are high in sugar actually cause chromium depletion. Thus, people with type 2 diabetes should avoid sugary foods and instead consume food that is high in chromium because of its ability to regulate blood sugar (pancreatic insulin). Chromium also plays an essential role in regulating your metabolism and the storage of fat, carbohydrates and protein.

Chromium is found in two forms: chromium 3+ ("trivalent", obtained from food) and chromium 6+ ("hexavalent" that is the toxic form of this mineral). To function in a healthy manner, your body requires a sufficient form of chromium 3+. Chromium from foods is not well absorbed by your body; your physician may determine that taking a chromium supplement is right for you.

High-quality chromium supplements are available in your local pharmacy or health food store as well as from online vendors. If you buy locally, be sure to ask questions of the store staff to make sure you're receiving a legitimate chromium supplement. Buying chromium online is especially convenient since you can do a little homework about the vendor through the "about chromium" section of the web site. You may also find better discounts from reliable, legitimate online vendors as well as free shipping with your order.