The Nutritional Biochemistry of Chromium(III)

Chromium nutritional supplements are the second best selling mineral supplements after calcium as chromium is found in pills, sports drinks, chewing gums, smoothies, and numerous other products. Chromium has been promoted to promote weight loss and muscle development and most recently to be available to treat the symptoms of type 2 diabetes and related conditions.

The aim of The Nutritional Biochemistry of Chromium(III) is to examine the four most controversial areas of chromium nutrition and biochemistry:

- is chromium an essential element for humans and are chromium nutritional supplements of value?

- what biochemical role, if any, does chromium play in the body

- can large doses of chromium(III) be used to treat symptoms of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and related medical conditions

- is the use of chromium(III) supplements a health concern.

Scientific experts, who are recognized leaders in the field, weigh in with their opinions on both sides of these issues in this book.
A background review of the field from 1955-1995 by Vincent opens the book and concludes with a summary by Dr. Forrest Nielsen, Center Director of the USDA's Grand Forks Human Nutrition Research Center concludes the book.

* Point-counterpoint format, providing both sides of major issues
* Complete coverage of current issues, including nutrition, health, biochemical role and toxicology
* Authors are recognised experts and leaders in this field


Chapter 1. Introduction: A History of Chromium Studies (1955-1995)(J.B. Vincent, D. Stallings).

Part I. Chromium as a Nutrient and Nutritional Supplement
Chapter 2. Basis for Dietary Recommendations for Chromium (B.J. Stoecker).
Chapter 3. Multiple Hypotheses for Chromium(III) Biochemistry: Why the Essentiality of Chromium(III) Is Still Questioned (D.M. Stearns).
Chapter 4. Effects of Chromium(III) as a Nutritional Supplement (H.C. Lukaski).
Chapter 5. Use of Chromium as an Animal Feed Supplement (M.D. Lindemann).

Part II. Biochemical Role(s) for Chromium(III)
Chapter 6. The Transport of Chromium(III) in the Body: Implications for Function (Weiyue Feng).
Chapter 7. Potential and Purported Roles for Chromium in Insulin Signaling: The Search for the Holy Grail (J.B. Vincent, R. Bennett).

Part III. Chromium(III) as a Therapeutic Agent
Chapter 8. Clinical Effect of Chromium Supplements on Human Health (W.T. Cefalu).
Chapter 9. Benefits of Chromium(III) Complexes in Animal and Human Health (S. Zafra et al.).

Part IV. Toxicological Effects of Chromium(III)
Chapter 10. Evaluation of Cr(III) Genotoxicity with cell Culture and In Vitro Assays (D.M. Stearns).
Chapter 11. Redox Chemistry and Biological Activities of Chromium(III) Complexes (A. Levina et al.).
Chapter 12. Overview of Cr(III) Toxicity (Qingdong Ke, M. Costa).
Chapter 13. Summary: the Clinical and Nutritional Importance of Chromium - Still Debated After 50 Years of Research (F.H. Nielsen).