Committee on Diet, Nutrition, and Cancer, Assembly of Life Sciences National Research Council
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 Chromium, cadmium and lead in rats: Effects on life span, tumors and tissue levels. J. Nutr. 86:51-66.
Schroeder, H. A., M. Mitchener, J. J. Balassa, M. Kanisawa, and A. P. Nason. 1968. Zirconium, niobium, antimony and fluorine in mice: Effect on growth, survival and tissue levels. J. Nutr. 95:95-101.
Schroeder, H. A., M. Mitchener, and A. P. Nason. 1970. Zirconium, niobium, antimony, vanadium and lead in rats: Life term studies. J. Nutr. 100:59-68.
Schwartz, M. K. 1975. Role of trace elements in cancer. Cancer Res. 35:34 81-3487.
Schwarz, K. 1977. Essentiality versus toxicity of metals. |
| Experimental studies in metal carcinogenesis: chromium, nickel, iron, arsenic. Arch. Environ. Health 5:445-462.
International Agency for Research on Cancer. 1973. Pp. 65-68 in IARC Monographs on the Evaluation of the Carcinogenic Risk of Chemicals to Man: Volume 2. Some Inorganic and Organometallic Compounds. International Agency for Research on Cancer, Lyon, France.
International Agency for Research on Cancer. 1980a. Case reports and epidemiological studies. Pp. 101-112 in IARC Monographs on the Evaluation of the Carcinogenic Risk of Chemicals to Humans. |
| Four other trace elements (arsenic, beryllium, nickel, and lead) were also directly associated with cancer, but chromium, cobalt, and iron were not.
Schrauzer e_t al. (1977a,b) correlated estimated per capita cadmium intakes with cancer mortality rates in 27 countries. They found significant direct associations with leukemia and cancers of the intestine, female breast, uterus, prostate, and skin, and an inverse association with liver cancer. A similar analysis, based on the cadmium concentration in pooled blood samples and cancer mortality in 19 U.S. |
| The following elements were studied in at least 50 mice and/or rats per treatment: fluorine, titanium, vanadium, chromium, nickel, gallium, germanium, arsenic, selenium, yttrium, zirconium, niobium, rhodium, palladium, cadmium, indium, tin, antimony, tellurium, and lead. These elements were added to the drinking water at levels of 5 mg/liter, except for selenium (3 mg/liter) and tellurium (2 mg/liter). These levels (approximately 100 times greater than the concentrations present naturally in the diet) did not significantly affect growth and survival of the animals. |
Sheldon Saul Hendler
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 It is based on some work regarding a substance called the glucose tolerance factor, which is thought to potentiate the effect of insulin in glucose metabolism (see section on chromium). Glucose tolerance factor was earlier thought to have nicotinic acid as part of its structure. But, at present, it is unclear whether nicotinic acid is in fact present in glucose tolerance factor, and there is no evidence that nicotinic acid is of benefit in diabetes. |
| Trace elements that are required for human health are iron, iodine, copper, manganese, zinc, molybdenum, selenium and chromium. There are trace elements that appear to be important for other warm-blooded animals. These are fluorine, tin, boron, vanadium, silicon, nickel, arsenic, cadmium and lead. Whether these elements play roles in human nutrition remains to be determined. Recent evidence suggests that boron protects against osteoporosis.
Mineral-insufficiency and trace-element-insufficiency states are actually more likely to occur than are vitamin-insufficiency states. |
Dr. Gary Null
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 Barley is a good natural source of chromium. Other types of supplementation that have been shown to help in recent studies include vitamin E, magnesium, biotin, powdered fenugreek seed, and the juice, seeds, or dried fruit of bitter melon. Yoga and biofeedback therapy have also been shown to help. (See below. |
Sheldon Saul Hendler
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| Researchers have found a dramatic decline in the concentration of chromium in a variety of human tissues with increasing age. At the same time it is known that human aging is associated with a progressive impairment in glucose tolerance, possibly linked to an age-related decrease in tissue sensitivity to insulin. Since the supply of insulin itself remains fairly steady as we age, it appears that impaired glucose tolerance itself could be responsible for many of the pathologic changes that occur as we age. |
Earl Mindell, R.Ph., Ph.D.
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 Trace minerals (such as selenium, iron, and chromium) are required in much smaller quantities, and are often measured in micrograms or millions of a gram.
Herbs—Herbs are plants that are used for food, flavoring, and/or for medicinal purposes. In fact, herbs have been used to prevent or treat disease for thousands of years. Moreover, nearly 50 percent of the thousands of commercial drugs commonly used and prescribed today are derived from a plant source or contain chemical imitations of a plant compound. |
Sheldon Saul Hendler
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| In many cases, essential minerals, such as selenium, chromium, boron and molybdenum, are not even included in one-a-days. It is virtually impossible to pack the U.S. RDAs of all the essential vitamins and minerals into a single pill of a size that can comfortably be swallowed.
The answer to this problem is the so-called insurance formula which does contain all the essential vitamins and minerals in U.S. RDA or greater amounts. With an insurance formula, you typically take three to six tablets daily, usually with meals.
Q—Are "stress formulas" really helpful? |
Carlton Fredericks, Ph.D.
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| Brewer's Yeast and Desiccated Liver
These superior foods were reviewed, with wheat germ and bran, in Chapter 7, but I want to remind you, now that you understand the importance of the antioxidants, that they supply selenium as well as methionine, plus a chromium factor which helps the metabolism of carbohydrate, an important contribution because deviations from the normal in the body's management of starches and sugars are linked with cancer. |
James A. Duke, Ph.D.
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 Supplements that may help include vitamins B6, C and E, chromium picolinate, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus and zinc, plus omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.
In addition to exercising and taking supplements, you can try many herbs to help normalize blood sugar levels. The first, jackass bitters, I've already described. Here are the others in the lineup.
VW Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum). About half of fenugreek seed (by weight) is a soluble fiber called mucilage. It contains six compounds that help regulate blood sugar levels. |
Textbook of Natural Medicine 2nd Edition Volume 2Michael T. Murray, ND
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| Although there is no recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for chromium, health requires a dietary intake of at least 200 meg/day.
Table 175.3
Clinical studies with dietary fiber supplements
Fiber
No. of subjects
Length of study
Dosage
Calorie restriction
Average weight
Average weight
Reference
(g/day) loss (fiber, lbs) loss (placebo)
Guar
9
2 months
20
None
9.4
No placebo group
30
Guar
7
1 year
20
None
61.9
No placebo group
31
Guar
21
2.5 months
20
None
15.6
No placebo group
32
Guar
33
2.5 months
15
None
5.5
0. |
| Supplements
• Vitamin A: 100,000 IU/day for 3 months
• Vitamin E: 400 IU/day
• Vitamin C: 1000 mg/day
• Zinc: 50 mg / day (picolinate is best23)
• Selenium: 200 (xg/day
• Yeast (brewer's) - 1 tbls two times/day (if patient is susceptible to gout, use chromium supplement instead).
Physical medicine Sun or UV lamp.
Topical treatment
• Tea tree oil (5-15%) preparations
• Azelaic acid (20%) preparations
• Thorough daily cleansing with calendula soap
• Drain comedones with comedo extractor.
REFERENCES
1. Pochi P. Acne: endocrinological aspects. Cutis 1982; 30: 212-222
2. |
| McCarthy M. High chromium yeast for acne? Med Hypoth 1984; 14: 307-310
14. Kugman A, Mills O, Leyden J et al. Oral vitamin A in acne vulgaris. Int J Dermatol 1981; 20: 278-285
15. Michaelson G, Juhlin L, Ljunghall K. A double blind study of the effect of zinc and oxytetracycline in acne vulgaris. Br J Dermatol 1977; 97: 561-565
16. Weimar V, Puhl S, Smith W, Broeke J. Zinc sulphate in acne vulgaris. Arch Dermatol 1978; 114: 1776-1778
17. Dreno B, Amblard P, Agache P. Low doses of zinc gluconate for inflammatory acne. Acta Derm Venereol 1989; 69: 541-543
18. |
Sheldon Saul Hendler
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| This is true of selenium and chromium.
Boron
I. OVERVIEW: The Bones Like It
Boron has begun attracting attention, mainly due to a recent study which indicates that it may be beneficial in the prevention of postmenopausal osteoporosis. Boron is a trace mineral mostly found in foods of plant origin. It appears to be essential for plant growth and development. Although it is thought to be important for the growth and development of animals, its essentiality in animals and humans has still to be proven. On the other hand, its health-promoting effects in humans are becoming increasingly apparent. |
Marion Nestle
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 E, selenium, and chromium reduce the risk of certain diseases for some people." (The author of the review is a scientist/official of the Council for Responsible Nutrition, a supplement-industry trade association. )s
"The possible risk of pulmonary hypertension associated with dexfenfluramine [an anti-obesity drug] is small and appears to be outweighed by benefits when the drug is used appropriately." (The authors consulted for the drug manufacturer.)*1 authors to have financial relationships with such companies. |
Ronald Klatz and Robert Goldman
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 Ginkgo biloba
8 capsules ginseng
4 tablets blue-green algae
150 mg cinnamon
300 meg chromium picolinate
9 mg vanadyl sulfate
50 mg zinc
100 meg selenium
1,000 mg magnesium
1,500 mg calcium
9 mg boron
100 mg coenzyme Q-10
6 capsules odorless garlic
0.5 mg melatonin every other night
25 mg DHEA every other day thor of the best-selling book, The Melatonin Miracle, published by Simon and Schuster, New York, 1995. He is currently preparing a new book dealing with DHEA and anti-aging. |
Dr. Gary Null
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| Anderson, "Nutritional Role of chromium," Science Total Environ. 17, no. 1 (January 1981): 13-29.
Researchers in Sweden have shown that prior to diagnosis, insulin-dependent diabetic children eat more foods containing nitrates, nitrites, and nitrosamines relative to controls, and that as much as 70 percent of total nitrate exposure may come through drinking water. In line with these findings, a Colorado study of nitrate concentrations in different water districts found a significant relationship between nitrate in the water and an increased risk of insulin-dependent diabetes in children. |
| Obesity has been associated with low thyroid function in a substantial number of cases. chromium supplementation, which can help speed up metabolism and stabilize blood sugar levels (reducing the desire to eat) has also proven helpful. Evening primrose oil has been shown to reduce appetite and contribute to weight loss in obese patients, as has ascorbic acid supplementation. Green tea has proven to be a much better weight-loss aid than amphetamines. (See below.)
NUTRIENTS/DIET
A study of 20 bulimic women proved that a nutrient-dense diet can end the urge to binge. |
| In another study, volunteers averaged a 27 percent better response by taking 400 meg of chromium picolinate rather than 200 meg per day.
"Mainstays of Weight Loss: Exercise," Better Nutrition for Today's Living 57, no. 10 (October 1995): 38-41.
Supplementing a normal diet with gel-forming fibers such as guar gum produces a feeling of fullness that makes sticking to a diet easier for most people. Fiber may also improve metabolism.
U. Smith, "Dietary Fiber, Diabetes and Obesity," International Journal of Obesity 11, suppl. (1987): 27-31. |
Natural Prescriptions: Dr. Giller's Natural Treatments & Vitamin Therapies For Over 100 Common AilmentsRobert M. Giller, M.D.
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| I've found that the trivalent form of chromium taken three times a day before meals is most effective for controlling sweet cravings, reducing appetite, and keeping energy levels up between meals.
Natural Prescription for Hypoglycemia
• Eliminate sugar from the diet. This also means no cakes, candies, cookies, ice cream, sweetened cereal, canned fruit, and frozen desserts. In addition, you must learn to read food labels to find hidden sources of sugar. See text on how to assess a food label. |
Sandra Steingraber
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 Among the known and suspected carcinogens released were benzene, chromium, formaldehyde, nickel, ethylene, acrylonitrile, butyraldehyde, lindane, and cap-tan. Captan is a carcinogenic fungicide prohibited for many domestic uses in 1989. In 1987, according to the TRI, 250 pounds of captan ended up in the Pekin sewer system. In 1992, 321 pounds were released into the air.
Tips of all kinds of icebergs are revealed in other right-to-know documents. For example, I have a partial record of pre-TRI toxic releases in Tazewell County dating back to 1972. |
Earl Mindell, R.Ph., Ph.D.
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| Your diet may also be deficient in other essential vitamins and trace minerals, including the B vitamins, chromium, zinc, and essential amino acids. These nutrients participate in various body enzyme systems and serve as precursors in the manufacture of hormones and neurotransmitters.
What to do? If you feel tired, light-headed, or edgy because you've been too busy to eat, don't reach for a candy bar; try a protein snack instead. Better yet, don't let yourself get into that condition in the first place. Eat five to six small meals a day rather than three large ones. |
Robyn Landis
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 Scientific views on its effectiveness are mixed, but since chromium is not known to be toxic even at high levels, a daily supplement of the picolinate or nicotinate forms (designed to be more bioavailable, or easily absorbed) is a good idea.
Vanadium is a naturally occurring trace mineral, often used by bodybuilders because of its ability to "push" blood sugar from the blood into muscle cells, thus theoretically reducing the likelihood of it being converted to and stored as fat and also supposedly making a harder, denser muscle. |
Earl Mindell, R.Ph., Ph.D.
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| In diabetics who have hyperglycemia (too much sugar in the blood), chromium can lower both blood-sugar levels and the need for insulin.
Magnesium—This mineral, which is essential for converting blood sugar into energy, may also help to maintain normal blood-sugar levels. One double-blind study showed that 57 percent of hypoglycemic subjects who took daily magnesium supplements felt better, compared to 25 percent of those who were given a placebo. |
Marion Nestle
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| Category Definition: Examples
Trace elements Required in microgram or milligram amounts: chromium, cobalt,h copper, fluoride, iodine, iron, manganese, molybdenum, selenium, zinc'
Fiber Carbohydrate molecules in plant foods that cannot be broken down by human digestive enzymes and are only minimally absorbed and metabolized. |
Ruth Winter
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 Resembles chromium and tungsten in many of its properties. Low order of toxicity.
MONAMINE OXIDASE INHIBITOR (MAO) • An enzyme that acts in the nervous system to break down certain types of neurotransmitters (chemical messengers sent between nerve cells) such as dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin (see all). MONARDA SPECIES • See Horsemint Leaves Extract.
MONESIN • Antibiotic isolated from Streptocyces cinnamonensis. Used in feed to combat parasites and fungus infections. It is also used to increase weight gain in cattle. FDA residue limits are: 0.05 ppm in edible tissues of cattle; 1. |
| Contact with a strong oxidizing agent such as chromium trioxide, potassium chlorate, or potassium permanganate (see) may produce an explosion. The final report to the FDA of the Select Committee on GRAS Substances stated in 1980 that it should continue its GRAS status with no limitations other than good manufacturing practices. GLYCEROL • See Glycerin.
GLYCEROL TRIBUTYRATE • A synthetic flavoring. GRAS. There is reported use of the chemical; it has not yet been assigned for toxicology literature. See Glyceryl Tributyrate. |
| An attempt was made to permit chromium to be listed on a food label as reducing the risk of high blood sugar in adults. The FDA denied the claim because it said the statements submitted as the basis of it were not "authoritative."
CHROMOSOME • One or more small rod-shaped elements in a cell that contains genetic information.
CHYMOSIN • Enzyme prepared from calf stomach. Used as a stabilizer and thickener. GRAS. There is reported use of the chemical; it has not yet been assigned for toxicology literature search. |
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