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Angus-crossbred steers (n = 400; 369.7 ± 7.6 kg) were used to determine the influence of trace mineral (TM) source and chromium propionate (Cr Prop) supplementation on performance, carcass characteristics, and ruminal and plasma variables in finishing steers. Steers were blocked by body weight (BW) and randomly assigned within block to treatments in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement, with factors being: 1) TM source (STM or HTM) and 2) Cr supplementation (0 or 0.25 mg Cr/kg DM, -Cr or + Cr, respectively). Treatments consisted of the addition of: 1) sulfate TM (STM; 90, 40, and 18 mg/kg DM of Zn, Mn, and Cu, respectively), 2) STM and 0.25 mg Cr/kg DM from Cr Prop, 3) hydroxychloride TM (HTM; 90, 40, and 18 mg/kg DM of Zn, Mn, and Cu, respectively), and 4) HTM and 0.25 mg Cr/kg DM from Cr Prop. Each treatment consisted of 10 replicate pens with 10 steers per pen. Body weights were obtained on consecutive days at the initiation and termination of the 154-d study. Steers were fed a steam-flaked corn-based finishing diet. Ractopamine hydrochloride was fed for the last 31 d of the study. Ruminal fluid and blood samples were obtained from one steer per pen on days 28 and 84 for ruminal volatile fatty acids (VFA) and plasma TM and glucose analysis. Steers were slaughtered at the end of the study and individual carcass data were collected. No Cr × TM source interactions (P = 0.48) were detected. Steers supplemented with HTM had greater (P = 0.04) hot carcass weight (HCW), dressing percentage (DP), longissimus muscle (LM) area, and USDA yield grade (YG), and tended (P = 0.12) to have greater average daily gain (ADG) than those receiving STM. Average daily gain, gain:feed, dressing percentage, and longissimus muscle area were greater (P = 0.04) for + Cr steers compared to-Cr steers. Hot carcass weight tended (P = 0.06) to be greater for + Cr steers. Ruminal acetate concentrations at 28 d were lesser (P = 0.01) for HTM vs. STM steers, and greater (P = 0.04) for + Cr steers compared to-Cr steers. Plasma concentrations of Zn, Cu, and Mn were not affected by TM source or Cr supplementation. Steers supplemented with Cr had greater (P = 0.05) plasma glucose concentrations than-Cr steers at 28 but not at 84 d. Results of this study indicate replacing STM with HTM improved carcass characteristics in finishing steers, and Cr Prop supplementation improved steer performance and carcass characteristics., (© The Author(s) 2024. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the American Society of Animal Science.)

The present study assessed the role of dietary chromium (Cr) supplementation in relieving heat stress (HS) of juvenile blunt snout bream Megalobrama amblycephala. The supplemented Cr contents by chromium picolinate (Cr-Pic) was 0 mg/kg (control group), 0.4 mg/kg, 1.6 mg/kg and 12.0 mg/kg, respectively. The fish continued to be fed four diets at suitable temperatures (26 °C) for 2 weeks, and then the temperature was then heated up to 33 °C through thermo-regulated system. The results showed that Cr supplementation had no significant effect on the immune indices and antioxidant indices before HS (P > 0.05). However, Cr supplementation played an important role in relieving HS. After HS, compared with the control group, 1.6 mg/kg and 12.0 mg/kg Cr supplementation groups significantly lowered the plasma glucose level and aspartate transaminase (AST) activity (P < 0.05), and 0.4 mg/kg and 1.6 mg/kg Cr supplementation groups significantly lowered alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activity (P < 0.05). 0.4 mg/kg and 1.6 mg/kg supplementation groups significantly improved hepatic total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) activity (P < 0.05). Furthermore, 0.4mg/kg-12.0 mg/kg Cr supplementation groups significantly improved the activities of hepatic glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and catalase (CAT) and lowered hepatic malondialdehyde (MDA) level in liver (P < 0.05). The mRNA levels of hepatic copper zinc superoxide dismutase (Cu/Zn-SOD), CAT and GPx were significantly improved in 0.4mg/kg-12.0 mg/kg supplementation Cr groups (P < 0.05), however, there was no significant variation of hepatic manganese superoxide dismutase (Mn-SOD) mRNA levels under different levels of supplementation (P > 0.05). Significantly lower mRNA levels of hepatic pro-inflammatory cytokines observed in 0.4mg/kg-12.0 mg/kg Cr supplementation groups including tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin 1β (IL-1β) and interleukin 8 (IL-8) (P < 0.05), and 0.4mg/kg-12.0 mg/kg Cr supplementation significantly improved the relative expressions of hepatic heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) and heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) (P < 0.05). The present study indicated that dietary Cr supplementation might have no significant effect on immune capacity and antioxidant capacity under normal physiological conditions, whereas it played an important role in relieving HS., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Carbohydrate-rich diets may increase urinary excretion of chromium (Cr) and increase its requirements. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of grain type (barley v. corn) and Cr supplementation on feed intake, feeding behavior and weight gain in dairy calves. Forty-eight neonatal Holstein female calves were assigned randomly to four experimental diets in a 2×2 factorial arrangement. Experimental diets were either barley-based diet (BBD) or corn-based diet (CBD) supplemented with (+Cr) or without (-Cr) Cr as Cr-methionine (0.05 mg/kg of BW0.75). Chromium was provided in milk (from days 3 to 73 of life) during the pre-weaning period and then in pre-warmed water (from day 74 until day 94 of life) after weaning. Meal length tended to increase in calves fed the BBD v. CBD during the pre-weaning period. During the post-weaning period, meal size, inter-meal interval, and eating rate increased concurrently but meal frequency and eating time decreased in the BBD v. CBD. During the pre-weaning period, feed efficiency, BW at weaning, and heart girth increased and non-nutritive oral behaviors tended to decrease with Cr supplementation. Due to increased meal frequency, the starter feed intake but not eating time increased by Cr supplementation during the post-weaning period. Supplementing Cr increased starter feed intake, final BW, average daily gain and heart girth during the overall period. Rumination time increased in BBD+Cr calves due to increases in the frequency and duration of rumination, or decreased rumination bout interval. Overall, the type of grain had no effect on feed intake and growth performance; however, Cr supplementation decreased non-nutritive oral behaviors and increased starter feed intake via increasing the meal frequency and thereby improved growth performance.

The objectives of this study were to investigate the effects of chromium (Cr) supplementation on feed intake and meal pattern, weight gain and skeletal growth, and health and metabolic criteria of environmentally heat-loaded dairy calves during the pre-weaning period. Forty-eight newborn female calves were allotted randomly to a control group (no Cr supplement; Cr-) or a Cr group (Cr+) receiving 0.05 mg Cr (as Cr-methionine)/kg BW 0.75 . Cr was provided in the liquid feed (colostrum and milk) during the pre-weaning period. The average maximum temperature-humidity index was 83.7 U, indicating severe environmental heat load. Despite reduced meal frequency and increased in inter-meal interval, Cr supplementation tended to increase starter feed intake and total dry matter intake as a result of increased meal size and duration. Respiration rate was lower in Cr+ calves. Calf growth, rectal temperature, faecal score and incidence of diarrhoea or pneumonia were not affected by Cr supplementation, but number of days with diarrhoea and treatment duration decreased during the pre-weaning period. Cr supplementation tended to increase resting time and decreased time devoted to non-nutritive oral behaviours. At weaning, serum concentration of glucose was lower but total protein and globulin concentrations were higher in Cr+ calves. In Cr+ calves, the activity of glutathione peroxidase was higher and lower on d 49 and 63 of the study, respectively, compared to the control calves. Activity of catalase was increased on d 21 and tended to decrease on d 35 in Cr+ calves. In general, Cr supplementation to environmentally heat-loaded dairy calves decreased non-nutritive oral behaviours, improved feed intake and decreased days with diarrhoea and treatment duration, but had minimal effects on weight gain, metabolism and indicators of oxidative stress or insulin function.

Inadequate iron supply has significant consequences to health. There are some relations between the metabolism of different trace elements, such as iron, zinc, copper and chromium. However, the direction of these interactions can be antagonistic or synergistic, and it depends on many factors. The aim of the study was to evaluate the combined effects of supplementary of chromium(III) propionate complex (Cr3) with iron excess on the Cr and Fe status in healthy female rats. The 36 healthy female Wistar rats were divided into six experimental groups (six animals in each) with different Fe levels-adequate (45 mg kg -1 -100% RDA) and high (excessive-180 mg kg -1 -400% RDA). At the same time, they were supplemented with Cr(III) at doses of 1, 50 and 500 mg kg -1 of diet: C1-control (Fe 45 mg kg -1 , Cr 1 mg kg -1 ); C50 (Fe 45 mg kg -1 , Cr 50 mg kg -1 ); C500 (Fe 45 mg kg -1 , Cr 500 mg kg -1 ); H1 (Fe 180 mg kg -1 , Cr 1 mg kg -1 ); H50 (Fe 180 mg kg -1 , Cr 50 mg kg -1 ); H500 (Fe 180 mg kg -1 , Cr 500 mg kg -1 ). The serum iron level and total iron binding capacity (TIBC) were measured with colorimetric methods. The serum ferritin level was measured by means of electrochemiluminescence immunoassay. The serum transferrin level was measured with the ELISA method. Haematological measurements were made with an automated blood analyser. The Cr and Fe tissular levels were measured with the AAS method. The exposure to a high level of Fe(III) alone or in combination with Cr caused Fe accumulation in tissues, especially in the liver and kidneys, but there were no significant changes in the TIBC, transferrin, ferritin concentration in the serum and most haematological parameters. Moreover, the serum, hepatic and renal Cr concentrations decreased. The doses of supplementary Cr(III) given separately or in combination with high level of Fe(III) disturbed the Cr content in the liver and kidneys of healthy female rats. However, they did not change most of the parameters of Fe metabolism, except the Fe kidney concentration. Supplementary Cr3 decreased the renal Fe level in groups with adequate Fe content in the diet. However, the renal Fe levels increased along with a higher Cr level in the diet in groups with high Fe content. The findings proved a relationship between Fe(III) and Cr(III) metabolism in healthy female rats. However, the direction of change varied and depended on relative amounts of these elements in the diet.

This work was designed to investigate the synergistic effects of pioglitazone hydrochloride (PGZ) and chromium methionine (CrMet) on meat quality, muscle fatty acid profile, and antioxidant ability of pigs. Pigs in four groups were fed a basic diet or basic diet supplemented with 15 mg/kg of PGZ, 200 μg/kg of CrMet, or 15 mg/kg of PGZ + 200 μg/kg of CrMet. In comparison to the control group, the average daily feed intake, feed/gain ratio, and serum high-density lipoprotein level decreased in the PGZ + CrMet group. Dietary PGZ + CrMet supplementation increased carcass dressing percentage, intramuscular fat, and marbling score. The percentages of C18:1ω-9c, C18:2ω-6c, C18:3ω-3, and polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) in the longissimus thoracis muscle were increased in the PGZ + CrMet group. Greater superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities were observed in the PGZ + CrMet group compared to the control group. Collectively, these findings suggested that feed with PGZ and CrMet improved the growth performance and meat quality, especially for PUFA proportions and antioxidant ability.

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of dietary chromium (Cr) supplementation on the apparent metabolism of some trace elements in camel calves reared under hot summer conditions. The study was conducted on a total of 15 male camel calves (5-6 months old) reared under hot summer conditions for 12 weeks. The animals were housed individually under shelter and divided into three dietary treatment groups (diets supplemented with 0.0, 0.5, or 1.0 mg Cr/kg DM), five animals each. At the end of the study, a metabolic trial was conducted on all camels for the evaluation of trace elements metabolism. Cr excretion, absorption, and retention showed an increasing trend with the increasing level of dietary Cr supplementation. Dietary Cr supplementation at 0.5 mg Cr/kg DM to camel calves resulted in a significant (P < 0.05) increase in Cu and an increasing trend in Zn and Mn excretion via urine and feces. However, Fe retention increased significantly (P < 0.05) in camel calves fed on diet supplemented with Cr. Dietary Cr supplementation to camel calves resulted in an increasing trend of plasma Cr concentration, while plasma concentration of Cu and Zn tended to decrease and without any effect on plasma Fe concentration. The results of the present study suggests that care should be taken for the negative interaction of Cr with the utilization of other trace elements, in cases where Cr is supplemented to the diet as a feed additive to promote growth and immunity under hot climatic conditions.

Heat stress (HS) exacerbates the body weight loss of lactating sows and reduces litter weight gain. Selenium (Se), vitamin E (VE), chromium (Cr) and betaine have been shown to ameliorate symptoms of HS, and yeast nucleotides and mannan oligosaccharides have been reported to improve lactational performance and immune response in pigs. Therefore, a combination of these nutrients may improve lactational performance of sows in summer. The effects of two nutritionally enhanced diets on lactational performance of sows in summer were investigated in two experiments. In experiment 1, we compared the effects of a nutritionally fortified diet (0.4 ppm Se, 95 IU/kg VE, 0.4 ppm Cr and 0.2% betaine; named as SVCB diet) with the NRC 2012 standard diet (0.15 ppm Se, 44 IU/kg VE) on lactational performance of sows in summer. Results showed that the SVCB diet reduced body weight loss (P = 0.039) and tended to reduce backfat loss (P = 0.075) of sows without affecting feed intake, while litter weight gain was not influenced. In experiment 2, we further enhanced the nutrients in the SVCB diet (0.8 ppm Se, 1% yeast nucleotides, and 0.1% mannan oligosaccharides; named as SNM diet). Results showed that the SNM diet did not improve feed intake of sows, farrowing performance, or litter weight gain compared with the SVCB diet, but increased body weight loss of the third parity sows (P = 0.037). Overall, a combined supplementation of Se, VE, Cr, and betaine above the NRC recommended levels can reduce mobilisation of body reserve of lactating sows in summer.

Hidden hunger occurs in the presence of an otherwise nutritionally or energetically appropriate diet that is deficient in essential vitamins and minerals. Guatemala has the highest rate of child malnutrition in Latin America and the prevalence of hidden hunger is high. The aim of this study was to determine the Mn, Se and Cr dietary intakes in Guatemalan institutionalised children (4-14 years), a population group at high risk of mineral deficiency. For this purpose, the contents of Mn, Se and Cr were analysed in a duplicate diet (for 7 consecutive days) by electrothermal atomisation-atomic absorption spectrophotometry following acid digestion. Mn, Se and Cr intakes from the duplicate diets were in the range of 1·3-2·31 mg/d, 58·7-69·6 µg/d and 6·32-27·57 µg/d, respectively. Mn and Cr values were below current recommended daily intakes. A cereal- and legumes-based diet is habitually consumed by this population. Local vegetables, fruits and nutritional supplements are included daily, but the consumption of fish, meat, eggs and dairy products is very infrequent or negligible. Mean daily energy intake from the 7-d diet was 8418·2 kJ (2012 kcal), with a macronutrient energy distribution of carbohydrates 69·4 %, proteins 12·3 % and fats 18·3 %. Correlations between Mn, Se and Cr intakes and energy and other nutrient intakes were also evaluated. The present findings will help establish new nutritional strategies for this and similar population groups.

The present study was carried out to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation of chromium-methionine (CrMet) and vitamin C (VC) on performance, immune response, and stress status of laying hens subjected to high stocking density. A total of 360 Hy-Line W-36 leghorn hens (at 26 wk old) were used in a 2×3×2 factorial arrangement that had 2 cage densities (5 and 7 hens per cage), 3 Cr levels (0, 500, and 1,000 ppb as CrMet), and 2 dietary VC levels (0 and 500 ppm as L-ascorbic acid). The trial lasted for 12 wk. The first 2 wk were for adaptation (26 to 28 wk of age), and the remaining 10 wk served as the main recording period. In addition to performance, immune response to Newcastle disease virus (NDV) was assessed at d 7 and 14 postvaccination. Also, the birds' stress status was evaluated by analyzing appropriate plasma metabolites. The results showed that hens in cages with higher stocking density had lower hen-day egg production, egg mass, and feed intake compared with those in normal density cages (P<0.05). Dietary CrMet supplementation caused significant increases in egg production and egg mass (P<0.01). There were significant Cr × VC interactions related to egg production and feed conversion efficiency (P<0.01); dietary CrMet supplementation was more effective in improving egg production and feed conversion ratio in VC-unsupplemented diets. Although plasma concentrations of triglycerides and high-density lipoproteins were not influenced by dietary treatments, supplemental CrMet decreased plasma cholesterol levels (P<0.05). Plasma insulin and glucose levels of hens kept at a density of 7 hens/cage were significantly higher than those of hens in normal cage density (P<0.01), and dietary CrMet supplementation decreased plasma concentrations of insulin (P<0.001) and glucose (P<0.01), with higher impacts in high stocking density-challenged hens. While high stocking density caused a marked increase in plasma corticosterone (P<0.01), both supplemental CrMet and VC decreased it to near normal levels. There were significant stocking density×Cr interactions related to plasma insulin and corticosterone concentrations (P<0.01); supplemental CrMet was more effective in lowering these hormones in high stocking density-challenged hens. The high stocking density challenge suppressed NDV antibody response (P<0.001), while dietary supplementation of CrMet improved antibody titers against NDV at d 14 post vaccination particularly in hens kept at a density of 7 hens/cage (P<0.01). From the present observations, it can be concluded that CrMet can improve laying performance largely because it alleviates harmful responses to stressful conditions., (© 2015 Poultry Science Association Inc.)

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of Suffolk×Dorper (SD) and Rambouillet (R) lamb genotypes, dietary supplementation, and organic chromium on growth performance, carcass, and meat traits in male lambs grazing ryegrass pasture. SD lambs had heavier cold carcass (HCW) and better carcass yield (CY) and rib eye area at 12th rib (RA) than R lambs; R had larger legs. Feed supplement increased average daily weight gain (ADG), slaughter live weight (SLW), hot carcass weight (HCW) and cold carcass weight (CCW), carcass yield, carcass length (CL), leg perimeter (LP), major thorax width (MTW), minor thorax width (MiTW), rib eye area and dorsal fat at 12th rib (DF12), and also decreased meat moisture. Organic chromium reduced dorsal fat at 12th rib and meat fat content., (Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Within the European project called EXPOCHI (Individual Food Consumption Data and Exposure Assessment Studies for Children), 14 different European individual food consumption databases of children were used to conduct harmonised dietary exposure assessments for lead, chromium, selenium and food colours. For this, two food categorisation systems were developed to classify the food consumption data in such a way that these could be linked to occurrence data of the considered compounds. One system served for the exposure calculations of lead, chromium and selenium. The second system was developed for the exposure assessment of food colours. The food categories defined for the lead, chromium and selenium exposure calculations were used as a basis for the food colour categorisation, with adaptations to optimise the linkage with the food colour occurrence data. With this work, an initial impetus was given to make user-friendly food categorisation systems for contaminants and food colours applicable on a pan-European level. However, a set of difficulties were encountered in creating a common food categorisation system for 14 individual food consumption databases that differ in the type and number of foods coded and in level of detail provided about the consumed foods. The work done and the problems encountered in this project can be of interest for future projects in which food consumption data will be collected on a pan-European level and used for common exposure assessments.

We simultaneously assessed benefits and risks of niacin-bound chromium (NBC) intake at varying doses over a prolonged period of time (>1.2 years) in male and female Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. We performed the study in two phases. First, we followed 60 male and 60 female SD rats, each gender divided into six groups. Through day 150 (phase 1A), all SD rats received a high sucrose diet (30% w/w) with or without different concentrations of NBC. The male/female groups were: 1] control without NBC n = 10, 2] low NBC (2.8 ppm, n = 10), 3] medium NBC (8.7 ppm, n = 20), 4] high NBC (28.0 ppm, n = 20). Based on dosing, we refer to the three treatment groups as 1X, 3X, and 10X. During days 151-312 (phase 1B), NBC was removed from diets of one half of the 3X and 10X groups. These are referred to as 3X satellite and 10X satellite. In phase 2 (days 313-460), males from groups 1X, 3X, 10X, 3X satellite, and 10X satellite received the same 3X dose of NBC (8.7 ppm). The last two groups also ingested different doses of a formulation of natural products in addition to NBC. We examined blood pressure, the renin-angiotensin system (RAS), nitric oxide (NO), and insulin systems and inflammatory parameters. Results in male and female SD rats were comparable. NBC lowered systolic blood pressure (SBP) in a dose-dependent fashion; however, after 200 days, the SBP of the low dose group (1X) began to rise and returned to baseline control. After raising the dose of NBC to 3X, the SBP in the 1X group decreased significantly once more. When half the test rats (3X and 10X) were deprived of NBC, SBP rose gradually to control levels after 2 to 3 months. However, the SBP decreased significantly once more when each satellite group returned to the 3X dose. Special testing suggests that NBC at adequate dosing increases insulin sensitivity, lowers HbA1C, decreases activity of the RAS, at least in part, through ACE inhibition, enhances NO activity, and is without signs of toxicity. The addition of a formula composed of antioxidants and immune modulators to the chromium regimen caused even faster and more profound changes in SBP than with NBC alone. We conclude that NBC at adequate dosing is effective in male and female SD rats on certain metabolic parameters over a prolonged period, effects that disappear over months after NBC is removed. When dosing is returned, the effectiveness of NBC returns. Low doses of NBC may lose their effect over time. No signs of toxicity were observed.

Thirty-two multiparous Holstein cows were used to investigate the effects of chromium-l-methionine (Cr-Met) supplementation and dietary grain source on performance and lactation during the periparturient period. Cows were fed a total mixed ration consisting of either a barley-based diet (BBD) or a corn-based diet (CBD) from 21 d before anticipated calving through 28 d after calving. The Cr-Met was supplemented at dosages of 0 or 0.08 mg of Cr/kg of metabolic body weight. The study was designed as a randomized complete block design with 2 (Cr-Met levels) x 2 (grain sources) factorial arrangement. There was no Cr effect on prepartum dry matter intake (DMI) or postpartum DMI, body weight (BW), net energy balance, and whole tract apparent digestibility of nutrients. Prepartum DMI as a percentage of BW tended to increase with Cr-Met. Supplemental Cr-Met tended to increase milk yield whereas milk protein percentage decreased. Pre- and postpartum DMI, BW, net energy balance, milk yield, and milk composition were not affected by substituting ground barley with ground corn. The addition of Cr-Met increased prepartum DMI and tended to increase postpartum DMI of the BBD but not the CBD. The change in prepartum DMI was smaller when the BBD was supplemented with Cr-Met but remained unchanged when the CBD was supplemented with Cr-Met. Yields of crude protein and total solids in milk and prepartum digestibility of DM and organic matter tended to increase when Cr-Met was added to the BBD but remained unchanged when added to the CBD. Periparturient cows failed to respond to the grain source of the diet, whereas they showed greater response in milk yield to diets supplemented with Cr-Met. In conclusion, the present results demonstrate that the beneficial effect of Cr-Met supplementation during the periparturient period to improve feed intake may depend on the grain source of the diet.

Intake of chromium was estimated using a duplicate diet sampling method of 108 meals (36 breakfasts, 36 lunches and 36 dinners) from the restaurant of the Hospital of Motril (S.E. Spain), corresponding to 36 consecutive days. Total and dialyzable Cr levels were measured by a validated electro-thermal atomic absorption spectrometry (ETAAS) method. A mean Cr fraction of 26 +/- 12 microg meal (-1) was found. The Cr uptake from meals was directly and significantly (p < 0.001) correlated with their macronutrient (carbohydrates, fibre and protein) content. Cereals and cereal by-products, legumes, dry fruits, meat, potatoes, dairy products and seafood are the primary sources of Cr. The mean Cr fraction dialyzed through dialysis tubing was 1.2 +/- 1.1 microg meal(-1) (4.6 +/- 3.8% as mean Cr dialysability). Cr intake for breakfasts was significantly lower (p < 0.001). A correlation between the logarithmic data of total and dialyzable fraction of Cr in meals (p = 0.020) was found and dialysis ratio enhancement and, therefore, bioavailability increased with total Cr. The dialysed element content present in meals was significantly correlated with fibre, protein, Fe, Na, I, F, sodium, ascorbic acid and vitamin A levels (p < 0.05). At Fe contents in meals higher than congruent with7.5 mg meal(-1) the net absorption of Cr decreased significantly. The mean Cr daily dietary intake (DDI) was 77 +/- 17 microg day (-1) which indicates that no adverse effects in relation to Cr nutrition (deficiency or toxicity) should occur in individuals from the area.

1. The study was conducted to ascertain the effects of supplemental organic acids and chromium (Cr) on production and carcase traits of broiler chickens. 2. A total of 120 1-d-old broiler chicks were divided into 4 treatment groups in a 2 x 2 factorial design (each treatment group contained 6 replicates with 5 birds per replicate). 3. The diets were supplemented with an organic acid blend containing ortho-phosphoric, formic and propionic acid and calcium propionate (1 g/kg diet) and inorganic trivalent chromium (Cr(3+)) as chromic chloride hexahydrate (0.5 mg/kg diet) either independently or together as a combination for 35 d. 4. Individual supplementation of organic acids and Cr(3+) and their combination significantly improved the food conversion ratio, hot and dressed carcase weight and weight of the wholesale cuts compared to the control group of birds. 5. Organic acids, either independently or along with Cr(3+), increased total accretion of ash in carcase. Protein accretion was improved by dietary Cr(3+) and organic acid supplementation compared to the control group and a further improvement in this regard was observed when Cr(3+) and organic acid were supplemented together. Across the treatment groups meat fat content and fat accretion were lower in birds receiving dietary Cr(3+) supplementation. 6. Circulatory Cr(3+) and meat Cr(3+) concentration increased compared to the other treatment groups when Cr(3+) was supplemented to the birds. 7. It was concluded that, instead of individual supplementation, a combination of Cr(3+) and organic acids may improve the production and carcase traits of broilers more effectively presumably because of an additive effect.

Trivalent chromium (Cr3+) is an essential trace element involved in insulin function. Cr deficiencies result in decreased insulin sensitivity, glucose intolerance and an increased risk of diabetes. Cr status decreases with age suggesting that the elderly may be at high risk of Cr deficiency. This study aimed to provide information about the Cr content of foods in France and the Cr intake in French free-living elderly. We measured the food Cr content and daily Cr intake of freely chosen diets for 3 d in twelve French free-living elderly people and their Cr excretion and plasma hormonal related variables, leptin, insulin and cortisol. Considering the relationship between insulin resistance and oxidative stress, we also determined plasma thiobarbituric acid reactive substance, thiol groups and total and reduced glutathione. Although these subjects had well-balanced diets, their daily Cr intakes did not reach the French recommendations. The low Cr intakes were due to the low Cr density of the foods. We found a negative correlation between Cr intakes and insulin, BMI and leptin.

The first article describes in detail problems connected with the role of macro minerals: Ca, Mg, P, Na, K, Cl in the diet of pregnant and breast feeding women. We concentrated on the choice of good natural sources of micro minerals: Fe, Zn, Cu, Se, I, F, Mn, Mo and Cr. The amounts of the elements in some of the food products are listed and factors that decide on their bioavailability are described. We mentioned pernicious effects of inadequate intake of micro minerals on the health of pregnant women and newborn babies.

Background: Chromium plays a role in insulin sensitivity., Objectives: To compare chromium measurements in HIV-positive patients with or without (N) antiretroviral therapy (ART) to that of healthy controls (HC) and, to determine if there is any association between chromium levels and abnormalities in body composition, glucose and lipid metabolism., Design: A cross-sectional study in 91 HIV patients (75 HIV-ART, 16 HIV-N) and 13 HC. Chromium was assessed in the diet, plasma, toenails, and urine. Fasting blood glycemia and lipids, lipodystrophy score and body fat were also determined., Results: Dietary intake of chromium was similar in the 3 groups. Plasma and toenail Cr were lower in HIV compared to HC, but urinary chromium was similar. However, when the HIV-positive patients on ART were compared to those who were naïve to therapies, urinary excretion of chromium was higher in HIV-ART. In addition, urinary excretion of chromium significantly and positively correlated with lipodystrophy score and negatively with various parameters of metabolic syndrome., Conclusion: Despite a similar dietary intake, chromium levels were lower in HIV-positive patients and urinary chromium excretion correlated with some metabolic parameters. Low chromium levels may be due to increased chromium losses. These results support further studies on chromium in HIV patients.

Chromium picolinate is used in the poultry diet because of its antistress effects in addition to the fact that the requirement for it is increased during stress. This study was conducted to determine if the negative effects of high ambient temperature (34 degrees C) on egg production, egg quality, antioxidant status, and cholesterol and mineral content of egg yolk could be alleviated by combination of chromium picolinate and biotin (0.6/2.0; Diachrome, as formulated by Nutrition 21 Inc.), in laying Japanese quails (Coturnix coturnix japanica). Quails (n= 240; 50 d old) were divided into 8 groups, 30 birds per group. The quails were fed either a basal diet or the basal diet supplemented with 2, 4, or 8 mg of Diachrome/kg diet. Birds were kept at 22 degrees C and 53% relative humidity (RH). At 14 wk of age, the thermoneutral (TN) group remained in the same temperature as at the beginning of experiment, whereas the heat stress (HS) group was kept in an environment-controlled room (34 degrees C and 41% RH) for 3 wk. Heat exposure decreased performance when the basal diet was fed (p = 0.001). Diachrome supplementation at 4 and 8 mg/kg diet, increased feed intake (p = 0.05), egg production (p = 0.05), feed efficiency (p = 0.01), egg weight (p = 0.05), and Haugh unit (p = 0.01) in quails reared under heat stress conditions. Heat exposure increased concentrations of serum malondialdehyde (MDA) (p = 0.001), glucose, and cholesterol (p = 0.01), which were elevated by supplemental Diachrome (p < or = 0.05). Egg yolk Cr, Zn, and Fe (p = 0.01) concentrations increased linearly, whereas MDA and cholesterol concentrations decreased (p = 0.05) as dietary Diachrome supplementation increased in HS groups. Similar effects of supplementation on serum levels of glucose and cholesterol (p = 0.05) and egg yolk concentrations of cholesterol (p = 0.05) and Cr (p = 0.01) were observed in TN groups. No significant differences in other values were observed in the TN groups. Results of the present study suggest that supplementation with Diachrome protects the quail by reducing the negative effects of heat stress.

This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of chromium (chromium picolinate, CrPic) and vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid) supplementation on the digestion of nutrients and serum concentration of some antioxidant vitamins and minerals of laying hens (Hy-Line) reared at a low ambient temperature (6.8 degrees C). One hundred twenty laying hens (32 wk old) were divided into 4 groups, 30 hens per group. The laying hens were fed either a basal diet or the basal diet supplemented with either 400 microg of Cr/kg diet, 250 mg of L-ascorbic acid/kg diet, or 400 microg of Cr plus 250 mg L-ascorbic acid/kg diet. The digestibility of nutrients (DM, OM, CP, and EE) increased by the supplementation of chromium and vitamin C (p < 0.05). Supplemental chromium and vitamin C also increased serum vitamin C and E but decreased malondialdehyde concentrations (p < 0.05). Additionally, supplemental chromium and vitamin C caused an increase in the serum concentrations of Fe, Zn, Mn, and Cr (p < 0.05) but a decrease in Cu concentration. The results of the present study showed that each dietary supplement influenced most of the parameters measured in a similar way. Also, a combination of the two supplements resulted in an additive effect, and supplementing a combination of vitamin C (250 mg/kg of diet) and chromium (400 microg Cr/kg diet) may offer a potential protective management practice in preventing cold-stress-related depression in the performance of laying hens.

We measured daily dietary Cr intake in southern Spain by sampling duplicate diets for seven consecutive days in different population groups. Cr was determined by electrothermal atomization-atomic absorption spectrometry. The samples were mineralized in a digestion block with HNO(3), HClO(4) and V(2)O(5). A total of 161 duplicate diets from twenty-three subjects were analysed, and mean levels of Cr intake ranged from 9.39 to 205.16 microg/d. Mean Cr intake (100 microg/d) was similar to levels found for most other countries, and was within the range recommended by the National Research Council for a safe and adequate daily intake (50-200 microg/d). Chromium intake correlated significantly with energy, protein and carbohydrate intake, and with the daily intake of Zn, Fe, Mg, K, Na, Ca and nicotinic acid in the diets analysed.

Chromium is an indispensable nutrient for the carbohydrates and lipids metabolism. In this study the chromium content in the twenty main foods of the diet from Northwestern Mexico was determined, as well as the daily mean intake which was estimated based on the food intake basket of this region. Chromium content was analyzed by atomic absorption spectrophotometry using the graphite furnace technique and previous digestion of foods in microwave oven. The chromium mean intake was estimated considering the chromium daily mean intake for person per day and the chromium content of the foods analyzed in this study. The range chromium content in the foods analyzed was between 0.0004 and 0.1641 microgram/g dry weight. White cheese showed the highest chromium content followed by pasta soup, wheat tortilla, bread and meat. The main foods chromium contributors in the diet were: wheat tortilla (20%), white cheese (11%), corn tortilla (11%), pasta soup (10%), milk (10%), meat (9%) and white bread (8%). The daily chromium intake was 30.43 +/- 1.6 micrograms/d. Chromium values obtained in the food analyzed are considered low. Moreover, chromium intake obtained from the diet is not enough to meet the safety and adequate daily chromium intake. Therefore, the population from the Northwestern Mexico has a suboptimal dietary chromium intake.

Twenty Landrace x Yorkshire cross pigs (body wt, 47.9+/-2.9 kg) were used to evaluate effects of dietary high chromium (Cr) yeast supplementation on plasma kinetics of glucose, insulin and C-peptide. Pigs were provided free access to either a control diet (C) containing 204 microg Cr/kg or a diet supplemented with an additional 200 microg Cr/kg as high Cr yeast (CR) for between 23 and 30 d. After overnight food deprivation, dextrose (500 g/L) was infused through a jugular vein catheter at a dose of 0.5 g glucose/kg body weight with an infusion rate of 10 g glucose/min within 6 min. High Cr yeast supplementation did not affect body weight gain or food intake. There were no differences in fasting plasma concentrations of either glucose or C-peptide, although basal plasma concentration of insulin tended to be higher in pigs fed CR (P<0.10). Plasma glucose concentrations were lower (P<0.01) at postinfusion times 5, 10, 15 and 20 min in pigs fed CR. Plasma insulin concentrations in pigs fed CR were higher (P<0.05) at 2 and 0 min before the completion of dextrose infusion. However, the increase in plasma insulin concentrations was not accompanied by a comparable elevation in plasma C-peptide concentrations. The 30-min (postinfusion) area of plasma glucose concentrations tended to be lower (P<0.10) in pigs fed CR, but there were no differences in 30-min areas of either plasma insulin or plasma C-peptide concentrations between treatments. Plasma clearance rates of glucose, insulin and C-peptide were higher and their half-lives shorter (P<0.05) in pigs fed CR. In conclusion, dietary high Cr yeast supplementation improved glucose tolerance, possibly through a decrease in hepatic extraction of insulin.

Chromium (Cr) depletion may exacerbate hyperglycemia and negative outcomes of pregnancy in the streptozotocin (STZ) diabetic pregnant rat model through the regulation of the insulin-like growth factor (IGF) system. To test this hypothesis, 40 female rats, all fed a low Cr diet (i.e., 70 microgram Cr/kg diet ) from 21 d of age, were randomly assigned one of four treatments, applied on Day 1 of pregnancy, in a 2 x 2 factorial design: 1) very low Cr diet (40 microgram Cr/kg diet) + citrate buffer injection, 2) very low Cr diet + STZ injection (30 mg STZ/kg body wt in citrate buffer), 3) adequate Cr diet (2 mg Cr [from added CrK(SO4)2]/kg diet) + citrate buffer injectionand 4) adequate Cr diet + STZ injection. Blood and tissues were collected on Day 20 of pregnancy. Chromium depletion increased (P < 0.05) urinary hydroxyproline excretion, 22-kDa IGF binding protein (IGFBP) concentration and litter size but decreased (P < 0. 05) placental wt, percentage of protein per fetus, and fetal IGF-I and -II concentrations. Chromium had no effect (P > 0.10) on maternal hormones, 32-kDa IGFBP, glucose, or placental and fetal hydroxyproline concentrations. Diabetes decreased (P < 0.05) maternal wt gain, embryonic survival, litter size, mean pup wt and maternal insulin concentrations, increased (P < 0.05) maternal blood glucose, IGF-I concentrations and maternal hydroxyproline excretion but did not affect fetal concentrations of hormones, IGFBP, glucose or hydroxyproline. Interaction between chromium and diabetes tended (P < 0.10) to affect maternal IGF-II concentrations, but had no effect on other maternal or fetal variables. In conclusion, maternal chromium depletion did not exacerbate hyperglycemia or pregnancy outcome in STZ-induced diabetic rats, but may negatively affect fetal protein content by decreasing fetal IGF-II concentrations. Diabetes may negatively affect fetal growth through its effect on maternal glucose, insulin and IGF-I.

Two groups of 12 young bulls, as similar as possible with respect to age and weight, were fed a basic diet of hay and concentrates ad libitum for 170 days. The concentrate fed to one of the groups was supplemented with 0.20 mg of organic chromium per kg DM from a fodder yeast product so that the concentration of chromium in the total dry matter of their diet was 0.90 mg/kg, compared with 0.72 mg/kg in the diet of the control group. No significant differences were observed between the two groups of animals in terms of either their daily weight gain or any of the parameters of carcass quality examined. It is therefore concluded that in Sweden there is no reason to add chromium routinely to the diet of intensively fed, growing bulls.

Twenty-four Holstein bull calves were fed a milk replacer diet to assess the effects of Cr on calf performance and metabolism of glucose. Treatments consisted of no supplemental Cr (control) or 0.4 mg/kg of dry matter of supplemental Cr from CrCl3 or from a Cr-nicotinic acid complex. Supplementation with the Crt-nicotinic acid complex increased the average daily gain and feed efficiency from d 28 to 42, but not over the entire 63-d performance phase. Calves that were fed diets supplemented with CrCl3 or the Cr-nicotinic acid complex had lower plasma glucose concentrations at 45 to 180 min after an i.v. infusion of insulin than did controls. Calves fed diets supplemented with the Cr-nicotinic acid complex also had lower plasma glucose concentrations from 90 to 180 min after insulin challenge than did calves that were fed diets supplemented with CrCl3. After an i.v. infusion of glucose, calves that were fed diets supplemented with CrCl3 had lower serum insulin concentrations at 10 to 25 min after challenge than did controls or calves that were fed diets supplemented with the Cr-nicotinic acid complex. However, the glucose clearance rate after glucose infusion was not affected by Cr supplementation. Chromium supplementation did not markedly affect the performance of calves, but the Cr-nicotinic acid complex and CrCl3 did intensify the response to insulin administered i.v.

A 2 x 4 factorial arrangement of treatments was used in a randomized complete block designed study to determine the effects of chromium level and source on growth and immune response of stressed and non-stressed 3-wk-old crossbred weanling pigs (BW was 6.35 kg). Factors included 1) immune stress or control and 2) no supplemental Cr or .2 ppm of supplemental Cr from either CrCl3, Cr-picolinate, or Cr-nicotinic acid complex. The basal diet was a corn-soybean meal-whey diet containing 1.2% lysine. Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was the stress-inducing agent and was injected on d 7, 10, and 13 of the experiment. Immune challenge with LPS resulted in reduced gain (P < .05) and feed intake (P < .10). Supplementation with Cr was not effective in alleviating the depression in growth due to LPS. However, supplementation of control pigs with Cr tended to improve (P < .10) gain and feed intake. In vitro cellular immune response as measured by a lymphocyte blastogenesis assay was increased (P < .10) in pigs fed supplemental Cr from CrCl3, or Cr-picolinate. Antibody response to sheep red blood cells tended to be increased (P < .10) in pigs supplemented with Cr-nicotinic acid, but antibody response to ovalbumin was decreased (P < .05) in pigs supplemented with organic forms of Cr. At the end of the study, effects of Cr supplementation on lymphocyte proliferative response were investigated before and after ACTH administration. Injections of ACTH resulted in increased (P < .001) serum cortisol levels and increased lymphocyte proliferation. Supplementation of Cr did not affect lymphocyte blastogenic response before or after ACTH injection (P > .10). These data suggest that Cr supplementation was not beneficial during immune stress in pigs.

Twelve Holstein bull calves (6 to 8 wk of age) were used to determine the influence of supplemental dietary Cr on ACTH, cortisol, and immune responses of calves experimentally inoculated with bovine herpesvirus-1 (BHV-1). Calves supplemented with Cr received 3 mg Cr/d (Chromium, n = 6) of a high-Cr-yeast product. Following 53 d of treatment, all calves were fitted with jugular catheters, and blood samples were collected every 4 h into tubes containing ETDA. Twenty-four hours later, all calves were inoculated intranasally with BHV-1 (1 x 10(7) plaque-forming units in each naris). Serial blood collection continued at 4-h intervals for 6 d. Plasma was harvested, immediately frozen in liquid nitrogen, and stored at -20 degrees C. Individual rectal temperatures and urine samples were collected at the same time each day. Rectal temperatures were elevated (P < .05) on d 2, 3, 4, and 5 but were not affected by Cr treatment. Treatment with Cr did not affect secretion of ACTH, cortisol, or plasma tumor necrosis factor-alpha, although clear circadian variation in ACTH and cortisol occurred. No differences were detected in the concentrations of trace minerals excreted daily in the urine, lymphocyte proliferative response to mitogen stimulation, and neutrophil bactericidal function. The acute phase proteins, ceruloplasmin and fibrinogen, also were not affected by treatment or viral challenge. These data suggest the Cr supplementation using high-Cr yeast (3 mg/d) did not alter stress responses of calves experimentally inoculated with BHV-1.

A population-based case-control study was conducted in western Washington state to investigate possible dietary risk factors for laryngeal, esophageal, and oral cancers. Using results from a food frequency questionnaire, past dietary intakes of iron, zinc, and calcium were estimated for 661 cases and 466 controls. Clippings were also taken from the nails of both halluces to determine concentrations of iron, zinc, calcium, chromium, and cobalt in 507 of the cases and 434 of the controls. After adjustment for smoking, alcohol, and dietary beta-carotene and vitamin C intake, individuals who reported dietary intakes of iron and zinc in the upper quartile were less likely to develop cancers of the larynx and esophagus than were individuals with intakes in the lowest quartile [odds ratios (OR), 0.5 for iron and 0.1 for zinc]. However, there were no significant differences in zinc concentrations in nail tissue between subjects with these types of cancer and controls. Esophageal cancer cases had higher nail concentrations of iron and calcium than did controls (OR, 2.9 for high versus low quartiles of iron; OR, 2.6 for high versus low quartiles of calcium). Individuals who developed esophageal or oral cancer were more likely to have elevated cobalt concentrations in their nail tissue than were individuals without cancer (OR, 9.0 and 1.9 respectively, for high versus low quartiles). The results of this study suggest that there may be differences in mineral intake or metabolism between individuals who develop some carcinomas of the upper aerodigestive tract and those who do not.

Athletes who want to develop muscle mass have sought various ways to reach this goal. We are all too familiar with the abuse of anabolic steroids and growth hormone. Given the concern for such abuses, athletes and coaches are seeking new and safer means to achieve the same end. Within the last couple of years, advertisements for chromium supplements have been prominently displayed in body-building and strength-training magazines. These supplements are purported to be a safe alternative to anabolic steroids and are said to promote an increase in muscle mass. This brief review will focus on the theoretical basis for believing that chromium supplements will increase muscle mass, and on the current research regarding the relationship of chromium and exercise.

A balanced, varied and "prudent" diet is likely to furnish the chromium requirement, whereas a high-fat, high-sugar, high-alcohol diet would not. A "prudent" diet will confer health benefits in addition to those derived form the adequacy of chromium intake, and it will obviate the need for supplementation with chromium compounds that are commercially available, but not scientifically proven to be effective. Chromium supplementation, other than by dietary means, should be used only when advised by and under the supervision of a physician.

The effects of exercise training and dietary chromium intake on rat liver and muscle glycogen metabolism, tissue and body weight and feed consumption were examined. After 16 wk of training, liver, gastrocnemius and biceps femoris glycogen concentrations were higher in the trained compared to sedentary groups, independent of dietary chromium. There was a chromium x training interaction on glycogen synthase activities in the liver and gastrocnemius muscle. Liver glycogen phosphorylase activities (expressed per g liver) were lower in the chromium-supplemented rats as compared to the non-supplemented rats after 5 wk of dietary treatment, but were similar after 8 wk and higher after 18 wk. Gastrocnemius phosphorylase activity (expressed per mg protein) was lower in the trained rats as compared to the sedentary rats after 16 wk, independent of dietary chromium. Biceps femoris phosphorylase activities were not altered due to training or dietary chromium. Total protein concentration increased in the liver but decreased in the gastrocnemius due to dietary chromium. In summary, liver glycogen synthase and phosphorylase activities were dependent upon dietary chromium. Dietary chromium altered gastrocnemius synthase, but not phosphorylase activities. Changes in enzyme activities may be related to the chromium-dependent effects on liver protein and the chromium and training-dependent effects on gastrocnemius total protein.

Male Sprague-Dawley rats were fed either a low-chromium (60 to 100 micrograms per kg of diet) or chromium-supplemented (5 mg per kg of diet), high-sucrose, high-cholesterol diet from weaning until age 18 months. Rats that were pair- and meal-fed the low-chromium diet had higher one-hour postprandial plasma glucose concentrations than their supplemented partners at ages 4 and 8 months (P less than 0.05), but not at age 12 months. One-hour postgavage (250 mg glucose/100 g body wt) glucose concentrations did not differ between dietary groups at 12 months. Plasma cholesterol concentrations increased up to age 12 months, but neither they nor postprandial triglyceride concentrations differed significantly between dietary groups. Ad libitum feeding of the low-chromium and chromium-supplemented diets was initiated at age 14 months in order to determine whether there were differences due to dietary chromium content which might not be manifest on the pair-feeding regimen. Animals of both dietary groups had significant weight gain by age 16 months, but their one-hour postgavage plasma glucose concentrations did not differ significantly. Plasma cholesterol concentrations increased significantly following institution of ad libitum feedings, but neither they nor lipoprotein cholesterol or triglyceride distributions differed significantly between dietary groups. Experimental conditions, methods, and results from this study and previous studies are compared and critically examined. We suggest that other factors in addition to dietary chromium content may contribute to the differences in glucose tolerance and plasma cholesterol concentrations described in such studies and that there is a need for improved documentation of glucose intolerance and tissue chromium concentrations in this animal model.

Chromium (Cr) content of the self-selected diets of 10 adult males and 22 females was determined. Each subject collected duplicate food and beverage samples on a daily basis for seven consecutive days. The 7-day average intake for males was 33 +/- 3 micrograms (mean +/- SEM), range 22-48 micrograms, and intake for females was 25 +/- 1, range 13-36. Mean Cr intake per 1000 cal was approximately 15 micrograms. Approximately 90% of the diets analyzed were below the minimum suggested safe and adequate daily intake for Cr of 50 micrograms. Chromium absorption was inversely related to dietary intake; absorption at a dietary Cr intake of 10 micrograms was approximately 2% and, with increasing intake to 40 micrograms, Cr absorption decreased to 0.5%. These data demonstrate that the average daily intake of chromium from self-selected diets is well below the minimum suggested safe and adequate intake and that Cr absorption, at levels found in typical US diets, is inversely related to dietary intake.