Chromium, Blood Unit Converter

Chromium is an essential trace mineral that plays a role in carbohydrate, fat, and protein metabolism. A blood chromium test measures the concentration of chromium circulating in your bloodstream.

The body requires only tiny amounts of chromium. The adequate daily intake is 35 micrograms for adult men and 25 micrograms for adult women. Only about 0.4% to 2.5% of dietary chromium is absorbed, and most is excreted through the kidneys.

Chromium exists in two main forms: trivalent chromium (Cr III), the biologically active form found in food, and hexavalent chromium (Cr VI), an industrial compound that is highly toxic. This test measures total chromium and does not distinguish between the two forms.

Chromium is obtained entirely from the diet. Rich sources include broccoli, brewer's yeast, whole grains, liver, meat, and seafood. Once absorbed, it circulates bound to transferrin and albumin and is stored in small amounts in the liver, spleen, and bone.