Heavy metal.Encyclopedia Entry for Chromium :Chromium - blood test. A blood sample is needed. Most of the time blood is drawn from a vein located on the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand.You should stop taking mineral supplements and multivitamins for at least several days before the test. Ask your health care provider if there are other medicines you should stop taking before testing. Also, let your provider know if you have recently had contrast agents containing gadolinium or iodine as part of an imaging study. These substances can interfere with testing.You may feel slight pain or a sting when the needle is inserted. You may also feel some throbbing at the site after the blood is drawn.This test may be done to diagnose chromium poisoning or deficiency.Serum chromium level normally is less than or equal to 1.4 micrograms/milliliter ( g/mL) or 26924.80 nanomoles/L (nmol/L). Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Talk to your provider about the meaning of your specific test result.Increased chromium level may result if you are overexposed to the substance. This may happen if you work in the following industries: Leather tanning Electroplating Steel manufacturing Decreased chromium level only occurs in people who receive all of their nutrition by vein (total parenteral nutrition or TPN) and do not get enough chromium.Test results may be altered if the sample is collected in a metal tube.Serum chromium.Blood test Blood test.Kao LW, Rusyniak DE. Chronic poisoning: trace metals and others.Encyclopedia Entry for Chromium :Chromium in diet. Chromium is important in the metabolism of fats and carbohydrates. It stimulates fatty acid and cholesterol synthesis, which are important for brain function and other body processes. Chromium also aids in insulin action and glucose metabolism.The best source of chromium is brewer's yeast. However, many people do not use brewer's yeast because it causes bloating ( abdominal distention ) and nausea. Meat and whole grain products are relatively good sources. Other good sources of chromium include the following: Beef Liver Eggs Chicken Oysters Wheat germ Broccoli Black pepper and molasses are also good sources of chromium.Chromium deficiency may be seen as impaired glucose tolerance. It occurs in older people with type 2 diabetes and in infants with protein-calorie malnutrition. Taking a chromium supplement may help, but it is not a substitute for other treatment. Because of the low absorption and high excretion rates of chromium, toxicity is not common.The Food and Nutrition Board at the Institute of Medicine recommends the following dietary intake for chromium: Infants 0 to 6 months: 0.2 micrograms per day (mcg/day)* 7 to 12 months: 5.5 mcg/day* Children 1 to 3 years: 11 mcg/day* 4 to 8 years: 15 mcg/day* Males age 9 to 13 years: 25 mcg/day* Females age 9 to 13 years: 21 mcg/day* Adolescents and adults Males age 14 to 50: 35 mcg/day* Males age 51 and over: 30 mcg/day* Females age 14 to 18: 24 mcg/day* Females age 19 to 50: 25 mcg/day* Females age 51 and older: 20 mcg/day* Pregnant females age 19 to 50: 30 mcg/day Lactating females age 19 to 50: 45 mcg/day AI or Adequate Intake* The best way to get the daily requirement of essential vitamins is to eat a balanced diet that contains a variety of foods from the food guide plate. Specific recommendations depend on age, gender, and other factors (such as pregnancy). Women who are pregnant or producing breast milk (lactating) need higher amounts. Ask your health care provider which amount is best for you.Diet - chromium.Mason JB. Vitamins, trace minerals, and other micronutrients.