Chromium – a scoping review for Nordic Nutrition Recommendations 2023

Trivalent chromium (CrIII) is the principal form of chromium found in diet and supplements. CrIII has been claimed to be involved in the regulation of carbohydrate, lipid, and protein metabolism. Hexavalent chromium (CrVI) is a carcinogen when inhaled, which is uncommon, and occurs mainly by occupational exposures. There is a concern about adverse health effects also from exposure to CrVI by contaminated drinking water, although data from human studies are limited. Chromium had no recommendation in the Nordic Nutrition Recommendations (NNR) 2012 and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) did not set any reference values either. Methods for evaluating chromium status are lacking, and there is still uncertainty about how chromium deficiency in humans manifests itself. The essentiality of chromium is also disputed. This scoping review revealed new research activity relating to high-dose chromium supplements and several health outcomes (overweight, obesity, and diabetes). Although these issues are related to health concerns in the Nordic or Baltic countries, the relevance for the NNR is modest, since such a high intake of chromium cannot be achieved by diet. Thus, no strong evidence was identified in the scientific literature that justifies a recommendation for chromium intake.