Chromium
The potential role of chromium in regulating blood glucose was first suggested in the late 1950 ’ s . 19 Chromium is involved in the metabolism of carbohydrates , 10 , 11 glucose , 20 , 21 10 , 11 , 21
lipids , protein , 10 and insulin . 21 Chromium also increases the efficiency of insulin . 10 Chromodulin binds ions of chromium in response to an insulin-mediated chromic ion flux , and the mineralsaturated chromodulin can bind to an insulin-stimulated insulin receptor , activating the receptor ’ s tyrosine kinase activity . Chromodulin plays a role in autoamplification of the mechanism in insulin signalling . 11 Research on chromium has found significant improvements in Homeostatic Model Assessment-Insulin Resistance ( HOMA- IR ) among patients with diabetes , 22 reduced insulin requirements for people with hyperglycaemia , 23 decreased cholesterol level , 24 decreased very lowdensity lipoprotein-cholesterol ( VLDL ), 24 and improved glucose tolerance in women with polycystic ovary syndrome ( PCOS ). 25
A deficiency of chromium affects the maintenance of normal glucose tolerance and healthy lipid profiles . 10 Some of the uses of chromium include impaired glucose tolerance , 19 insulin resistance , 19 and type 2 diabetes . 19
Chromium over the years has received some bad press due to confusion with the form of chromium in the movie “ Erin Brockovich ”. 26 Nutritionally , we use trivalent chromium ( Cr III ), 27 whereas the chromium in the movie was hexavalent chromium ( Cr VI ), which is widely accepted as highly toxic and carcinogenic . 27
RESEARCH ON CHROMIUM HAS FOUND SIGNIFICANT IMPROVEMENTS IN HOMEOSTATIC MODEL ASSESSMENT INSULIN RESISTANCE AMONG PATIENTS WITH DIABETES , REDUCED INSULIN REQUIREMENTS FOR PEOPLE WITH HYPERGLYCAEMIA , DECREASED CHOLESTEROL LEVEL , DECREASED VERY LOW-DENSITY LIPOPROTEIN- CHOLESTEROL AND IMPROVED GLUCOSE TOLERANCE IN WOMEN WITH POLYCYSTIC OVARY SYNDROME .
Magnesium
Magnesium , a favourite mineral among many health professionals , is involved in over 300 enzyme reactions . 6 It plays an important physiological role , particularly in the brain , heart , and skeletal muscles . 28 Magnesium is involved in the synthesis of ATP , DNA , and RNA , 6 mitochondrial health , 9 metabolic functions , 29 energy metabolism , 29-31 neurotransmission , 9 nitric oxide metabolism , 9 regulation of intracellular calcium levels , 32 transmembrane electrolyte flux , 31 and the maintenance of normal muscle and nerve function , neurotransmitters , bone strength , heart rhythm , and the immune system . 9 A deficiency of magnesium is associated with muscle spasms , 6 , 9 cramping , 9 nervousness , 9 anxiety , 6 numbness and tingling , 9 cardiovascular diseases , 6 , 33 type 2 diabetes , 6 , 33 elevated blood pressure , 6 , 33 osteoporosis , 33 and inflammation in chronic disease . 34 Magnesium deprivation increases oxygen requirements to complete submaximal exercise and reduces endurance performance . 35 Additionally , magnesium can be beneficial for headaches and migraines , as low serum levels of magnesium have been found in migraine sufferers . 9
Selenium
Selenium is an antioxidant , 6 , 8 a cofactor for glutathione peroxidase 6 , 8 , 36 and thioredoxin reductases . 8 , 36 It plays a role in the functioning of the thyroid gland . 6 , 8 Selenium is involved in redox reactions that can affect cellular processes , such as DNA repair . 8 It is essential for the endocrine system , the central nervous system , the cardiovascular system , reproductive biology , and muscle function . 8 Selenium is functionally essential for the immune system , 8 particularly for the Th1 cytokinemediated immune response . 37 Selenium deficiency has been linked to oxidative stress , 8 , 36 cardiomyopathy , osteochondral diseases , 8 and various chronic degenerative diseases . 36 Development of depression and intensification of anxiety has been observed in people with selenium deficiency . 36
Zinc
Zinc is a component of approximately 300 metalloenzymes that catalyse more than 50 different physiological reactions . 38 Zinc is a component of thousands of transcription factor proteins characterised as “ zinc fingers ” and related structures . 38 Zinc is an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory nutrient . 6 It is essential for growth and development , 4 , 5 the metabolism of RNA and DNA , signal transduction , synaptic plasticity , and gene expression . 6 It supports a Th1 cytokine-mediated immune response . 37 Zinc deficiency is linked with decreased immunity , 38 taste
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