Chrome

Chromium (Cr) is a metal found in the body in small amounts in the blood and brain. Pathological accumulation occurs in malignant tissue.Cr(VI) compounds are toxic.

It can be absorbed through the respiratory tract as well as the gastrointestinal tract. In the blood it is transported mainly bound to albumin and transferrin.

Acute poisoning can be distinguished from chronic poisoning.

In acute chromium poisoning, the following symptoms may occur:

  • Anemia (anemia)
  • Gastroenterocolitis – inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract.
  • Necrosis (tissue death) in the area of the kidneys.
  • Thrombocytopenia – reduction of platelets (thrombocytes) in the blood.

Chronic chromium poisoning may cause the following symptoms:

  • Allergic asthma
  • Bronchitis
  • Dermatitis (skin inflammation) – here leads mainly to eczema.
  • Conjunctivitis (conjunctivitis)
  • Liver dysfunction
  • Lung tumors (unspecified)
  • Rhinitis (common cold)

Very rarely, chromium deficiency may also occur.

The procedure

Material needed

  • EDTA blood
  • Blood serum
  • 24 h urine

Preparation of the patient

  • Not necessary

Disruptive factors

  • Not known

Normal values blood

Blood serum (chromium III compounds) <0.4 μg/l
EDTA blood (chromium IV compounds) <0.7 μg/l

The lethal dose is 0.5-1 g chromium (IV).

Normal values urine

24 h urine <1.5 μg/l

Biological occupational tolerance level (BAT): 25 μg/l

Indications

  • Suspected chromium poisoning

Interpretation

Interpretation of lowered values

  • Diseases
    • Diabetes mellitus – according to studies, chromium supplementation improved glucose tolerance, increased (fasting) blood glucose levels, decreased insulin levels and total cholesterol and triglyceride levels, while increasing HDL cholesterol levels
    • Infections (unspecified)
    • Parenteral nutrition – nutrition through the vein (without chromium supplementation).
  • Increased need
    • Pregnancy
    • Stress

Interpretation of elevated values

  • Occupational exposure (recognition as occupational disease).
    • Rubber industry, tanneries, wood impregnation, metal finishing and processing, steel, dye, glass, and cement industries.
  • Peritoneal dialysis – blood washing performed through an access through the peritoneum.
  • Terminal renal failure – permanent failure of kidney function.

Further notes

  • Cr+3 as a component of glucose tolerance factor promotes the formation of insulin-insulin receptor complexes, which enable interactions between insulin and insulin-sensitive tissues
  • The normal requirement for chromium in women as well as men is 30-100 µg/d.