Chromium - Serum in Guru Tegh Bahadur Nagar West, Mumbai

The chromium serum test helps determine the chromium level in the body for deficiency or toxicity.

Chromium is a mineral that is involved in the breakdown of carbohydrates and fats. The body utilises it in small amounts for performing essential functions like digestion. It facilitates the movement of glucose in the cells, which helps boost your energy levels. 

However, there are some harmful variations of chromium like the hexavalent chromium, which is used for the making of industrial products or steel production. Exposure to hexavalent chromium can pose a danger to your health. 

While chromium is seemingly good for the body as it amplifies your energy and ensures better food digestion, its extremity can cause harm. 

Its deficiency is generally observed in people of old age, people who have diabetes, and workers of metal plating, refractory materials and chromate pigments industries. 

For the chromium serum test, a sample of blood is required. Usually, it is recommended to stop consuming multivitamins and supplements for a couple of days before the blood test.

You can expect a test result indicating a chromium serum level of 1.4 micrograms/litre or 26.92 nanomoles/litre or less. If you receive abnormal results, it could indicate overexposure or deficiency of chromium.

Why Should You Get Tested?

A chromium serum test is essential because it allows you to determine its deficiency or toxicity in the body. Both the state of deficiency and increased exposure are not safe for the body. 

Deficient levels of chromium can lead to:

• Irritability and depression
• Glaucoma
• Impaired coordination and muscle weakness
• Nerve damage or osteoporosis
• Tingling or numbness in limbs
• Decreased white blood cell count
• Confusion
• High cholesterol

On the other hand, an increase in chromium level can cause:

• Hypoglycemia
• Pneumoconiosis
• Kidney or liver damage
• Digestive issues
• Nerve damage
• Arrhythmia
• Dermatitis
• Increased sensitivity of the respiratory system
• Skin ulcerations
• Tissue necrosis

With accurate test results, these health conditions can get detected and treated at the right time. 

Medically reviewed by Dr. Hitendra Garg, Gastroenterologist at Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, New Delhi.