Chromium, another of the essential trace minerals, works with insulin to metabolize blood sugar (glucose), the body's major fuel; it is also essential for proper fat and protein metabolism. Chromium is widely distributed in body tissue, with the highest concentrations in the liver, kidneys, spleen, and bones.

The body absorbs only small amounts of dietary Chromium, and many factors further reduce its absorption. For example, absorption decreases with aging, a possible reason why many older people have low Chromium levels. A diet that emphasizes highly processed foods and sugar depletes Chromium reserves; a high fat diet reduces Chromium absorption.