What causes chromium deficiency?

Chromium deficiency is caused by inadequate dietary chromium intake, prolonged total parenteral nutrition (IV feeding) without adequate chromium supplementation, or severe malnutrition. While chromium is found in foods like broccoli, whole grains, and meats, individuals receiving long-term intravenous nutrition are at highest risk because standard IV solutions may lack sufficient chromium. Severe digestive disorders that impair nutrient absorption can also lead to deficiency over time.

What is the best test for chromium deficiency?

The Chromium 24-Hour Urine test is the most important test for chromium deficiency because it measures the total amount of chromium your body excretes over a full day, providing the most accurate assessment of your chromium status. This test detects low chromium levels that may be causing glucose metabolism problems and insulin resistance. Unlike blood tests that show only a snapshot, the 24-hour urine collection gives a comprehensive view of how your body processes and eliminates chromium, making it the gold standard for identifying deficiency states.

When should I get tested for chromium deficiency?

You should get tested if you have unexplained glucose intolerance or insulin resistance that resembles type 2 diabetes, especially if you have been receiving total parenteral nutrition for an extended period. Testing is also important if you experience symptoms like elevated blood sugar levels, increased thirst, or fatigue despite normal diabetes testing. Individuals with severe malnutrition or those who have undergone prolonged IV feeding without nutritional monitoring should consider testing to rule out chromium deficiency.

What are the symptoms of chromium deficiency?

Symptoms of chromium deficiency include impaired glucose tolerance, elevated blood sugar levels, insulin resistance, increased thirst, frequent urination, and unexplained weight loss. You might also experience fatigue, poor wound healing, and difficulty managing blood sugar levels. Many of these symptoms resemble type 2 diabetes, which is why laboratory testing is essential to distinguish between chromium deficiency and other metabolic conditions.

Who is at risk for chromium deficiency?

People at highest risk for chromium deficiency include those receiving long-term total parenteral nutrition without adequate chromium supplementation, individuals with severe malnutrition or eating disorders, and people with malabsorption conditions. Elderly individuals with poor nutritional intake and those consuming highly processed diets low in whole grains and vegetables may also be at increased risk. However, chromium deficiency remains rare in the general population with normal dietary patterns.

What happens if chromium deficiency is left untreated?

Untreated chromium deficiency can lead to persistent glucose intolerance and insulin resistance that worsens over time. This can result in progressively elevated blood sugar levels, increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes, and potential complications affecting your cardiovascular system. Long-term deficiency may also impair your body's ability to properly metabolize fats and proteins, leading to additional metabolic dysfunction. Early detection and treatment through chromium supplementation can reverse these effects before permanent damage occurs.

Can chromium deficiency be diagnosed with a blood test?

Chromium deficiency is best diagnosed with a 24-hour urine test rather than a standard blood test. Blood chromium levels fluctuate and do not accurately reflect total body chromium status, making them less reliable for diagnosis. The 24-hour urine collection measures chromium excretion over an entire day, providing a comprehensive assessment of how much chromium your body is processing and whether deficiency exists. This method is considered the gold standard for evaluating chromium status.

How is chromium deficiency treated?

Chromium deficiency is treated with chromium supplementation, typically using chromium picolinate or chromium chloride under medical supervision. For individuals receiving total parenteral nutrition, chromium is added to their IV solution to prevent and correct deficiency. The dosage depends on the severity of deficiency and your individual needs, with most people responding well within weeks to months of supplementation. Your healthcare provider will monitor your glucose metabolism and chromium levels to ensure proper treatment response.

How can I prevent chromium deficiency?

You can prevent chromium deficiency by consuming a balanced diet rich in chromium-containing foods like broccoli, whole grains, lean meats, nuts, and green beans. If you are receiving total parenteral nutrition, ensure your healthcare team includes adequate chromium in your IV formula. Avoiding highly processed foods and maintaining good overall nutritional status helps ensure sufficient chromium intake. For most people eating a varied diet, chromium deficiency prevention is straightforward through normal food choices.

What natural remedies help with chromium deficiency?

The most effective natural approach to addressing chromium deficiency is increasing dietary intake of chromium-rich foods including broccoli, whole wheat, oats, green beans, tomatoes, and romaine lettuce. Brewer's yeast is particularly high in chromium and can be added to smoothies or foods. However, if you have confirmed chromium deficiency through testing, dietary changes alone may not be sufficient, and medical-grade chromium supplementation under healthcare supervision is typically necessary to restore adequate levels and reverse metabolic symptoms.

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short: In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want. If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test. Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout. If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want. When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system. Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way. You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy! If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

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Chromium Deficiency Blood Test

What is Chromium Deficiency?

Chromium deficiency is a rare nutritional condition that impairs glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity. It is caused by inadequate dietary chromium intake, prolonged total parenteral nutrition without supplementation, or severe malnutrition. The Chromium 24-Hour Urine test is the most important test for diagnosis as it comprehensively measures chromium excretion and deficiency status.

Written by Private MD Labs Medical Team

Last updated: December 30, 2025

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.

Long story short:

In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!

754-799-7833

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References