ARS | Publication request: Food Chromium Contents, Chromium Dietary Intakes And Related Biological Variables In French Free-Living Elderly

Submitted to: Quimica
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: October 6, 2007
Publication Date: December 1, 2007
Citation: Andrillo, M., Roussel, A., Ferry, M., Bryden, N.A., Anderson, R.A. 2007. food chromium contents, chromium dietary intakes and related biological variables in French free-Living elderly. Quimica. 3:53.

Technical Abstract: Chromium (Cr III), an essential trace element, functions in potentiating insulin sensitivity, regulating glucose homeostasis, improving lipid profile, and maintaining lean body mass. Glucose intolerance and chromium deficiency increase with age, and could be aggravating factors of the metabolic syndrome, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. The RDA and suggested intakes for Cr are still controversial in Europe. Few studies have reported dietary Cr intakes of European people and aged subjects. The aim of this study was to analyse the daily chromium intakes in elderly, French, free-living subjects and to measure their Cr status and biological glucose/insulin variables. Twelve free-living elderly subjects, >70yr, participated in the study. All foods and beverages ingested for 3 days were weighed and analyzed for Cr. Urinary chromium, plasma insulin, glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, leptin, cortisol, and C-reactive protein were also determined and compared with those for young and elderly French subjects. Mean caloric intakes and the distribution of lipids, proteins and carbohydrates were adequate for all the participants, but the mean daily chromium intake was 41 ± 4 µg/d which is below 2/3 of the French RDA for young adults. No significant differences were found for gender or age (> or < 75 yr). These data show low intakes of Cr in French, free-living, elderly and suggest an increased potential risk of Cr deficiency. Specific recommendations for the elderly should be considered with respect to the key role of Cr in preventing CVD and diabetes.