Is chromium harmful to the human body?

Chromium is a trace element in our body. Generally, the chromium in the human body is maintained in a balanced state, which is good for our body functioning. However, when the chromium exceeds the standard or is insufficient in the human body, it is not good for the human body. We must pay attention to it in normal times, especially when there are abnormal conditions, we must check and treat it in time. Is chromium harmful to the human body? Let’s take a look at it below.

Chromium is an essential trace element for the human body. The normal human body contains only 6-7 mg, but it is very important to the human body. Excessive intake of chromium can cause poisoning. Chromium poisoning mainly results from accidental inhalation of extreme amounts of chromic acid or chromates, which can cause extensive lesions in the kidneys, liver, nervous system, and blood, leading to death. There are also cases where sodium chromate is absorbed through burn wounds and causes poisoning. Long-term occupational exposure, air pollution or exposure to chromium dust can cause skin allergies and ulcers, nasal inflammation and necrosis, and even lung cancer. Oral ingestion can cause gastrointestinal damage, circulatory disorders, and renal failure. The key to treatment is to avoid contact and use turtle mixture for treatment. High sugar intake also increases chromium excretion.

Chromium has three types of compounds: divalent, trivalent, and hexavalent. The poisoning mainly refers to hexavalent chromium, which has strong oxidizing properties and can easily penetrate biological membranes to take effect; divalent and trivalent chromium combine with proteins on the surface of the skin to form stable complexes and will not cause biological effects.

Through the above introduction, we now know that when chromium is balanced in the body at normal times, it will not be harmful to the human body, but even beneficial. However, if it exceeds the standard, the harm to the human body is particularly obvious. We must pay attention to this in normal times, especially pay attention to our lifestyle and try to avoid contact with substances containing high levels of chromium.