Monograph: |
Chromic chloride
The properties of chromic chloride are the same as chromium so see below at
chromium for details.
CHROMIUM
Chromium
Chromium Trichloride Hexahydrate (USP 23) occurs as dark
green, odourless, slightly deliquescent crystals. Soluble in
water and in alcohol; slightly soluble in acetone; practically
insoluble in ether. Store in airtight containers.
Adverse Effects
Trivalent salts of chromium, such as chromium trichloride.
are generally considered to produce few adverse effects.
However, hexavalent forms of chromium are- notably toxic
(see under Chromium Trioxide. p. 1562).
Effects on the kidneys. Two cases of renal failure were at-
tributed to ingestion of excessive doses of chromium picoli-
nate (a trivalent chromium salt) in women with no previous
history of renal dysfunction. For mention of decreases in
glomerular filtration rate in children receiving chromium-
supplemented total parenteral nutrition, see below.
Uses and Administration
Chromium is an essential trace element that potentiates insu-
lin action thus influencing carbohydrate, lipid, and protein
metabolism. Dietary sources rich in chromium include brew-
ers yeast, meat, whole grains, and nuts. Chromium trichlor-
ide has been given as a chromium supplement in total
parenteral nutrition. Chromium picolinate is used as a chro-
mium supplement, and is being investigated for improving
glycaemic control in patients with diabetes mellitus.
Human requirement& In the United Kingdom neither a
reference nutrient intake (RNI) nor an estimated average re-
quirement (EAR) has been set for chromium al-
though a safe and adequate intake was believed to be above
25 mcg daily for adults. Similarly, in the United States a rec-
ommended dietary allowance has not been published and the
safe and adequate intake for adults was believed to be 50 to
200 mcg daily. WHO considers that the minimum population
mean intake likely to meet normal needs for chromium might
be approximately 33 mcg daily, and that supplementation of
this element should not exceed 250 mcg daily until more is
known.
Supplementation. Although a daily chromium intake of
0.2 mcg per kg body-weight has been suggested in children re-
ceiving total parenteral nutrition (TPN). a study in 15
children receiving long-term parenteral nutrition found that
supplementation at about this level was associated with se-
rum-chromium concentrations 4 to 42 times higher than the
mean value in 15 children not receiving TPN. Raised serum-
chromium concentrations were associated with a decrease in
glomerular filtration rate: one year after discontinuing chro-
mium supplementation, which reduced intake to 0.05 mcg per
kg daily (as contaminants of water and TPN solutions), chro-
mium concentrations, although lower, were still higher than
controls and renal function had not altered. The authors have
subsequently discontinued chromium supplementation in
both children and adults, since chromium contamination of
TPN solutions appears adequate to prevent deficiency, al-
though it is acknowledged that signs of chromium deficiency
may take some years to appear. Chromium contamination in
various preparations used in paediatric parenteral nutrition
has been studied.
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