Chromium deficiency causes high circulating insulin levels. Since chromium levels have been found to be very much lower in patients with coronary heart disease than in normals, chromium deficiency may be a causative factor in heart disease. Low chromium levels in the aorta are found to correlate with coronary heart disease. Serum chromium and angiographically determined coronary artery disease. Insufficient dietary chromium is associated with adult-onset diabetes and coronary heart disease.
Chromium deficiency is very common.
Well-controlled studies on dietary supplementation with chromium have demonstrated beneficial effects on glucose tolerance, blood fats and insulin binding. In a study comparing selenium status in 84 heart attack patients and 84 controls, the patients had significantly lower levels. Several studies have found a favourable change in plasma lipids in those consuming higher amounts of oily fish, or fish oil supplements. A high intake of trans fatty acids from foods made with partially hydrogenated fats may increase the risk of coronary heart disease. Intake of trans fatty acids and risk of coronary heart disease among women.