There is little chance of deficiency in a healthy person as it is widely found in nature and in the ordinary diet. However, in cases of dehydration caused by vomiting, diarrhoea or profuse sweating, one may become depleted and rehydration is essential. Chromium plays a part in the metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids and proteins. It is also thought to play a role in the release of insulin. Rich sources are brewers yeast, oysters, liver and potatoes.
Moderate sources are whole grains, meat, seafood, cheese, chicken and bran.
Although deficiency in humans is not clear as yet, it is thought that a chromium deficiency results in insulin resistance. There are no specific deficiency symptoms of cobalt. Insufficient vitamin B 12 causes pernicious anaemia, which limits the ability of the bone marrow to produce normal red blood cells. Why you need it Copper is involved in the synthesis of connective tissue in the skeleton and blood vessels, and is necessary in the formation of red blood cells and bone marrow cells. It plays a role in the functioning of the central nervous system, thermal regulation, the immune function, cardiac function and in cholesterol and glucose metabolism.