It helps the body lose weight by stimulating enzymes that metabolize glucose for energy. It also plays an important role in the liver during the synthesis of fatty acids. When the body is deficient in chromium, twice as much time is needed for insulin to remove glucose from the blood. Chromium enhances insulin performance and glucose utilization and helps carry protein. Refined sugar causes the body to deplete chromium more rapidly.
Strenuous exercise can also deplete chromium levels.
The refining of starches and carbohydrates robs foods of chromium. Chromium works best if taken before meals. Copper is recognized as an essential trace element for humans as well as nearly all other living organisms. It assists in the transportation of iron and the formation of hemoglobin. A copper deficiency, like an iron deficiency, can lead to anemia.