Why is it necessary to add chromium for children?

The article is professionally consulted by Master, Doctor Nguyen Thi An - Pediatrician - Neonatologist - Department of Pediatrics - Neonatology - Vinmec Ha Long International General Hospital.

Chromium helps metabolize macronutrients, providing the energy needed by muscles and brain. When the child's body does not have enough chromium, the blood sugar level will rise. Therefore, adding chromium to children will support the body's comprehensive and healthy development.

Chromium is an essential trace element for the body, considered a factor in glucose tolerance. Chromium combines with insulin, making it easier for glucose to be absorbed into cells and converted into energy. For children with poor glucose tolerance such as: obesity, diabetes, low blood sugar, it is very necessary to supplement chromium for children.
When the child's body does not have enough necessary chromium, blood sugar will rise because at this time the role of insulin has been inhibited, making glucose unable to transport into cells and participate in metabolism. At this time, the child's body will face dangers such as:
Glucose intolerance leading to diabetes. Chromium deficiency is a cause of atherosclerosis. Reduced protein absorption. Adverse effect on blood pressure. Make children worry and upset. When noticing the signs of this deficiency, it is important to give your child an adequate and timely chromium supplement.

According to the recommendations of the US National Academy of Sciences, the level of chromium supplementation for children depends on their health status, physical condition, weight and activity level.
Based on typical dietary intake studies in European countries such as Germany, Austria and Switzerland, it is recommended that the recommended daily intake of chromium is around 30-100 μg is suitable for both adolescents and adults. This figure is also equivalent to the European recommended nutrient content of 40 μg Cr3+/day.
A well-balanced diet can most likely meet a child's need for chromium supplements. On the other hand, consuming too much chromium is unnecessary and can even cause side effects. In order for the body to always meet the necessary chromium content, learn some methods of chromium supplementation for children.

The human body cannot produce chromium on its own, so it can only be given to children through diet and supplements.
3.1. Supplementing chromium for children through the diet The foods in the daily diet are a safe and easy method of adding chromium to children. Normally, daily food contains enough nutrients in general and chromium in particular, which helps the baby's body stay healthy if the supplement is balanced. Some foods that contain chromium include:
Meats, chicken and seafood Eggs Whole grains eg oats, flaxseeds and chia seeds Rice and bread Fruits such as grapes, apples, oranges and pineapple Vegetables, like spinach, broccoli, garlic, tomatoes Legumes, like beans, soybeans, and corn. The human body in general or children in particular only needs a small amount of chromium daily and absorption of this micronutrient is best when used with foods rich in vitamin C (such as oranges, pineapples). Daily diet can supplement chromium for children in an adequate, safe and almost no side effect.
3.2 Give your child chromium supplements with oral medications If your child has been diagnosed with a chromium deficiency and cannot get chromium through foods, the doctor will consider giving the child a supplement.
Usually, the supplementation of chromium for children with drugs and functional foods is rarely used. However, in case chromium deficiency affects your child's health, you need to take him to a medical facility for a doctor's examination and specific instructions.

In addition to adding chromium, for comprehensive development of children, parents should also provide children with supportive products containing lysine, essential micro-minerals and vitamins such as zinc, chromium, selenium, and B vitamins to help children develop. meet the nutritional needs of children. At the same time, these essential vitamins also support digestion, enhance nutrient absorption, help improve anorexia, and help children eat well. Parents can simultaneously apply dietary supplements and functional foods derived from nature for easy absorption.
Currently, the Pediatrics Department at Vinmec International General Hospital is trusted by many parents to examine the diseases that infants and young children are susceptible to. Vinmec brings satisfaction to customers and is highly appreciated by industry experts by:
Gathering a team of leading pediatricians: including leading experts with high professional qualifications ( professor, associate professor, doctorate, master), experienced, worked at major hospitals such as Bach Mai, 108.. The doctors are well-trained, professional, have a heart - a vision. Understanding young psychology. In addition to domestic pediatric specialists, the Department of Pediatrics also has the participation of foreign experts (Japan, Singapore, Australia, USA) who are always pioneers in applying the latest and most effective treatment regimens. . Comprehensive services: In the field of Pediatrics, Vinmec provides a chain of continuous medical examination and treatment services from Newborn to Pediatric and Vaccine... according to international standards to help parents take care of their baby's health since birth. Advanced techniques: Vinmec has successfully deployed many specialized techniques to make the treatment of difficult diseases in pediatrics more effective: neurosurgery - skull surgery, hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in cancer treatment. Professional care: In addition to understanding children's psychology, Vinmec also pays special attention to the children's play space, helping them to play comfortably and get used to the hospital's environment, cooperate in treatment, improve the efficiency of medical treatment.