Chromium helps to regulate blood sugar. It is necessary for the absorption of sugar into the blood stream and to help drive sugar, in the form of glucose, into the cells so that it can be used as fuel. It is also involved in the digestion and metabolism of fats, sugars and proteins.

Chromium is not found in a wide variety of foods and unfortunately some of the best sources -- whole wheat, rye and barley -- lose up to 95% of the mineral when they are refined.

Lack of chromium results in the distorted function of insulin, the hormone that regulates blood sugar levels. This can cause fluctuating energy levels and possibly relates to the cause of chronic fatigue. A chromium deficiency can cause many other problems as well, such as difficulty losing weight, high cholesterol, poor muscle tone, episodes of shakiness and cravings for sugars or starches.

Fruits and vegetables contain almost no chromium. Stress, physical and mental, causes a loss of chromium from the body. For example, athletes lose high levels of chromium in their urine, and may require supplementation. Diets high in refined foods (white flour, sugar, etc.) are likely to be chromium deficient. Alcoholism and prolonged, strict weight loss diets may also cause deficiencies. Diabetics and people with hypoglycemia may benefit from supplementation, on the recommendation of their doctor. Some studies have shown that moderate increases in chromium have helped a number of people lose weight.

If your score indicates a chromium deficiency, some of the best foods you could eat to add chromium to your diet are brewer's yeast, whole grain cereal, grapes, raisins, lentils, wheat germ, dried peas, potatoes, wheat bran, eggs, and shellfish (don't eat shellfish unless you know they are from unpolluted waters).