Excess chromium in supplements causes cancer: Doctors
New Delhi: The extra presence of chromium in nutrition supplements can cause various types of cancer as well as liver and lung damage, doctors have said.
The overuse of supplements causes severe damage to chromosomes in cells, which then mutate the DNA and cause cancer, according to experts.
The US National Academy of Sciences has estimated that up to 200 micrograms of chromium was safe for adequate daily dietary intake for adults. However, the supplements available in the market to gain weight contain 500 micrograms of chromium.
"The health hazards associated with exposure to chromium depends on its oxidation state. Oxidation of chromium occurs inside the cell, which means, it loses electrons and transforms into a carcinogenic form," said Veronica Sharma, consultant at city-based SRV Hospital.
According to Sharma, health complications caused by excess chromium include damage to kidney, lung, and several forms of skin problems including eczema and other inflammation.
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