Research progress in the nutritional biology of organic trivalent chromium

Trivalent chromium is an essential trace element for both human and animals and it plays a vital role in proper physiological functions for mammals. Trivalent chromium products can be divided into two groups:inorganic and organic forms. Compared to inorganic forms, organic forms are easier to be utilized by the mammals and have higher biological activity. In this paper, the physical and chemical character, the distribution, absorption, transportation, storage and excretion in vivo of organic chromium were introduced. The effects of organic chromium supplementation on human and animal health, animal growth and reproductive performance, and the safety of organic chromium were also summarized. Besides, some suggestions were proposed for the future development of organic chromium.