An essential trace mineral necessary for normal growth and health, chromium is found in a variety of foods and plays a role in the efficient metabolism of glucose, fats and proteins. For optimal health, people should consume approximately 50 to 200 mcg of chromium per day, but because a variety of food processing methods remove much of the naturally occurring chromium, it is thought that chromium deficiency, which can lead to insulin resistance and elevated blood glucose levels, may be widespread throughout North America.