Effects of Chromium(III) Supplementation on Growth and Survival Under Stress in Rats Fed Low Protein Diets

Abstract

A degree of chromium deficiency resulting in impaired growth has hitherto been obtained only in rats raised in a specially controlled environment. The present study was undertaken to define methods by which growth retardation due to lack of chromium can be consistently induced under ordinary conditions. It was found that raising rats in plastic cages with a diet low in protein (10%) and chromium (<100 ppb) resulted in a moderate depression of growth which was alleviated by chromium supplementation. Subjecting the animals to controlled exercise or blood loss further aggravated the low chromium state.