Chromium is classified as an essential trace element because of its role in which metabolic process?

• A Cofactor for glutathione peroxidase along with selenium
• B Component of glucose tolerance factor that potentiates insulin receptor signalling ✓
• C Structural element of carbonic anhydrase required for bicarbonate formation
• D Cofactor for sulfite oxidase in sulfur amino acid catabolism

Explanation

Trivalent chromium is part of the glucose tolerance factor, a complex with niacin and amino acids that potentiates insulin action, particularly insulin receptor signalling and glucose uptake. Chromium deficiency produces impaired glucose tolerance and peripheral neuropathy resembling diabetic neuropathy, seen historically during long-term parenteral nutrition without chromium supplementation. Glutathione peroxidase uses selenium, carbonic anhydrase uses zinc, and sulfite oxidase uses molybdenum, making these distractors trace-element pairings tested elsewhere.

Reference: Harper's Illustrated Biochemistry, 32nd ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.