Tissue concentrations of chromium vary considerably in people from different parts of the world, with amounts in people living in Asia for example being up to five times higher compared to those in people living in the US. These higher chromium levels may be one reason for a lower incidence of bone loss, or sugar metabolism disorders in these regions or countries. In addition, excessive sugar intake - prevalent in Western societies increases chromium loss and accelerates already declining Cr levels due to increasing age, which worsens medical conditions associated with lowered chromium levels. There are also lower soil levels of chromium in North America, and the refining process of food reduces sources of chromium as well. Exercise and trauma also contribute to chromium loss, and it is interesting to note that in laboratory animals, extra chromium supplementation resulted in a life span increase of up to 33%... Full Text