Which trace mineral helps insulin regulate blood glucose levels?

• A. Chromium
• B. Magnesium
• C. Zinc
• D. Selenium

Answer: (A)

Chromium functions as a cofactor for insulin, helping insulin signaling promote glucose uptake into cells and thereby regulate blood glucose levels. In the body, chromium is believed to enhance insulin receptor activity or work in a chromium-containing molecule that supports insulin action, which helps tissues like muscle and fat absorb glucose after meals. While magnesium and zinc support various aspects of metabolism and insulin biology, they are not as directly tied to the glucose-regulating action of insulin. Selenium mainly supports antioxidant defenses and does not directly regulate insulin signaling. So chromium is the trace mineral most closely associated with helping insulin regulate blood glucose.