Which trace metal is contained in glucose tolerance factor?

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

Answer: (A)

Chromium is the trace metal contained in glucose tolerance factor. GTF is a chromium-containing complex thought to enhance insulin action, helping tissues respond to insulin and take up glucose more efficiently after a meal. This connection explains why chromium status has been linked to glucose tolerance and why chromium supplementation has been studied for metabolic control in impaired glucose tolerance and type 2 diabetes. While copper, selenium, and zinc are important in many enzymes and antioxidant systems, they are not the metals classically associated with glucose tolerance factor.