Chromium propionate is now FDA-approved for growing turkey diets

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The use of chromium propionate (KemTRACE Chromium; Kemin Industries) has been approved by the FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine as a food ingredient for growing turkey diets, according to a news release. Chromium propionate is also indicated for swine, broiler chickens, cattle, and horses, and has been fed to animals around the world.¹

"We are thrilled that the use of chromium propionate in animal diets continues to expand in the US and beyond," said Kristi Krafka, vice president of regulatory affairs and quality assurance, Kemin Animal Nutrition and Health–North America, in the release.¹ "Kemin has spent decades advancing the nutrition and performance of livestock and poultry through novel feed ingredients and is now able to offer safe, effective KemTRACE Chromium to turkey producers, nutritionists, and veterinarians."

Animal cells rely on glucose to fuel their function and growth. Highly bioavailable and organic, chromium propionate helps stabilize insulin receptors in animals, improve glucose utilization and reduce the negative impacts of stress, according to an organizational release. Maximizing cells' utilization of glucose may result in improved immune response and overall health and performance.¹

Extensive research was conducted and shared with FDA officials, according to the release.¹ Results of a recent study indicate that chromium propionate supplementation can improve turkey performance and is safe when supplemented in turkey diets at 5 times the minimal concentration, which enhanced insulin sensitivity. This study demonstrated the following²:

• Over an 84-day feeding period, turkeys supplemented with chromium propionate had greater average daily gain and tended to gain more efficiently than controls.
• Body weights of turkeys supplemented with chromium propionate were heavier than controls by day 84 in studies published in the Journal of Poultry Science.

With more than 25 years of research and countless peer-reviewed chromium research studies, Kemin has worked to establish chromium propionate as safe and efficacious, according to the company. Published research across many species has shown chromium has the ability to reduce cortisol, which is a hormone secreted in response to stress. The reduction in cortisol during times of stress may decrease negative impacts from stress events, such as extreme heat or cold, diet changes, disease challenges, and more.¹

References

1. Kemin research leads to FDA approval of chromium propionate for use in growing turkey diets. News release. Kemin Industries. January 30, 2024. Accessed January 30, 2024. https://news.kemin.com/2024-01-30-Kemin-Research-Leads-to-FDA-Approval-of-Chromium-Propionate-for-Use-in-Growing-Turkey-Diets?locale=en_us
2. Spears JW, Lloyd KE, Flores K, Krafka K, Hyda J, Grimes JL. Chromium propionate in turkeys; effect on performance and animal safety. Poultry Science. 2024;103(1). doi:10.1016/j.psj.2023.103195