The aim of the research was to find out the biological implications of chromium chloride (СrCl₃ x 6 Н₂О) deficiency and minimum doses of the studied microelement in male rats which would be demonstrated by biochemical effect on the parameters of antioxidant defense.

The male rats (n=10 per group) were treated for 30 days with three different levels of dietary chromium (0, 70, 140 μg Cr/dm³) in the form of chromium chloride. Next determined the content of hydroperoxides of lipids and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase and reduced glutathione content.

As a result of the studies conducted, a greater content of lipid peroxidation products was established in blood of the tested rats that received no chromium (0 μg Cr/ dm³) compared with animals which obtained chromium chloride solution in their ration. Chromium chloride taken by rats, supplied in drinking water at a dose 70 μg Cr/dm³, decreased the content of hydroperoxides of lipids by 4.1% and TBARS by 20.3% whereas in the dose of 140 μg Cr/dm³ decreased concentrations of hydroperoxides of lipids by 22.1% and TBARS by 1.3% was observed compared with animals that received no chromium. Adding of chromium to drink water at a dose of 70 and 140 μg Cr/dm³ of water in comparison to animals not supplemented decreased activity of superoxide dismutase in erythrocytes of blood by 38.6% and 62.0% while catalase activity increased by 26.7% and 46.2% and glutathione peroxidase 12.4% and 21.0%, respectively.

Concluded, non-chromium diet is accompanied by increased lipid peroxidation processes, weakening of the enzyme link of antioxidant protection and natural resistance factors. Supplying rats’ organism with chromium in doses 70 and 140 μg Cr/dm³ of drink water promotes inhibition of lipid peroxidation, enhancing enzymatic antioxidant level.