Chromium picolinate.
Chromium is a trace mineral which is essential for the metabolism of fats, protein, cholesterol and carbohydrates. Chromium is an activator of several enzymes, needed to trigger and help numerous necessary biochemical reactions.
The mineral contributes to good brain function, lean muscle building, treatment of obesity or just loss of weight. Chromium can help in prevention or treatment of diabetes, since it gets involved in the enhancement of insulin action and in blood glucose level control.
Studies have given evidence that action of chromium may result in prevention of coronary artery disease.
The most commonly form used for supplementation is chromium picolinate, since it can be absorbed quite easily. Picolinate is a natural amino acid metabolite. Chromium picolinate is a food supplement that may be helpful in suppressing appetite and cravings, especially for sugar. As part of a calorie-controlled diet chromium picolinate can lead to impressive results in combination with aerobic exercise.
Chromium picolinate can be found as a food supplement or it is contained as a fundamental ingredient in diabetes alternative remedies and weight loss products. In fact, vanadyl sulfate, biotin and chromium picolinate are the three most commonly used nutrients in dietary supplementation for diabetes management. Click this link to be guided, how to find such multi-supplements online.
The highest concentrations of chromium are found in the liver, kidneys, spleen and bones.
Sources of chromium.
Chromium is contained in brewer's yeast, beef, liver, eggs, chicken, butter, oysters, fish, grains, molasses, wheat germ, green peppers, apples, bananas, potatoes and spinach. Relevant supplementation is available in the market. Try the
 button, if you want to find chromium food supplements online.
Click the following links to read about the sites we recommend and secured transactions.
Chromium deficiency and toxicity.
Chromium deficiency may be observed in people with diabetes. It can be diagnosed in older people with type 2 diabetes and in infants with protein or/and caloric malnutrition. A shortage of chromium may cause anxiety, fatigue, impaired metabolism of amino acids, and may elevate the risk of arteriosclerosis. In fact, chromium picolinate is a very good food supplement for more mature adults, since the body retains less chromium as people get older.
Because of the low absorption and high excretion rates of chromium, toxicity is not common. However, in some cases of dosage more than 1200mcg/day, dermatitis has been reported. Apart from liver and kidney damage, gastrointestinal ulcers may occur, if chromium picolinate is taken in large dosages on a long time basis. It has to be mentioned that, while taken simultaneously, phosphorus decreases the absorption of chromium picolinate, whereas vitamin C promotes it.
Recommendations for chromium.
Although the precise needs for chromium have not been determined yet, the National Academy of Sciences in the USA recommends an average intake of 50 to 200mcg per day. The tolerable upper intake levels (UL) is 1200 micrograms (mcg) and should not be exceeded. Otherwise, stomach upset, nausea and liver or kidney problems may occur.
Safety in pregnancy or breastfeeding period has not been established yet. |
