| Chromium supplements | | | | when combined with a healthy diet and a rigorous |
| An essential trace mineral, chromium is needed for | | | | exercise program, chromium supplements may aid |
| the growth and health of the body. Among other | | | | weight loss. |
| things, it is needed for the breakdown of fat, | | | | Prevent heart disease: |
| carbohydrates, and protein. Chromium has become | | | | Chromium may help raise the HDL ('good') cholesterol |
| the most popular mineral supplement in America, | | | | and lower the LDL ('bad') cholesterol levels. There is |
| after calcium. It is also one of the most controversial. | | | | no proof regarding this and a good diet program |
| Chromium offers a mixed bag of good and bad | | | | combined with exercise can accomplish the same |
| effects. In the positive light, it was reported that | | | | thing. |
| chromium supplements would help burn fat and lower | | | | Chromium is naturally available in the food we eat, |
| blood sugar levels. Chromium supplements are also | | | | and most people who eat a healthy diet do not need |
| supposed to build muscle mass, lower cholesterol, and | | | | chromium supplements. But supplements (not just of |
| reduce the risk of heart disease. A recent study | | | | chromium) become indispensable in a high-fat diet |
| shows that chromium seems to have a mild | | | | that depends on over-refined ingredients. Therefore |
| cholesterol-lowering effect. Further research may | | | | some people develop a chromium deficiency, and in |
| prove that chromium is helpful in lowering triglyceride | | | | such cases, chromium supplements are necessary. |
| levels, while raising the HDL (good) levels. However | | | | Chromium comes in the form of a capsule, softgel or |
| over-dosage may lead to complications and chromium | | | | tablet. While there is no recommended dosage for |
| supplements are best used under medical supervision. | | | | chromium, 50 to 200 mcg taken on a daily basis is |
| Chromium may help to: | | | | adequate for adults. Most basic vitamin-mineral |
| Control diabetes: In people with type 2 diabetes, the | | | | combinations have enough chromium to prevent a |
| pancreas tries to regulate blood sugar levels by | | | | deficiency. The body seems capable of absorbing all |
| secreting insulin. A molecule called "Glucose Tolerance | | | | forms of chromium equally well. For optimal |
| Factor" (GTF) increases the sensitivity of cells to | | | | absorption, it is better to combine chromium with |
| insulin. The GTF molecule contains chromium. | | | | vitamin C. Taking antacids may impair absorption of |
| Therefore, chromium supplements may help normalize | | | | this mineral. Excessive amounts of chromium may |
| blood sugar levels. Several clinical tests have proven | | | | lead to a deficiency in zinc. |
| that diabetics who were on chromium supplements | | | | While there have been no indications regarding side |
| were able to reduce their dosage of medication. The | | | | effects, over-dosage may lead to kidney failure. A |
| effects of chromium are enhanced when taken with | | | | woman who was on a 1,000 mcg daily dosage |
| niacin (vitamin B3). Studies have also revealed that | | | | developed kidney failure after a few months. |
| chromium may have a stabilizing effect on people | | | | Long-term and high-dose chromium supplements may |
| with hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), thus doing | | | | damage the body. Chromium picolinate may cause a |
| away with symptoms like headache, nausea, fatigue, | | | | chromosomal damage that leads to cancer. Diabetics |
| and irritability. | | | | must consult with a doctor before taking chromium |
| Assist weight loss: | | | | supplements. Chromium picolinate also alters certain |
| Chromium picolinate assists people with obesity to | | | | brain chemicals like serotonin and dopamine. |
| lose weight. It helps to improve body composition by | | | | Therefore people with any behavioral disorder should |
| increasing muscle mass and reducing fat. But studies | | | | consult a doctor before taking chromium |
| reveal mixed results because people using chromium | | | | supplements. Chromium may have unknown effects |
| supplements lose just about the same amount of | | | | on pregnant or lactating women. |
| weight as people using placebos. It is possible that | | | | |