Chromium Picolinate Shows Metabolic Function Benefits!
Let’s talk about Chromium Picolinate! Or more accurately, chromium as picolinate. Typically, the elements together make it sound as if the two are but one. It’s more common to find supplement companies marketing it as chromium picolinate and not just chromium.
The truth is, chromium is an element which stands on its own. Just as picolinate is its own element as well. Each of the two elements play a separate yet joint role in maintaining our body’s health.
What is Chromium?
Chromium is a mineral that you’ll find in certain foods. Seafood, green beans, prunes, nuts, and whole grains to name a few. Potatoes and peanut butter are also a great source for chromium. You’ll often find trace amounts of chromium in some nutritional super juices, some organic sprout powders, and various fat metabolites. Supplements developed to support healthy insulin and blood sugar levels often contain chromium. Chromium plays a key role in processing carbohydrates and fats. It also helps at regulating blood sugar. Since the human anatomy does not require much of any chromium, it is rare to have a deficiency since most of the food sources mentioned are usually a part of meals. However, having a deficiency and having a low-level of chromium are two different issues.
Chromium is an essential mineral that mainly functions at stabilizing blood sugar. It is often promoted as being helpful to both diabetics and hypoglycemic for its effect to maintain stable blood sugar levels through the proper use of insulin. But it should not be taken before consulting your physician. If you’re taking insulin or any other drug to help control blood sugar levels, always consult your physician before taking any supplement. You should also take caution at avoiding taking antacids or any anti-inflammatory products like ibuprofen or aspirin. These products tend to deplete chromium levels in your body. But consult with your physician.
Why Chromium Supplements?
The human body does not produce the trace mineral chromium. Though it seems to be an essential mineral required at maintaining a healthy protein and fat metabolism level. Sufficient chromium levels properly metabolize carbohydrates as a by-product of its effect at enhancing healthy hormonal function. Maintaining a higher level of chromium intake should be the norm. At least over what is considered to be low, or taking minimums at simply avoiding deficiency levels.
Duke University Medical Center recently released a study revealing that a higher than minimal intake of chromium can be the source to reducing carbohydrate cravings which, in turn, seems to have a positive effect at fighting depression.
The December 2006 issue of Diabetes Technology and Therapeutics published a recent review. It stated that many studies have shown that chromium has the effect of reducing blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Like cholesterol in the blood, Triglyceride is a type of fat. Reducing these levels reduces the chances of developing heart disease, stroke, or heart attack.
The Results Are In!
In 2010, Pharmacological Reports published a study in which the researchers found that chromium picolinate promotes relaxation of blood vessels. This improves both the blood flow and rate of recovery of the heart muscle following damage caused by a heart attack.
Last on the list, because it confirms and re-enforces the findings already stated. The University of Maryland Medical Center states that 90% of diets in America are low in chromium. Their research also shows that those who are most likely deficient in chromium include:
- The elderly
- Those who maintain a strenuous exercise program
- People who over-eat sugary foods
- Women who are pregnant
The Picolinate Element
Picolinate functions best at maintaining a balanced or correct carbohydrate metabolism. This benefit of picolinate is the reason that this supplement is often touted as a dietary supplement for weight loss and warding off obesity. It is also a supplement that contributes to an organic living lifestyle.
Chromium Picolinate is usually used as a supplement for both weight loss and building muscle. It is presumed to increase metabolic rate and is believed to reduce hunger cravings. It is generally accepted that it may lower cholesterol levels. Chromium picolinate has grown to such a demand that it’s now marketed under dozens of various labels.
Conclusion
In conclusion, studies show mixed results as to whether chromium picolinate actually does any of the above. But there are no studies showing negative health effects from chromium picolinate supplements when used under the labeled suggested daily dosage. Up to 1,000 mcg per day should be the limit of intake. Increasing your vitamin C intake levels will also enhance the way your body absorbs chromium picolinate, allowing it to perform more efficiently in the body.
