Chromium Picolinate

Chromium picolinate is a nutritional supplement, a bright red solid, used to prevent or treat deficiency of chromium. It is the chromium iii salt of picolinic acid. Chromium is essential for glucose absorption and metabolism by insulin in normal health. It is the most commonly and easily absorbed form of chromium. A daily supplement of chromium picolinate is a simple and effectual way to get the daily needs.

Chromium aids in weight control through reduced appetite and building muscles, improved carbohydrate utilization, raised energy output and blood sugar reduction in non-insulin dependent diabetes. Tachycardia is a typical symptom. In the presence of vitamin C, the nucleic acids are harmed, thereby resulting in cancer.

Chromium picolinate has many beneficial effects on supplementation. It improvises the effect of insulin in the body thereby improving the glucose uptake, resulting in better blood circulation and maintenance of blood sugar level. Chromium has the capaciity to fight against cholesterol and atherosclerosis. Chromium helps to Gain energy, burn fat, and muscle building with greater ease, to name a few. It assists the body in weight loss by helping it to build muscle and to replace fat. Lowering body fat and escalating lean body mass are just a few of the positive properties that chromium picolinate exhibits on the body. Research also shows that supplementation has some age slowing effects and therefore can increase the life span.

Chromium’s improved insulin efficiency causes a boost in the serotonin production, which consequently decreases appetite. Chromium picolinate increases protein synthesis, which in turn stimulates muscle growth

Supplementation of between 50 and 300 mcg for a 2,000-calorie diet is sufficient. Chromium picolinate may not cause toxicity in humans when taken in small doses. Excessive intake causes kidney and liver damage. Nursing and expectant mother are abstained from chromium picolinate. Foods, such as poultry, whole grain bread, fish and meat are good sources. The best and safest source of chromium is food.

Whole grains, seafood, broccoli, prunes, potatoes, peanut butter, and nuts are rich in chromium. Food processing removes the chromium completely and reduces the fasting blood glucose and triglyceride levels. It increases the HDL-cholesterol by improving insulin sensitivity. Cr picolinate diffuses through the permeable cell membrane and gets readily metabolised, rather than inorganic chromium. Chromium picolinate is cancer causing and results in DNA damage. Chromium absorption, especially in the elderly is difficult and hence supplementation is required.

Submitted on February 24, 2009