Chromium Supplements

Chromium can be described as a naturally occurring essential trace mineral, which is required by the body, for the proper metabolism of sugar, carbohydrates and fat. It helps to move the blood sugar from the blood, to the cells of the body, where it gets used up as energy. In fact, chromium converts the sugar, fat and carbs in the body, to energy. There are several other functions for which chromium is required and therefore, this is a very important mineral. A deficiency of this mineral in the body could lead to several problems like diabetes, high cholesterol and increased risks of heart problems.

This is probably why several people decide to take chromium supplements, in order to improve their overall health and wellbeing.

What are chromium supplements?

Chromium supplements are regarded as useful sources of the essential trace mineral, which help in filling up the deficit within a person. These supplements are available in different forms, which include:

• Chromium chloride supplement
• Chromium citrate supplement
• Chromium nicotinate supplement
• Chromium picolinate supplement
• High chromium yeast

Unfortunately, the amount of research conducted on various chromium supplements is fairly limited, which is why health experts do not have adequate information on which form can be regarded as the best.

Chromium dietary supplement

Fortunately, there are several types of food that are high in chromium, and can also increase the levels of the mineral in the body. Therefore, health experts usually advise people to increase their consumption of chromium rich foods, before they consider taking a chromium supplement.

Given below are some of the foods that are regarded as good dietary sources of chromium:

• Processed meat
• Certain spices, like black pepper
• Herbs such as thyme
• Whole grain products
• Tea
• Coffee
• Beer
• Brown sugar
• Broccoli
• Mushrooms

Brewer’s yeast is one of the best natural sources of chromium, but because it can bring about several uncomfortable symptoms, such as nausea and bloating, most people tend to avoid it. Some of the lowest sources of chromium are fruits and vegetables.

The recommended dosage for chromium supplements may vary from one person to the other and therefore, it is important for all people to undergo a checkup and identify how much additional chromium they need on a daily basis. In addition to that, all people, especially those who are elderly, or are suffering from certain preexisting medical conditions should get an approval from a doctor, before adding the supplement to their diet.

Submitted on January 16, 2014