Chromium
Chromium
is an essential mineral that is important in carbohydrate metabolism.
Chromium is an active component of GTF (glucose tolerance factor) and has
beneficial effects on blood sugar control mechanisms. The mineral assists
in the metabolism of glucose and the synthesis of fatty acids and
cholesterol by stimulating the enzymes involved in these processes.
Chromium helps regulate blood sugar levels by collaborating with
insulin in facilitating the uptake of glucose into the cells. If chromium
is not present, insulin’s action is blocked and blood sugar levels are
elevated. Insulin is secreted in response to the rise in blood glucose
levels after the consumption of a meal. Insulin functions by increasing
the rate that glucose is taken up by the cells and the lowers blood
glucose levels.
The ability of the body to control blood sugar levels is adversely
affected by poor diet and lifestyle choices. These habits result in the
increase of hypoglycemia and diabetes. Obesity causes a decreased
sensitivity to insulin and strongly correlates with blood sugar
imbalances.
Chromium is essential to proper insulin action and increases
the body’s sensitivity to insulin. Through this mechanism, insulin
improves blood sugar control and possibly facilitates weight loss.
Chromium is difficult to store and only about 3 % of dietary chromium
is retained in the body. Chromium is primarily stored in the spleen,
kidneys, and testes with smaller amounts in the heart, pancreas, lungs,
and brain. Excretion of the mineral occurs mainly through urination and
the amount stored in the body decreases with age. On average, the human
body contains 600 micrograms of chromium with the highest concentration
occurring during infancy.
PROPERTIES & USES
Chromium supplementation is primarily used in hypoglycemia and diabetes
(conditions of impaired glucose tolerance). The mineral is used to reduce
elevated blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels, and promote weight
loss. Chromium supplementation may also be beneficial in the treatment of
acne.
_DIABETES AND
HYPOGLYCEMIA_
Chromium helps regulate blood sugar levels and is thus helpful in both
diabetes and hypoglycemia. Chromium is a key component of glucose
tolerance factor (GTF), a substance that works with insulin to facilitate
the uptake of glucose (blood sugar) into the cells. Numerous studies have
demonstrated chromium’s beneficial effects on the treatment of impaired
glucose tolerance. The majority of the studies involved patients with
non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM). Chromium deficiency is
common in these patients and may contribute to both insulin resistance and
elevations in cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
Studies have shown that chromium supplementation is helpful with
hypoglycemia and can improve glucose tolerance test results and increase
the number of insulin receptors on red blood cells.
_WEIGHT LOSS_
Chromium supplementation enhances weight loss by increasing the
body’s sensitivity to insulin. Insulin is crucial in regulating proper
blood sugar levels and stimulating thermogenesis. Chromium decreases
weight yet increases lean body mass.
_ELEVATED CHOLESTEROL
AND TRIGLYCERIDE LEVELS_
Chromium supplementation lowers cholesterol and triglyceride levels in
both diabetic and non-diabetic people. The decreases in cholesterol and
triglycerides are most dramatic if the initial body chromium levels are
low. The typical changes are 10 percent reduction in total cholesterol and
triglycerides and 2 percent increase in HDL .
CONSEQUENCE OF
DEFICIENCY
Glucose intolerance characterized by elevated blood sugar and insulin
levels is the primary sign of chromium deficiency.
Tests have shown that chromium deficiency
is common in the United States due to the soil being depleted of minerals.
The refining of foods and the high intake of sugars and refined
carbohydrates may also contribute to chromium deficiency and possible
aggravates adult-onset diabetes. Chromium deficiency is most likely to
occur in the elderly, pregnant women and athletes.
Studies have shown that chromium blood levels drop with the
administration of glucose. Chromium should be supplemented in
postoperative patients receiving glucose intravenously for nourishment.
Blood chromium levels drop even further if the patient has a virus
infection.
SAFETY ISSUES
The trivalent form of chromium is the dietary and supplemental kind and
is extremely safe. Numerous double-blind studies with chromium
supplementation have reported no significant side effects or toxicity
reactions.
RECOMMENDED DIETARY
ALLOWANCES
There is no official RDA for chromium. The following are considered the
safe and adequate ranges for chromium.
GROUP
|
MICROGRAMS
|
INFANTS
|
|
Under 6 months
|
10-40
|
6-12 months
|
20-60
|
CHILDREN
|
|
1-3 years
|
20-80
|
4-6 years
|
30-120
|
CHILDREN AND ADULTS
|
|
7+ YEARS
|
50-200
|
Supplement Facts
Serving Size: 1 Teaspoon (5ml)
Serving Per Container:47 |
|
Amount
per serving |
% USRDA |
Calories |
4 |
<2 |
Total Carbohydrate |
1 g |
<2 |
Total Fat |
0 g |
0 |
Sodium |
0 g |
0 |
Protein |
0 g |
0 |
Chromium (Picolinate) |
400 mcg |
333 |
Organic Catalyst |
1000 mcg |
** |
Other ingredients: Purified water,
Calcium, Chloride, Cobalt, Chromium Pic, Magnesium,
Boron, Manganese, Molybdenum, Selenium, Iron, Copper, Phosphorus,
Vanadium, Sulfur, Potassium, Iodine and Zinc |
* Percent Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie
diet
** No daily value established |
Directions: Take 5 ml once daily with food |
* This statements have not been
evaluated by the Food and Drag Administration.
This products are not intended
to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. |
|