Chromium (Cr)⁵

Also known as: Chromium Picolinate.

Chromium Picolinate is the most common form of chromium, and can be found in nutritional supplements.

Chromium Picolinate is a mineral essential to the production of insulin in the body.

It can be found in meat, poultry, fish and whole-grain bread, although supplements help to maximize the benefits by increasing the amount ingested.

By enhancing insulin’s effect on the body, it can improve the absorption of glucose, improving blood circulation, and maintaining healthy insulin levels.

It’s also believed to aid in burning fat while preserving lean muscle, which can be placed at risk through dieting or strenuous exercise.

This particular form of chromium is the most widely used because it is thought to be absorbed into the system more efficiently than other forms such as GTF Chromium.

There has been some evidence that it could damage genetic material in animal cells, which suggests it might cause cancer.

There are currently no reported cases, but it is something to consider when assessing supplements.

Home Remedies using Chromium:

Benefits and Uses of Chromium:

Chromium Picolinate helps production and utilization of insulin in the body. It has been proven successful as a diet aid, by facilitating the burning of fat and preservation of lean muscle mass.

Use as a diet aid has been well established. Use in aiding metabolism of sugars by enhancing the function of insulin, has also been established.

Research has suggested that many people in the United States are deficient in chromium, and could benefit from the supplement.

Older people in particular may find it helpful, since chromium levels in the body decrease with age. Experts also speculate that processed foods, which are a large part of the American diet, have much of the chromium removed, which makes it difficult for many to sustain proper glucose levels and sustain energy.

Endurance athletes also tend to experience chromium loss at a higher-than-average rate, so those who exercise regularly may want to consider a supplement.

Chromium Picolinate is available as a tablet in supplement form, and in diet aid blends combined with other substances, making it easier than ever to get the required amounts of Chromium in your diet to gain maximum benefits.

Side Effects of Chromium:

Using chromium supplements over a short period of time is not usually linked to side effects, but there have been occasional reports of irregular heartbeats with its use.

Chromium may cause irritability and changes in sleep patterns, but reports are rare. Concerns have been raised about exposure to certain forms of chromium in the workplace.

Chromium oxide and chromium fluoride have been linked to increased risk for cancer, kidney damage, and skin rashes, but these are not the types of chromium used in chromium supplements.

Chromium supplements and chromium from food haven’t been shown to cause these health problems in supplement users.

Since chromium supplements may change the way your body handles sugar, talk to a doctor before using them if you have diabetes or use insulin.