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Chromium supplements

An essential trace mineral chromium is needed for the growth and health of the body Among other things it is needed for the breakdown of fat carbohydrates and protein Chromium has become the most popular mineral supplement in A
Chromium supplements

An essential trace mineral chromium is needed for the growth and health of the body Among other things it is needed for the breakdown of fat carbohydrates and protein Chromium has become the most popular mineral supplement in America after calcium It is also one of the most controversial

Chromium offers a mixed bag of good and bad effects In the positive light it was reported that chromium supplements would help burn fat and lower blood sugar levels Chromium supplements are also supposed to build muscle mass lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease A recent study shows that chromium seems to have a mild cholesterollowering effect Further research may prove that chromium is helpful in lowering triglyceride levels while raising the HDL good levels However overdosage may lead to complications and chromium supplements are best used under medical supervision

Chromium may help to
Control diabetes In people with type 2 diabetes the pancreas tries to regulate blood sugar levels by secreting insulin A molecule called Glucose Tolerance Factor GTF increases the sensitivity of cells to insulin The GTF molecule contains chromium Therefore chromium supplements may help normalize blood sugar levels Several clinical tests have proven that diabetics who were on chromium supplements were able to reduce their dosage of medication The effects of chromium are enhanced when taken with niacin vitamin B3 Studies have also revealed that chromium may have a stabilizing effect on people with hypoglycemia low blood sugar thus doing away with symptoms like headache nausea fatigue and irritability

Assist weight loss
Chromium picolinate assists people with obesity to lose weight It helps to improve body composition by increasing muscle mass and reducing fat But studies reveal mixed results because people using chromium supplements lose just about the same amount of weight as people using placebos It is possible that when combined with a healthy diet and a rigorous exercise program chromium supplements may aid weight loss

Prevent heart disease
Chromium may help raise the HDL good cholesterol and lower the LDL bad cholesterol levels There is no proof regarding this and a good diet program combined with exercise can accomplish the same thing

Chromium is naturally available in the food we eat and most people who eat a healthy diet do not need chromium supplements But supplements not just of chromium become indispensable in a highfat diet that depends on overrefined ingredients Therefore some people develop a chromium deficiency and in such cases chromium supplements are necessary Chromium comes in the form of a capsule softgel or tablet While there is no recommended dosage for chromium 50 to 200 mcg taken on a daily basis is adequate for adults Most basic vitaminmineral combinations have enough chromium to prevent a deficiency The body seems capable of absorbing all forms of chromium equally well For optimal absorption it is better to combine chromium with vitamin C Taking antacids may impair absorption of this mineral Excessive amounts of chromium may lead to a deficiency in zinc

While there have been no indications regarding side effects overdosage may lead to kidney failure A woman who was on a 1000 mcg daily dosage developed kidney failure after a few months Longterm and highdose chromium supplements may damage the body Chromium picolinate may cause a chromosomal damage that leads to cancer Diabetics must consult with a doctor before taking chromium supplements Chromium picolinate also alters certain brain chemicals like serotonin and dopamine Therefore people with any behavioral disorder should consult a doctor before taking chromium supplements Chromium may have unknown effects on pregnant or lactating women