Chromium  Q & A

I read where chromium picolinate is recommended for people with hypoglycemia. Can a person vary on the amount taken daily? (i.e. take more when in a bad mood)

Also, is there a certain amount of sugar able to be taken that won't effect one's emotional state? Also, is there a recommended diet? Thank you in advance.

First of all, sweets do affect a person's mood, but with varying results from different amounts. Secondly, chromium as a mineral functions as a glucose tolerance factor, but the question is, what amount is appropriate as a supplement and can it be toxic?

It is not recommended to use chromium picolinate to control blood sugar levels. There is no proof that chromium supplements can help treat or prevent diabetes and other health problems. Methods to assess chromium amounts in the body are lacking, but chromium is stored in hair and blood (serum). However, hair analysis is not a valid method to analyze nutritional status of chromium or any other nutrient.

It is relatively easy to get safe and adequate amounts of chromium (50-200 micrograms per day) by eating a variety of foods like brewer's yeast, calf's liver, American cheese and wheat germ.

People who take chromium picolinate supplements may suffer health problems rather than improved health. Although claims of weight loss, lowered cholesterol and reversal of diabetes are unfounded, researchers have shown that chromium supplements damaged cell chromosomes which are the blueprints for a cell's function and reproduction. It is generally thought that cancer starts with a change to the genetic material in a cell causing it to grow and reproduce without restraint.

How effective and safe are Chromium Picolinate and Fenfluramine as appetite suppressants?

Chromium Picolinate is sold over the counter as a nutritional supplement. Chromium works with insulin in assisting cells to take in glucose and release energy. Chromium Picolinate has not been shown to cause weight loss and its ability to improve insulin effectiveness is being questioned.

Fenfluramine is the chemical name of a drug that inhibits the release of serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is the "feel good me" drug that the brain produces. Tryptophan (an amino acid found in complete proteins, especially turkey and chicken) is a precursor of serotonin. In addition, carbohydrates increase the serotonin levels in the brain. Exercise increases these neurotransmitters in the brain. Fenfluramine is being looked at as an anti-obesity drug. Research so far indicates that when the drug is stopped, weight can be regained. Ask you doctor about Fenfluramine.

What do you know about Chromium Picolinate?

Chromium Picolinate is sold over the counter as a nutritional supplement. Chromium works with insulin in assisting cells to take in glucose and release energy. When Chromium is lacking, the effectiveness of insulin is lessened and impaired tolerance to glucose. Deficiency is rare except in persons who must rely completely on intravenous fluids (hyperalimentation) for long term.

There had been scientific references that suggested that supplementing with Chromium Picolinate would enhance insulin utilization. That has not proven consistently true in current research.

Chromium can be measured in hair and blood. But laboratory methods to determine chromium levels are lacking. This is why a chromium requirement has not been determined. There is no Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA) for Chromium. Toxicity of chromium is low according to the National Academy of Sciences. However since people have started to supplement with chromium picolinate, there have been several cases of toxicity which resulted in chronic renal failure and accumulation of chromium in tissues. Persons with behavior disorders are warned to avoid chromium supplements.

I've seen Chromium Picolinate advertised recently as a "metabolism boosting" diet supplement. Is there any merit to this claim?

Quite frankly, no. Initially there was some speculation that since Chromium is a component of the hormone insulin that additional Chromium would enhance insulin's ability to break down glucose. Research has not supported this concept.

Is there any relationship between strenuous exercise, chromium and insulin resistance?

Would you consider a chromium supplement with reduction in sugar consumption?

What are natural sources of chromium?

Does magnesium also factor into this?

I exercise treadmill/Stairmaster 6/7 days a week and blood sugar recently was up to 160 - 190 ranges. Lower carbohydrate/ sugar has reduced this level. Thanks.

Exercise probably decreases insulin resistance if the exercise reduces body fat which is one cause of increased insulin resistance. Your exercise program sounds good, but you should talk to an exercise physiologist about adding some weight training exercises.

Chromium is involved in the production of insulin and the release of glucose's energy from cells. Taking a chromium supplement will not increase the production of insulin unless your diet is deficient in chromium. Your body releases insulin from your pancreas in response to an elevated blood sugar level. Recent research does not support taking a chromium supplement for persons with diabetes or pre-diabetic insulin resistance.

Food sources of chromium are meats, unrefined foods (whole grains, fruits and vegetables), fats and vegetable oils.

Sugar reduction is always an improvement to a healthy diet and reducing an elevated blood glucose. You may want to talk to a Registered Dietitian about a diabetic meal plan as a blood sugar of 160 to 180 is more than a slight elevation. Fasting blood glucose should be 70 to 110 mg/dl. It is normal for blood glucose to double within 2 hours after a meal. When was your blood glucose taken? After a meal or fasting in the morning?

Magnesium is involved with calcium and phosphorus in depositing these minerals in bones and teeth, the transmission of nerve impulses, building of protein structures, enzymes and muscle contraction. Based on today's knowledge, magnesium is not involved in blood glucose levels or insulin production.