GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
Chromium helps to make glucose available for energy. It is also important for the metabolism of amino acids and fats. It is obtained from brewer’s yeast, blackstrap
molasses, black pepper, meat (especially liver), whole
wheat bread and cereals, broccoli, cheese, nuts, legumes, beets and mushrooms. People aged 55
and above and those who exercise regularly may benefit from
taking supplementary chromium.
ROLE IN ANTI-AGING:
Chromium helps stabilize blood sugar levels,
and is therefore effective against diabetes and hypoglycemia. It also lowers LDL or ‘bad’
cholesterol while increasing the level of high-density lipoprotein
(HDL) or ‘good’ cholesterol, thus chromium can help to
prevent cardiovascular disease. Both animal and human research suggests that a form of chromium
called chromium picolinate increases fat loss and promotes
lean muscle tissue gain. However, other studies have not
been able to support these findings, thus the effect of chromium picolinate on body composition remains inconclusive.
DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS:
Slowed growth, shortened lifespan, raised
cholesterol levels, and an array of symptoms related to low and high blood sugar such as diabetes
and low blood sugar.
THERAPEUTIC DAILY AMOUNT:
200-400mcg of GTF (glucose tolerance factor)
taken with other minerals. Chromium polynicotinate
(bound to niacin) and chromium picolinate (bound to picolinic acid) are natural forms. A RDA has not been established for chromium,
although the National Academy of Science recommends a daily
intake of 50 to 200mcg. The recommended therapeutic level is 50-200 mcg. The EU recommends 25mcg per day as a safe and effective dose.
MAXIMUM SAFE LEVEL:
Not established, although there have been
reports of toxicity at doses of 1,000mcg and above.
SIDE EFFECTS/CONTRAINDICATIONS:
Some chromium supplements contain yeast, which can interfere with certain prescription medicines. Diabetics should only take chromium under
medical supervision. Chromium supplements are not suitable
for pregnant or nursing women, or for
epileptics.
SOLUBILITY:
water
