Chromium is an essential trace mineral that is required by the body in very small quantities for normal development and growth. Chromium Picolinate is a potent forms of Chromium. The best natural source of Chromium is broccoli.
What does Chromium do?
Chromium enhances the action of insulin which is a hormone that is critical to the metabolism and storage of carbohydrate, fat, and protein in the body. Chromium also seems to be directly involved in the metabolism of carbohydrate, fat, and protein , but more research is required to determine the full range of its roles in the body.
Who uses Chromium Picolinate supplements?
Chromium Picolinate is frequently used to control blood sugar metabolism, to aid weight control. Its ability to improve blood sugar control means that it is also used by people with prediabetes, type 1 and type 2 diabetes, and high blood sugar that results from taking steroids.
Chromium Picolinate is used widely in the athletic community because it plays a role in blood sugar productivity. It promotes glycogen storage in muscles, enhances protein synthesis, and stimulates fat formation in fatty tissues. Any deficiency in Chromium, although rare, would cause a severe limitation in athletic performance.
It has also been recommended for depression, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and for lowering “bad” cholesterol, and raising “good” cholesterol in people taking heart medications called beta blockers, although there is not a huge amount of research into its effectiveness for all of these conditions.
Is Chromium Picolinate an effective fat burner?
The results from different studies are quite mixed, as is often the case with supplements. Some suggest that Chromium Picolinate may help to reduce body fat and additionally help to increase lean body mass, making it a very popular supplement with those looking for an effective fat burner. One study showed that taking Chromium Picolinate for 2 to 3 months produced a weight loss of about 2.5lbs. More research is needed to be certain as to whether Chromium Picolinate is an effective fat burner or not.
Is Chromium Picolinate safe?
Chromium is likely safe for adults to take when used in appropriate doses for 6 months or less. The safety of longer term use is not certain. Common side effects of Chromium Picolinate are coordination problems, impaired thinking, mood changes, skin irritation, headaches, dizziness and nausea. In higher doses, Chromium Picolinate has been linked to more serious side effects – these include liver and kidney damage as well as blood disorders, although it is not certain that Chromium Picolinate caused these effects.
As with all supplements, before starting a course of treatment, it is advisable to talk to your healthcare adviser or doctor to ensure that they are suitable for you.