Description:
Chromium is essential for proper utilization of glucose, balancing
blood sugar levels, and improving the action of insulin. This nutrient
is helpful for people with either diabetes or hypoglycemia. The
average American diet is deficient in chromium, and two out of three
people are hypoglycemic, pre hypoglycemic, or diabetic. A deficiency
of chromium can lead to anxiety, fatigue, glucose intolerance, poor
metabolism of amino acids, and an increased risk of arteriosclerosis.
Chromium is best absorbed when it is taken in the form of chromium
picolinate. Chromium picolinate allows the chromium to be better
absorbed by the cells. Chromium picolinate has been used successfully
to control blood sugar levels. It may also promote the loss of fat
and an increase in lean muscle.
Complimentary Nutrients:
None known
Antagonists:
Excessive iron.
Health Benefits:
Circulatory system, blood, blood sugar level, glucose metabolism.
Therapeutic Uses:
Protein-calorie malnutrition, diabetes, hypoglycemia, multiple
pregnancies.
Vitamin Therapies should be done with the supervision of a qualified
health care professional. In the panel on the left, under ailments
you can find more information about treatments for some of these
conditions. You can also locate therapeutic information on this
site by using the search engine - click on 'Search' in the panel
on your left - and entering words relating to the ailment you are
interested in.
Deficiency Indicators:
Disturbed amino acid metabolism, atherosclerosis, glucose intolerance
in diabetics.
Dosage:
| RDA |
Optimal Health |
Therapeutic Amounts |
| 20-50 mcg |
200 mcg |
600 mcg |
RDA (Recommended Daily Allowance) are dosages developed by the
FDA. These amounts are designed to prevent deficiency symptoms.
For optimal health it is necessary to take a larger dose. The optimal
health amounts are for adults and children weighing over 100 lbs.
Children under the age of six should be given nutritional formulas
designed specifically for young children. The therapeutic amounts
to treat special conditions are usually much higher, and should
not be taken without the supervision of a qualified health care
professional.
Sources:
Chromium is found in very small quantities in: beer, brewer's yeast,
brown rice, cheese, meat, and whole grains, clams, and corn oil.
Comments:
If you have diabetes do not take chromium picolinate without consulting
a qualified health care professional. This supplement can effect
insulin requirements, so you will have to measure your blood sugar
levels very carefully. Some people experience lightheadedness or
a slight skin rash when taking chromium.
