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CHROMIUM |
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| Facts |
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Chromium is an essential element
required for proper sugar and fat metabolism.
It acts as a potentiator of insulin.
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According to Prescription for
Nutritional Healing, two out of three Americans
are hypoglycemic, pre-hypoglycemic or diabetic.
The ability to maintain normal blood sugar levels
is further jeopardised by the lack of chromium
in the soil and water supply and by a diet high
in refined white sugar, white flour and junk foods.1
Dietary surveys have shown a significant number
of Americans receive less than 20 micrograms (mcg.)
per day, which is considered generally inadequate
to meet its nutritional requirement.2
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The biologically active form
of chromium is called glucose tolerance factor
or GTF chromium.
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Chloride is readily absorbed
through the intestinal tract and excesses are
excreted in the urine, feces and perspiration.2
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| Functions |
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Chromium potentiates insulin
action and, therefore, is involved in the metabolism
of glucose and is vital in the synthesis of cholesterol,
fats and protein.
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Studies have indicated that chromium
picolinate (chromium chelated with picolinate,
a naturally occurring amino acid metabolite) promotes
weight loss and increases lean muscle tissue.1
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Some studies have indicated that
individuals with low plasma chromium levels can
be an indication of coronary heart disease.1
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Chloride and the other electrolytes
work with calcium and magnesium in maintaining
nerve transmission and normal muscle contraction
and relaxation.
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Requirements
There is currently no Recommended Daily Allowance or
Daily Value for Chromium.
Signs of Deficiency
Symptoms of a chromium deficiency include: fatigue,
anxiety and glucose intolerance (particularly individuals
with diabetes), inadequate metabolism of amino acids,
elevated plasma free fatty acids, neuropathy and increased
risk of arteriosclerosis.1
Safety
Individuals with diabetes should first consult
with a physician or health care professional before
taking supplemental chromium, especially chromium picolinate
as chromium can affect insulin requirements. Individuals
with low blood sugar may experience symptoms of hypoglycemia
if an excess of chromium is taken.5
Signs of Toxicity
According to Prescription for Nutritional Healing, excessive
intake of chromium (excessive in terms of dosage is
not defined) can produce gastric irritation and ulcers,
kidney and liver impairment.1
Current Research
Heart Disease
Recent findings indicate that chromium supplementation
can reduce one's risk factors for developing cardiovascular
disease. Researchers at Shaare Zedek Medical Center
in Israel found that supplementation of 250 mcg. of
chromium lowered serum triglyceride levels and raised
high density lipoprotein (HDL) levels in 76 patients
diagnosed with atherosclerosis. In animals, the same
researchers discovered that chromium supplementation
reduced "aortic intimal surface covered by plaque,
aortic weight and cholesterol concentrations in rabbits."6,7
Diabetes
Chromium has been shown to improve glucose tolerance,
insulin and haemoglobin of persons in China with Type
2 diabetes. In a study performed in China, the use of
1,000 micrograms of chromium per day (five times above
the upper limit of the estimated safe and adequate daily
dietary intake) was highly effective in relieving many
of the symptomatic manifestations of type 2 diabetes
mellitus.8 In a separate study, 200 mcg of chromium
was administered to persons with slightly elevated blood
sugar levels and persons with moderately low blood sugar
levels (hypoglycemia). In the subjects with slightly
elevated blood sugar levels, there was a considerable
drop of roughly 20 points in blood sugar levels. In
persons with hypoglycemia, chromium supplementation
was affiliated with a 10-point increase in blood sugar
levels.9
Weight Loss
In a recent review of the literature on chromium, two
researchers conclude, "In addition to type 2 diabetes
mellitus, chromium supplementation may be useful to
direct overall weight decrements specifically towards
fat loss with the retention of lean body mass and to
ameliorate many manifestations of aging."8
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1 Balch, J.F. and P.A. Prescription for
Nutritional Healing. Avery Publishing, 1997.:pp24
2 Nielsen, F. The balderdash and realities of health and
performance claims for supplements as exemplified by calcium,
chromium and vanadium. Proceedings of North Dakota Academy
of Science, 1999; v. 53.
3 Nielsen, F. Importance of making dietary recommendations
for elements designated as nutritionally beneficial, pharmacologically
beneficial, or conditionally essential. J of Trace Elem
in Exp Med, 2000; 13: 113-129.
4 Schauss, A. Minerals and human health: the rationale
for optimal and balanced trace element levels. Life Sciences
Press, 1995: pp.15-16.
5 Barney, P. Doctor's Guide to Natural Medicine. Woodland
Publishing, 1998.
6 Abraham A., Brooks B., Eylath U., The effects of chromium
supplementation on serum glucose and lipids in patients
with and without non-insulin dependent diabetes. Metabolism,
1992; 41: 768-771. |
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