Chromium Supplements Info

Chromium is a vital trace mineral, its uses and benefits are multifaceted. It is one of the most sought after dietary supplements in the world and in the American market. Only calcium supersedes it as the best selling mineral. It is also known as Picolinate but it is also sold as Chloride and Polynicotinate forms as well.

According to research, 90% are deficient in this vital mineral. Clearly, its need is self-evident as it has been used in everything from increasing the production of HDL cholesterol (the good) and lowering LDL cholesterol (the bad).

The uses for chromium includes being used by bodybuilders as a nutritional supplement as it contributes to the building of lean muscle tissue, while aiding weight loss. Perhaps its best use, though, is in assisting and boosting the health of diabetics. How is it used by the body? As an essential trace mineral, it plays a vital role in breaking down carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. Its superb breaking down of fat contributes to its reputation of helping to fight against heart disease -- the number one killer in the Western world. It also helps breakdown glucose (blood sugar) once it has been stored in fat cells.

This may be one of the reasons why it has shown to help contribute to weight loss. It also helps to regulate glucose levels, which is of especial concern to diabetics. Diabetes can be severe enough over time where the pancreas (the organ that generates insulin) can't generate it or is severely limited in doing so. Many people are insulin resistant -- not just diabetics.

Therefore, assimilable chromium supplements may enable or assist those who are insulin resistant by keeping glucose levels moderated.

In addition, chromium supplements may help play a role in normalizing blood sugar levels to optimum levels. Double-blind clinical trial studies have validated this. Some clinical studies have shown diabetics can decrease their dosage of diabetes prescribed drugs.

For best absorption, it should be taken or combined with vitamin C and vitamin B3 (niacin). If you are taking a nutritional supplement that has vitamin C and niacin in it as well as chromium, this is sufficient for optimum assimilation.

Chromium Supplement Guidelines

This nutrient is a safe supplement. However, while there have been no serious side effects reported that we're aware of, it is reported that if you are taking certain specific prescribed drugs, which we mentioned in the last section, you should consult with your doctor to change the dosage you're receiving.

Again, if you have diabetes, consult with your physician before taking a chromium supplement as it may alter insulin requirements. (If you don't have diabetes, or if you don't take these drugs, this warning is non-applicable.) If you are pregnant or breast feeding, it is also ill advised to take large amounts.

It is also recommended that of the uses for chromium, taking calcium carbonate supplements or antacids at the same time is ill advised as they impair absorption. In addition, if you happen to be taking extra zinc, the absorption of zinc will be minimized due to excessive amounts of chromium.

While there is no recommended daily allowance for this nutrient, 50 to 200 mcg a day is sufficient for the benefits of it to be enacted while eliminating any combination problems. As always, it's important. If you have diabetes, take 200 mcg a day; if you're overweight, take 200 mcg a day as well. As it has been known to cause stomach irritation occasionally, take it with food or water.

Taking more than 1,000 mcg a day for months is extremely ill advised as it could contribute to kidney period -- IF taken daily for months. However, 50 to 200 mcg is perfectly safe.

Recommendations

While clinical studies are still ongoing, I believe it is a dietary supplement that has many benefits. The various claims made by supplement manufacturers have often been outlandish, but studies have shown the uses for chromium with regulating insulin functioning and in turn blood sugar levels to be among its chief benefit. Other studies have also shown it to contribute to weight loss.

Much research is still needed as to its efficacy in building muscle mass but if it did nothing else than to help regulate insulin functioning, it would be deemed worthwhile.

It is therefore our opinion that this nutrient coupled with a diet high in fruits, vegetables, grains, and moderate uses of processed and refined foods can contribute to your health.

Choosing Quality Chromium Supplements

1. The supplements should be produced at pharmaceutical standard GMP registered facilities. Facilities that are GMP registered comply with the most rigid standards so as to minimize the possibility of contaminants. Nutritional supplements are not regulated by FDA and as such fraud is rampant. Click here for more info.
2. Ensure the supplement manufacturer has a Certificate of Analysis (COA) on file for review by you the customer thus confirming the potency of the herbal ingredients listed on the label.
3. Ideally, make sure the supplement does not contain any fillers or additives such as sucrose (sugar), starch, gluten, silica (sand) or any other artificial colors, dyes, or flavors.

Quality Chromium

I've found a company that offers GMP compliant products. Their multivitamin supplement product is scientifically formulated containing not only chromium but also vitamins, minerals, trace and specialty minerals, enzymes, and nutrient-rich enzymes.

This multivitamin supplement is a one-of-a-kind nutraceutical. Incidentally, we've been taking this supplement for more than a year now and can attest to its benefits. Ive experience greater energy, better sleep, better skin tone, increased cognitive functions, and overall better health.

Yours in health, hope, and harmony,
Nutritional Supplement Bible.com