Chromium picolinate is a type of mineral derived from chromium, which is found in various dietary supplements. Most of these products improve the metabolism of nutrients that help us to lose weight. However, people who want or are curious about using these products are uncertain about their efficacy and safety.
This article helps us to discuss the possible benefits of chromium picolinate, and in this way, the individual will be able to discern whether or not the dietary supplement is suitable for him or her.
What is chromium picolinate?
Chromium ore exists in various forms. However, a toxic form is available within industrial pollution. Nevertheless, the safe derivative is found within dietary supplements in the form of chromium picolinate.
The safe derivative, in the form of trivalent chromium, is usually considered an essential mineral, which means that it should be administered during the diet. It is important to note that several authors question the effectiveness of chromium picolinate; however, they maintain that this supplement fulfills metabolic functions within the physiology of the organism.
This chromium derivative is part of a molecule called chromodulin, which helps the hormone insulin to perform all physiological functions in the body.
Insulin, a molecule released from the pancreas, is extremely important in the metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids and proteins in your body.
It is curious how the absorption of chromium via the intestine is very low, absorbing less than 2.5% of the mineral ingested. This means that the best way to absorb chromium is through chromium picolinate, since it is better absorbed. For the above mentioned, this type of presentation is the one commonly found in dietary supplements.
Does chromium picolinate decrease insulin resistance?
In healthy individuals, insulin plays a major role in cell signaling within the body, as it helps to deliver ingested sugar to the cells of the human body.
In individuals with diabetes, for example, they present problems with the body’s normal physiological response to insulin.
Different studies over the past few years have shown that taking chromium supplements helps improve blood sugar levels for people with insulin resistance or for people with diabetes: “One study found that 16 weeks of consuming 200 μg/day of chromium could lower blood sugar and insulin while improving the body’s response to insulin.”
Other research affirms that individuals with high blood sugar levels have a lower sensitivity to insulin. Therefore, after starting the supplement, they begin to respond favorably.
Another study corroborated that the probability of having diabetes is twenty-seven percent lower in people who take dietary supplements containing chromium.
Finally, other studies suggest that this supplement improves insulin resistance in people suffering from type 2 diabetes.
It is important to note that different research suggests that obese adults who do not suffer from insulin resistance or diabetes per se did not improve their response to this molecule with chromium picolinate supplementation.
It is important to note that in healthy people, without alterations to the physiological insulin response, chromium picolinate does not alter blood glucose levels.
With the information provided in the previous paragraphs, we can conclude that significant benefits have been observed in people with diabetes.
Chromium picolinate… an excellent ally to reduce anxiety.
Most of us who have tried to lose weight and more importantly, keep it off, are familiar with the feelings of hunger and intense cravings caused by anxiety. Therefore, most of us are interested in supplements, medications or foods that help reduce the incidence and prevalence of anxiety attacks.
Several studies suggest that chromium picolinate helps reduce craving rates in people who want to maintain their weight: “In an 8-week study, 1000 μg/day of chromium, reduced food intake, hunger and cravings in healthy overweight women.”
Chromium picolinate, an excellent ally when it comes to weight loss
The role of chromium in the metabolism of essential nutrients and the effects on the behavior of this mineral in the food process. It has led to the conclusion that it is a highly effective supplement when you want to lose weight.
What foods do I get chromium from?
It is important to note that chromium picolinate is not found in foods, but rather the mineral chromium per se. However, it is relevant to note that during the cultivation processes within agriculture, they affect the amount of chromium in food products.
The actual amount of foods containing chromium picolinate varies from one product to another. However, foods containing this mineral are as follows:
- Red meat.
- Integral products.
- Broccoli.
- Oranges.
The dietary intake of chromium in the United States is:
- 35 μg/day for adult men.
- 25 μg/day for adult women.
- 30 μg/day for men (Over 50 years of age).
Consequently, should I take supplements with chromium?.
Yes, as long as you are under the supervision of a health specialist.
Remember:.
- Chromium picolinate is found in dietary supplements.
- Chromium picolinate helps improve or reduce insulin response in people with insulin resistance or diabetes.
- Reduces anxiety.
- It does NOT help to lose weight; however, by decreasing anxiety, measurements will decrease.
- Discuss with your doctor whether you are a fit person to ingest chromium picolinate.
