Chromium Supplements: The Basics
Chromium Supplements: The Basics
Chromium picolinate can be purchased over the counter and is a considered to be a nutritional supplement. Studies show that chromium picolinate is taken for a variety of reasons. Perhaps the most common reason why people take a chromium picolinate supplement is because it helps insulin in aiding the cells produce glucose and to release energy. When there isn’t enough chromium in the body the production and effectiveness of insulin decreases and this impairs the body’s tolerance to glucose. Chromium is also taken as a supplement for weight loss, controlling cholesterol, and building muscle mass. The amount of chromium that your body contains can be measured in the blood and hair. At this time there isn’t a RDA (Recommended Dietary Allowance) for chromium. Guidelines to follow if you’re considering taking chromium supplements are about 20 to 35 µg per day for a healthy adult. You can buy chromium picolinate as an appetite suppressant however its effectiveness is still in question and studies have yet to prove that chromium can cause weight loss.
Chromium supplements are most often sold in the form of chromium picolinate. Your body relies on a variety of nutrients in order to function correctly and remain healthy. Just like you need calcium to keep your bones strong, chromium is needed for insulin health. Getting enough chromium in your diet can be difficult and your body often not easily absorbs what chromium you do get through what you eat. This is why chromium picolinate is an important supplement. Chromium picolinate is simply chromium and picolinc acid in one combination. Chromium picolinate is the easiest form of chromium to absorb. By adding a chromium supplement to your diet your metabolism stabilizes. This is important as you age. When your body doesn’t get enough chromium you start to feel tired and start to gain weight due to a lack of energy and a decreased metabolism. Taking a chromium picolinate supplement every day has many benefits that include an increase in your energy levels, more control over your weight, and better metabolism of carbohydrates.
Chromium picolinate supplements are readily available over the counter from a variety of sources. Keep in mind that some medications may not interact well with chromium picolinate. In some cases you might need more chromium while in others, depending on the type of medication, you may need less of a supplement or may have to avoid taking chromium picolinate altogether. Make sure that you talk with your doctor or pharmacist before mixing chromium picolinate with any other drug that you are taking.