Chromium Supplements As A Vitamin Supplement
Chromium Supplements As A Vitamin Supplement
Chromium is considered to be an essential nutrient that is required for the body’s normal sugar and fat metabolism. Chromium works by elevating the levels of insulin action and therefore is thought to be beneficial in the prevention and cure of Type 2 diabetes. Chromium can naturally be found in the body with the highest levels of concentration found in the kidneys, spleen, bone, and liver. Even though the body only needs small amounts of chromium to function correctly the diets that most of us eat today are very deficient in chromium. Poor diet in North America leads to a high percentage of adults being diabetic, pre-hyperglycemic, and hyperglycemic.
Our bodies need chromium to correctly maintain sugar levels and to promote energy. When combined with other essential nutrients in the body, chromium controls particular enzymes and manages insulin levels. As well, chromium works with the glucose tolerance factor (GTF) by increasing the amount of insulin found in the blood. GTF contains the following elements: Vitamin B3, glycine, cysteine, glutamic acid, and niacin, among others. These elements enhance insulin levels that then result in sugar moving much quicker to the cells. When blood sugar levels are stabilized there is an added benefit of cholesterol being regulated in the blood.
As we age the natural levels of chromium in our bodies start to decline, much the same as the decreasing action of GTF. Increasing chromium levels can benefit our bodies by helping them to function normally and reducing our risk of developing diabetes. Chromium picolinate is one form of chromium supplement that is easily absorbed into the body. Keep in mind that your body will only absorb chromium if there is a shortage of the mineral in the first place. This means that excess amounts of a chromium supplement will present your body with little risk. Chromium picolinate is also used as a supplement to burn carbohydrates and has had very successful results. Chromium picolinate is chromium that has been chelated with picolinate, which is an amino acid metabolite. As well, chromium picolinate is necessary for the synthesis of protein, carbohydrates, and fats within the body, possibly preventing future coronary artery problems.
If your body is lacking in chromium you may notice a variety of symptoms that include tiredness, intolerance to glucose (particularly if you have diabetes), and feelings of anxiety. The recommended daily dosage of chromium is 120 micrograms per day. However, this dosage is the minimum amount that your body needs in order to prevent a serious deficiency from occurring. For therapeutic use you may need to increase the amount of supplement that you take each day.