Chromium is involved in the metabolism of carbohydrates, protein and fat, but its precise mechanism of action still remain unclear. This mineral has been very popular in the media in the last few years and as a result, a lot of supplements marketed to people with diabetes now contain chromium, in the form of chromium picolinate, which is claimed to lower blood glucose levels.
Chromium and Diabetes
Researchers in the late 1950s found that brewer's yeast—a very good source of chromium—prevented aging rats from developing high blood sugar levels by improving the action of insulin, the hormone responsible for controlling blood glucose levels. Chromium was therefore identified as the "glucose tolerance factor." Since then, studies have yielded conflicting results. However, a recent meta-analysis published in the August 2007 issue of Diabetes Care showed that chromium moderately reduced the hemoglobin A1C—or average blood glucose levels—in people with type 2 diabetes, but not in people with normal glucose tolerance or in people with glucose intolerance, or prediabetes.
Chromium Picolinate as a Supplement
Chromium picolinate is widely available in drugstores. If you decide to take this supplement, consult your pharmacist and health care team, as with any supplement or natural health product. The Joslin Diabetes Center recommends taking 50mcg to 200mcg per day and warns people not to take over 200mcg, as it can lead to kidney and chromosome damage.
Dietary Sources
Chromium deficiency is rare since this mineral is widely available in the food supply and only needed in tiny amounts. One of the best sources is brewer's yeast, although it may not be a popular choice because of the bloating it can induce in some people. Other good dietary sources that may fit in your diabetes meal plan are whole grains such as breakfast cereals and breads; egg yolk; cheese; peanut butter; nuts; seafood; turkey; fruits such as apples, oranges and bananas; vegetables such as broccoli and green beans; and even red wine.
Keep Your Chromium
You can enhance chromium absorption with vitamin C, which is abundant in vegetables such as broccoli and fruits like strawberries, and vitamin B3—or niacin—which is found in meats, poultry, fish and grain products. Stay away from simple sugars. Consuming more than 35 percent of your calories in the form of sugars promotes the excretion of chromium in your urine, according to the National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements.
Recommendations
The adequate intake, or AI, established by the Institute of Medicine varies between 20mcg and 35mcg for adults and is easily obtained through a balanced diet. The NIH Office of Dietary Supplements currently states that data regarding the efficacy of chromium for diabetes is controversial and that more well-conducted studies are needed before recommending this mineral for improving diabetes control. If ever you decide to take chromium picolinate, talk to your health care team, as it interacts with some common medications, such as insulin, beta-blockers and corticosteroids, by enhancing their effects.
