In the never-ending quest to find a substance that will make weight disappear, people are eager to try whatever the latest and greatest weight-loss "discovery" is advertised. Manufacturers of dietary supplements are just as eager to sell such discoveries, which all too often are based on faulty science or incomplete data. Chromium picolinate is one such substance, so beware of any claims made of its weight-loss properties.
Background
Chromium is a dietary element that humans need in trace amounts. The dietary form of chromium is trivalent chromium, or chromium 3+. Chromium is one of the factors required for normal glucose and lipid metabolism. The Office of Dietary Supplements adds that chromium likely plays a role in the metabolism of protein too. Additionally, the University of Maryland Medical Center, or UMMC, states, "Chromium is an antioxidant, which helps protect the body against free radical damage."
History
In 1957, scientists W. Mertz and K. Schwarz who were studying brewer's yeast determined that a compound within the yeast prevented an age-related decline in rats to maintain normal levels of glucose in their blood. In 1959 that substance was identified as chromium, which the study authors deemed the "glucose tolerance factor."
Benefits
There are three main purported uses of chromium: control of blood sugar in diabetes, loss or reduction of body fat and improvement or increase in muscle.
The Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, the University of Maryland Medical Center, Mayoclinic.com and the Office of Dietary Supplements all conclude that research results have been inconclusive to affirm the use of chromium picolinate for the treatment of diabetes or for strength training.
Of these four health authorities, only the University of Maryland Medical Center advises that chromium picolinate may have effects on the reduction of body fat, stating, "However, despite the popularity of chromium (especially chromium picolinate) for weight loss, the effects are small compared to those of exercise and a well-balanced diet."
Sources
Chromium is found in small amounts in many foods, including brewer's yeast, fish, meat, fruits, whole grain, liver, American cheese, animal fat, brown sugar and alfalfa, as noted by the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center.
UMMC cites organ meats, mushrooms, oatmeal, nuts, prunes, asparagus and prunes as food sources rich in chromium.
Dosage
UMMC advises that the usual adult dosage taken of chromium is 200 mcg one to three times daily.
Warning
Consult your health care provider before beginning to take any dietary supplement. UMMC warns that taking chromium supplements could interact with antacids or any diabetic medications you may be taking.
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