The trace mineral chromium performs many important functions in the body, including metabolizing fats and carbohydrates and working with insulin to move glucose into the body's cells. Chromium picolinate, one of the most easily absorbed forms of the mineral, has been touted for a number of benefits; however, there is not enough evidence to officially recommend chromium for any condition. You should not use chromium picolinate if you have kidney or liver disorders.
Diabetes
Due to chromium's role in regulating blood sugar, it has been suggested as a useful supplement for both Type 1 and 2 diabetics. The University of Maryland Medical Center or UMMC, notes that clinical studies examining this benefit have produced mixed results. Integrative medicine expert Dr. Andrew Weil recommends diabetics use chromium GTF, which stands for glucose tolerance factor, a type of yeast added to the mineral that helps regulate blood sugar.
Weight Loss and Muscle Mass
Because of its role in the metabolization of nutrients, chromium picolinate has gained a reputation as a natural aid in losing weight and building muscle. The UMMC, Weil and the Memorial-Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, or MSKCC, all note that insufficient evidence exists to support these claims, and any trials producing positive results showed only slight effects. Some positive results included one study showing it produced a feeling of fullness that led to less food consumption as noted by the MSKCC while another showed it reduced cravings for sweets and starchy carbohydrates. The latter study, however, which appeared in the September 2005 edition of the "Journal of Psychiatric Practice" looked specifically at patients who suffer from atypical depression.
Heart Benefits
Chromium picolinate might help reduce levels of bad cholesterol and raise levels of good cholesterol; however, studies have produced mixed results, says the UMMC. Animal studies indicate it might help hypertension, but no human studies exist to back this claim up.
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