A trace mineral with a variety of health benefits, chromium is essential for your health, but found in very low concentrations in the body. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, as many as 90 percent of American diets are low in chromium, though not many people are chromium deficient. In addition to its benefits for people with diabetes and possible cardiovascular benefits, chromium also may promote weight loss.
Available Sources
Normally found in the diet in brewer's yeast, lean meats, cheese, pork kidney, whole grains and various other foods, chromium also is available in a variety of supplements. Common forms of supplemental chromium include chromium polynicotinate, chromium histidnate and chromium picolinate. This mineral also is available in various multivitamins.
Chromium Polynicotinate
Chromium polynicotinate supplements contain chromium bound to niacin--also called vitamin B-3. This biologically active form of chromium supplement may be more beneficial because your body appears to be able to absorb it better than other forms of chromium.
Weight Control in Women
According to the Life Extension Foundation, chromium polynicotinate helps with food-intake regulation, and appears to support healthy weight control in women. A 1997 study conducted by "Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise" found that chromium polynicotinate may cause significant weight loss in obese women when combined with exercise, while chromium nicotinate actually may cause obese women to gain weight.
Body Composition
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, evidence from several studies suggests that supplementing with chromium may improve lean body mass while reducing body fat. However, UMMC claims that, despite chromium's popularity as a weight-loss supplement, its effects on weight loss and body composition are minor.
Precautions
Beacuse chromium poynicotinate contains niacin, people suffering from hepatitis or liver damage should consider another form of chromium supplementation. Niacin also may cause stomach irritation. As with any other vitamin or dietary supplement, chromium polynicotinate may interact with other vitamins, supplements or medications. Therefore, you should consult a doctor before use.
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