There are two chromium supplements: chromium picolinate and niacin-bound chromium. Niacin-bound chromium, or chromium glucose tolerance factor, or GTF, comes from Brewer's yeast. Chromium picolinate shows toxicity resulting in renal impairment, anemia, hemolysis, liver dysfunction, tissue edema and impaired cognitive, perceptual and motor activity. Both are derivatives of trivalent chromium, an essential mineral found in foods and utilized by the body.
Glucose Metabolism
In the 1970s, it was noted that a patient receiving total parenteral nutrition, meaning all nutrients are received intravenously, became severely diabetic, underweight and hyperglycemic. After receiving chromium GTF supplementation, all symptoms were alleviated, notes "Diabetes Care." Chromium also plays a key role in the metabolizing of glucose and the decreasing of insulin insensitivity, acting as a co-factor for insulin and the movement of glucose into the cells to be used for energy.
Decreased Weight
Much controversy surrounds the loss of weight in conjunction with chromium supplementation. At best, notes "Diabetes Care," results are inconclusive. Some studies show a minimal weight loss, fat loss and muscle gain associated with exercise in patients with or without diabetes. Other studies also indicate lowered serum lipid, or fat, levels and improved glucose levels. Some studies indicate no such findings. It adds that findings do reveal lowered glucose and insulin concentrations are only relevant for those with diabetes.
Decreased Cardiovascular Risk
The journal "Diabetes Care," cites several studies involving men with and without diabetes, and the incidence of cardiovascular disease. It concludes that adequate chromium intake plays a role in preventing cardiovascular disease. The incidence of myocardial infarction in more than 33,000 test subjects was also lower in men with higher levels of chromium. These results were gleaned over a seven-year study period.
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