Zinc and chromium picolinate are two minerals that perform various tasks in your body. They are both considered essential because your body cannot make them and must be obtained though diet or supplementation. Chromium comes in many forms and, according Laura Shane-McWhorter in her book, "Guide To Herbs and Nutritional Supplements," chromium picolinate appears to be the most effective supplemental form of zinc. Zinc also comes in various forms, including zinc glycinate, zinc sulfate and zinc gluconate.
Chromium Basics
Chromium is sometimes called glucose tolerance factor, or GTF, because it plays an important role in the metabolism of glucose, commonly referred to as sugar; plus it helps you to maintain stable blood-sugar and insulin levels. Due to its regulating effect on blood sugar and insulin, chromium is beneficial to both diabetics and hypoglycemic patients. In fact, many people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes use chromium to effectively improve their blood sugar and cholesterol levels.
Chromium and Your Metabolism
Chromium also is essential for the proper metabolism of cholesterol, fats and proteins. Due to its effect on blood-sugar and its role in metabolic functions, chromium also is thought to be beneficial for weight loss. In fact, chromium picolinate supplements may help to increase lean muscle mass, speed up metabolism, increase energy and promote the burning of body fat.
Chromium Supplements and Deficiencies
Many Americans are deficient in chromium, according to Phyllis Balch as stated in her book, "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," and a deficiency can lead to anxiety, fatigue, blood-sugar imbalances, trouble digesting proteins and an increased risk of atherosclerosis. Chromium supplements are considered safe and no upper limit has been established for them, but side effects such as skin reactions, kidney toxicity and mood disturbances have been documented in high doses, so talk to your doctor before supplementing your diet with it.
Zinc Basics
The essential mineral zinc is thought to support the immune system and may help to prevent and treat the common cold. Vegetarians and people who eat a lot of grains may be deficient in zinc because a chemical in grains and legumes can lower zinc absorption.
Zinc Benefits
Zinc has a variety of different beneficial effects on your body, and it may help treat acne, slow-wound healing, macular degeneration, herpes, sickle-cell disease, gastric ulcers and pneumonia. Other potential benefits of zinc include increased production of collagen, the protection of the liver, the formation of healthy bones and the reduction of free radicals.
Zinc, Diabetes, and Supplemental Precautions
Zinc is similar to chromium in that it also is implicated as useful for the treatment of type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Zinc may increase the production of insulin in your body, according to McWhorter; however, she warns that more research needs to be done to confirm this theory. Unfortunately, zinc supplements may cause upset stomach and nausea, and they also may interfere with the absorption of certain medications and essential nutrients. As such, you should consult with a health care practitioner before supplementing with zinc.
References
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing, Third Edition"; Phyllis Balch; 2003
- "Guide to Herbs and Nutritional Supplements"; Laura Shane-McWhorter; 2009
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