Your body uses the mineral chromium for a variety of purposes, and it can only get it from food or supplementation as the body cannot manufacture it on its own. Chromium contains a particular compound that helps insulin more efficiently remove glucose from the bloodstream and into the cells for energy. Medline Plus, a service of the National Institutes of Health, says chromium can help manage type 2 diabetes, but it should not be viewed as a substitute for other treatments. Dosage guidelines have been established for chromium use, but you should always check with your doctor for guidance on how much to take.
General Recommended Dosage
To address health conditions, you often need a larger amount of a substance than is required to prevent deficiency. Such is the case with chromium -- most adults need only 25 mcg to 30 mcg daily. According to the UMMC, you need at least 200 mcg one to three times daily to achieve therapeutic benefit. Diabetics might benefit from even more, up to 1,000 mcg daily, but the safety of using this dosage long-term has not been established. You should consult with your doctor to determine the dosage most effective for you.
Research Study Using High Doses
A study published in the August 2006 issue of "Diabetes Care" sought to examine the effects of chromium supplementation on type 2 diabetics. For six months, subjects either took the glucose-lowering drug sulfonylurea with placebo or with 1,000 mcg of chromium. The researchers found those supplementing with chromium experienced a significant improvement in insulin sensitivity; they also experienced weight loss and a reduction in visceral fat -- the kind that lies deep within the abdomen. This study utilized the higher dose noted by the UMMC. These participants, however, were closely monitored by a team of researchers who would be able to check for any negative effects.
Use with Diabetes Medications
Using chromium or other supplements at the same time as blood-sugar-lowering drugs might cause blood sugar to drop too low. If you do decide to use chromium and it works for you, you will likely require adjustments in dosages of insulin or other medications that lower glucose levels.
Other Side Effects
The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine reports that high doses of chromium could cause kidney damage -- a particular concern if you have diabetes as you are already at an increased risk of this complication. The Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer center reports two cases of renal failure that were triggered by chromium consumption. It also notes potential liver toxicity.
References
- "Diabetes Care"; "Chromium Picolinate Supplementation Attenuates Body Weight Gain and Increases Insulin Sensitivity in Subjects With Type 2 Diabetes"; Julie Martin, et al;August 2006
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Diabetes and CAM
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Chromium
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center; Chromium
