In recent years, scientists have studied the links among diet, nutrition and the development of mood disorders, including depression. Chromium piccolinate, an important mineral that occurs naturally in certain foods and is also available in supplement form, may help with depressive symptoms. Several studies have shown that chromium piccolinate may have a beneficial effect on major depressive disorders such as dysthymia, atypical depression and major depression.
About Depressive Disorders
"Major depression" is a term generally used to refer to one of the depressive disorders, including major depressive disorder, dysthymia or dysthymic disorder and atypical depression. Although the severity and types of symptoms vary for each disorder, some symptoms are shared. These include a lowered mood for most of the time; decreased self-esteem; lack of interest in activities you used to enjoy; appetite and sleep changes; fatigue; cravings for certain, usually carbohydrate-laden, foods; and in some cases, suicidal thoughts or gestures.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, the causes of depressive disorders are not totally understood; however, chemical, biological and social factors play an important role. In recent years, scientists have examined the effect of diet and nutrition on depression. Specifically, researchers have found that certain nutrients may have an impact on the production of the mood-regulating neurotransmitter serotonin.
Serotonin, Chromium and Depression
Some researchers have speculated that depression may be the result of insulin resistance. In fact, a study published in the December 2004 issue of the "British Medical Journal" showed a strong correlation between depression and insulin resistance. Chromium is a mineral that may play an important role in increasing insulin sensitivity, which may increase serotonin production. Increased levels of serotonin are thought to decrease depressive symptoms, according to Dr. Malcolm Noell McLeod in his book, "Lifting Depression: The Chromium Connection."
Clinical Evidence
Several studies have shown that chromium can provide benefits to patients suffering from a variety of depressive disorders. A study, published in 2000, in the "International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology" demonstrated chromium's antidepressant effects on patients with major depressive disorder and dysthymia. In this study, chromium supplementation appeared to provide relief from symptoms such as carbohydrate cravings, reduced energy and social withdrawal. Another study published in the September 2005 issue of the "Journal of Psychiatric Practice" showed chromium's benefits for appetite regulation and reduction of carbohydrate cravings in patients with atypical depression.
Considerations
Chromium is naturally present in food sources such as lean meats, mushrooms, cheese, whole grain breads and cereals, brewer's yeast and molasses. Although chromium supplements are generally considered to be safe, high doses may cause unwanted side effects, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. You should not use chromium supplementation for depressive symptoms without consulting your doctor.
References
- National Institute of Mental Health: Depression
- "British Medical Journal"; Insulin Resistance and Depression: Cross-Sectional Study; Markku Timonen et al; December 2004
- "Lifting Depression: The Chromium Connection"; Malcolm Noell McLeod, MD; 2005
- "International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology"; Chromium Treatment for Depression; Malcolm N. McLeod and Robert N. Golden; 2000
- "Journal of Psychiatric Practice"; A Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Exploratory Trial of Chromium Piccolinate in Atypical Depression: Effect on Carbohydrate Craving; John Docherty, MD et al; September 2005
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Chromium
