Benefits Of Chromium Picolinate

Chromium is an essential mineral your body needs in small amounts. When combined with picolinic acid, it is referred to as chromium picolinate and is sold as a nutritional supplement. It is used to prevent chromium deficiency, which may develop as a result of poor diet, stress and aging, according to the National Institutes of Health. Along with preventing chromium deficiency, chromium picolinate has been found to have a positive influence on certain medical conditions. Never self-treat yourself with dietary supplements, but speak to your physician before adding any to your daily routine.

Diabetes Benefits

Chromium plays a role in the metabolism of fats and carbohydrates in your body, and has been studied for its effect on diabetes. With a condition referred to as insulin resistance, diabetics are not able to use insulin properly. Researchers at the University of Wyoming examined the effects of chromium picolinate in diabetic models of obese mice. The results of their study, published in the June 2008 issue of "Obesity," show that chromium improved diabetes markers by alleviating both glucose intolerance and insulin resistance. Chromium's actions are related to the fact that it improves the signaling action of insulin and lowers the amount of sugars that are left to circulate in your bloodstream.

Cholesterol Benefits

High cholesterol is an excess of fats in the bloodstream that may build up on your arterial walls, leading to heart disease, heart attack or stroke. A benefit of chromium picolinate is its ability to lower your cholesterol levels, according to a review in the December 2006 issue of "Diabetes Technology and Therapeutics." Authors state that numerous studies show that chromium reduces blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels, which are often elevated with diabetes. The fact that chromium picolinate is better absorbed than other forms of chromium may account for its cholesterol-lowering benefits.

Heart Benefits

Chromium picolinate may also benefit your heart health, according to a study published in the 2010 issue of "Pharmacological Reports." Researchers examined the effects of chromium picolinate against several markers of heart disease including elevated blood pressure and abnormal vascular function. Their results show that while it did not affect blood pressure measurements, chromium picolinate does promote the relaxation of blood vessels, improves blood flow and the rate of recovery to heart muscle after heart attack damage.

Precautions

As with any dietary supplement, there are precautions you should be aware of when considering chromium picolinate supplementation. According to the National Institutes of Health, chromium picolinate is generally safe when used as a supplement for less than six months. However, when used longer than six months users have reported headaches, nausea, dizziness, impaired judgement and loss of coordination. More serious side effects include liver and kidney damage. Before consuming chromium picolinate, speak to your physician, especially if you are currently being treated for any medical conditions.