Does Chromium Help Calm A Sweet Tooth?

Chromium is an important mineral that is related to blood sugar regulation. Although the body only needs a small amount of chromium, up to 90 percent of Americans are low in it, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Still, few people are deficient in this mineral. Having an overly intense sweet tooth or sugar cravings might be a sign that you are low in chromium. See your doctor if this is the case before supplementing with this or any other nutrient.

Identification

Chromium is a trace mineral found in small amounts in the body. This nutritional form of chromium, technically known as trivalent chromium, is not the same as industrial, or hexavalant, chromium, which is linked to cancer, according to Melissa Diane Smith in the book, "User's Guide to Nutritional Supplements." Chromium helps insulin work more efficiently to move blood sugar into the cells so that it can be used for energy. Without chromium, insulin cannot work properly.

Function

Chromium is crucial for keeping blood sugar stable, according to nutrition expert Julia Ross in her book, "The Diet Cure." It directly prevents carbohydrate cravings, adds Ross, and many people are deficient in this mineral. Consuming too much sugar also blocks the absorption of chromium, which worsens issues with blood sugar regulation. Ross states that many of her clients noticed their sugar cravings stopped once they included supplementation of 200 mcg a day of chromium to their diet.

Studies

In a 1998 study published in the "Journal of the American College of Nutrition," researchers found that supplemental chromium has beneficial effects without documented side effects on people with varying degrees of glucose intolerance ranging from mild blood sugar imbalances to Type 2 diabetes. Another study from 2008 in the "Journal of Nutrition" found that chromium helped enhance insulin in insulin-resistant mice, and therefore may have potential beneficial effects in insulin-resistant, prediabetic conditions. Since low blood sugar can cause sugar cravings, these studies indicate that chromium may be helpful with calming a sweet tooth.

Considerations

As with any nutrient, it is best to obtain chromium from food sources. Those include brewer's yeast, lean meats, cheeses and whole-grain breads, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Possible side effects of high doses of chromium include stomach irritation, itching, flushing irregular heart rhythms and liver dysfunction. Work with your doctor to determine if your chromium levels are low and if supplementation is right for you, especially if you are currently on diabetes medication.