Chromium is a trace mineral, meaning it is only found in small concentrations in your body, but it is essential for several key metabolic and biochemical processes. Chromium picolinate is a a form of chromium that is more readily absorbed by your digestive tract, and is the preferred form of chromium found in most nutritional supplements, according to the book, "Nutrition for Health, Fitness, and Sport." Chromium may play a role in the regulation of blood pressure; however, how much it is able to effect blood pressure was still unclear as of 2011. Talk with your doctor before taking a chromium supplement to treat high blood pressure to make sure it is safe for you to use.
The Theory
Chromium controls blood sugar levels by increasing concentrations of glucose tolerance factor, or GTF, in your bloodstream. GTF increases the effects of insulin, the hormone responsible for transporting sugar to your body's cells, where it is converted into energy. According to Dr. Barry Mennen, chromium reduces insulin resistance, which can have a beneficial effect on high blood pressure.
Research
According to a study published in the journal, "Clinical Nephrology," researchers found that chromium picolinate, as well as other forms of chromium, can successfully lower sugar-induced increases in blood pressure. Chromium picolinate has also been found to lower blood concentrations of lipids, or fats, in humans, which is a major contributor to high blood pressure. According to a study published in the "Western Journal of Medicine," researchers found that chromium picolinate supplementation reduced levels of total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein, or "bad" cholesterol.
Safety
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, a high intake of chromium supplements may cause some adverse reactions, which include inhibiting the effects of insulin on controlling blood sugar levels. A high intake of chromium supplements can also cause stomach irritation, itching, and flushing. Although rare, some users have reported irregular heart beats and liver and kidney dysfunctions resulting from chromium picolinate.
Recommendations
According to eMedTV, there is not enough scientific information regarding the upper limit of chromium picolinate, making daily intake recommendations difficult. The Office of Dietary Supplements has set the adequate intake of chromium at 35 mcg per day in adult men and 25 mcg per day in adult women. Older adults require slightly less chromium, while women who are pregnant or lactating require more. Talk with your doctor to determine how much chromium is right for you.
References
- "Nutrition for Health, Fitness, and Sport"; Melvin H. Williams; 2002
- WHfoods.org; Chromium
- HBCI.com; Dietary Chromium: An Overview; Barry Mennen
- "Clinical Nephrology"; Effects of Different Chromium Compounds on Blood Pressure and Lipid Peroxidation in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats; H.G. Preuss et al.; May 1997
- "Western Journal of Medicine"; The Effect of Chromium Picolinate on Serum Cholesterol and Apolipoprotein Fractions in Human Subjects; R.I. Press et al.; Jan 1990
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Chromium
