Chromium Picolinate Benefits

Chromium picolinate is a nutritional supplement formed by the combination of the element chromium and picolinic acid. The element chromium is a naturally-occurring mineral, and trace amounts of it are found in food items such as fish, poultry, meat and whole grain breads. However, processed foods are very low in chromium, as the food gets stripped of the natural chromium during processing. Certain studies reveal that on an average 33mcg of chromium consumption is required on a daily basis. In an experiment conducted in 1968, it was shown that animals which did not receive sufficient amounts of chromium, insulin was not optimally effective. This could cause damage to the body systems dependent on insulin. Chromium is essential to facilitate the transport of blood glucose across cell membranes. In succession to this experiment, the FDA recommended a daily chromium picolinate dosage of approximately 130mcg. Chromium picolinate is effective in increasing the efficiency of insulin to optimum levels. Moreover, the combination of chromium and picolinic acid facilitates efficient chromium absorption in the body.

Benefits of Chromium Picolinate

Chromium helps maintain the efficiency of insulin, which then helps maintain the blood glucose level. This is because in presence of chromium, the insulin hormone is secreted by the body, which in turn induces the body cells to utilize sugar, thereby regulating the sugar metabolism. These nutritional supplements permit the transmission of glucose to muscle cells instead of fat cells. Thus, it is beneficial in building muscles. Some commercial promoters claim that these supplements help develop lean body mass, however, clinical trials have not succeeded in proving these claims.

It is believed that the supplement increases protein synthesis, which aids the expansion of lean body mass. Moreover, the supplement is believed to reduce food cravings and appetite, thereby assisting weight loss. Researchers say that the supplement can reduce carbohydrate craving, thereby controlling the amount of food consumption. Chromium picolinate supplements are also believed to help reduce the cholesterol levels and heart disease prevention.

Scores of people take these supplements because of the chromium picolinate weight loss property. Chromium picolinate benefits have not been validated and though these supplements are considered safe, it is important to know if they have any side effects. Some of the chromium picolinate side effects are headaches, irregular heartbeats, insomnia, diarrhea, vomiting, etc. Some of the severe side effects are vomiting blood, presence of blood in stools, abdominal pain, yellowing of skin, dark urine, rashes in the skin, wheezing, etc.

Some studies have shown that when the dosage is within the range of 50-200mcg, the chromium picolinate dosage is considered to be safe, and side effects are not seen to appear when taken in this amount. With the desire to gain maximum chromium picolinate benefits, one should not consume more than the recommended dose. People who consumed more than 1200mcg were reported with severe symptoms like liver damage, anemia, and kidney failure. The other side effects have to still be researched and determined.

On the whole, these supplements are highly beneficial to restore the chromium levels in the body, which decrease with age. They elevate the mood, boost body metabolism, and combat acne. Chromium picolinate supplements have not been guaranteed by the FDA, since more research regarding the validation of the benefits has to be yet carried out. One should consume these supplements only after consulting a doctor or nutritionist.