Description
Several studies have shown that chromium sup-
plements may improve insulin sensitivity, and lower
blood glucose and elevated body fat. In February
2004, the University of Pennsylvania School of Med-
icine began a comprehensive study of chromium as a
therapy for insulin resistance. This condition occurs
when the body fails to respond properly to the insulin
it already produces. People who are insulin resistant
may have the ability to overcome this problem by
producing more insulin. However, if the body cannot
produce sufficient amounts of insulin, glucose levels in
the bloodstream rise, and type 2 diabetes ultimately
occurs. It is estimated that up to 80 million Americans
have insulin resistance.
A study conducted by Isala Clinics and University
Hospital Groningen in the Netherlands, and released
in 2003, showed that a daily dose of 1,000 micrograms
of chromium significantly reduced blood sugar levels
in people with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes who
use insulin.
Chromium has also been used as an effective treat-
ment for polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), a hor-
monal condition affecting about two million
American women. The condition can lead to infertility
if untreated, and is associated with insulin resistance
and type 2 diabetes. A study released in 2003 by the
State University of New York at Stony Brook showed
that insulin sensitivity increased an average of 35%
after two months of daily treatment with 1,000 micro-
grams (mcg) of chromium.
Through its involvement with insulin function,
chromium plays an indirect role in lowering blood
lipids. Studies suggest, but have not proven, that chro-
mium supplementation can reduce the risk of cardio-
vascular (heart) disease in men, and may decrease total
cholesterol and triglyceride levels. However, several
studies contradict these claims. Studies in animals
suggest chromium supplementation may reduce
hypertension (high blood pressure). Lipid reduction
is secondary to insulin regulation and control; there-
fore, persons whose insulin is well regulated and con-
trolled may not achieve reduced heart disease risk by
taking chromium supplements.
Chromium supplements in high doses—1,000 mcg
or more a day—are sometimes used in weight loss and
muscle development. However, a number of scientific
studies have found that chromium supplements are
not effective in these areas. In fact, precautions warn
against chromium doses exceeding 1,000 mcg per day.
Weight loss and muscle development are secondary to
insulin regulation and control. Therefore, when insu-lin is well regulated and controlled, chromium may not
impact weight loss or muscle development.
A complete lack of chromium is rare, and the
United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
has not established recommended dietary allowances
(RDA) for the mineral. However, national statistics
on the prevalence of diabetes, heart disease, and obe-
sity suggest that chromium deficiencies may be com-
mon. Chromium occurs naturally in meat, seafood,
dairy products, eggs, whole grains, black pepper, and
almonds. According toThe PDR Family Guide to
Natural Medicines and Healing Therapies, the usual
chromium supplement dose for children ages seven
and older and adults is 50–200 mcg a day in tablets
or capsules. For persons with type 2 diabetes who are
not taking insulin, doses from 200–1,000 mcg daily
may be taken. However, persons should only take
doses at these levels after consulting with a physician.
Chromium should not be taken in doses exceeding
1,000 mcg a day. The cost of a bottle of 100 tablets
or capsules (200 mcg) of chromium picolinate ranges
from $5 to $10.Precautions
Doses of 200–1,000 mcg of chromium should be
taken only after consultation with a physician. Preg-
nant or breastfeeding women are advised to consult a
physician before taking chromium supplements.
Chromium should not be taken in doses exceedingKEY TERMS
Calcium carbonate—A salt that is used in many
antacids.
Diabetes—Several metabolic disorders in which
the body produces insufficient insulin.
Glucose—Sugar.
Hypertension—High blood pressure, which, if
untreated, can lead to heart disease and stroke.
Insomnia—The inability to sleep.
Insulin—A hormone that helps liver, muscle and fat
cells take up sugars, starches, and other foods for
conversion into energy the body needs.
Insulin resistance—Also called metabolic syn-
drome, a condition in which the body fails to prop-
erly respond to the insulin it produces.
Polycystic ovarian syndrome—PCOS, a hormonal
condition in women that if untreated can lead to the
inability to have children.Chromium