Nutrition Facts - Diet And Nutrition - Free Diet Plans

Chromium I

July 6th, 2005

I read where chromium picolinate is recommended for people with hypoglycemia. Can a person vary on the amount taken daily? (i.e. take more when in a bad mood)

Also, is there a certain amount of sugar able to be taken that won’t effect one’s emotional state? Also, is there a recommended diet?

First of all, sweets do affect a person’s mood, but with varying results from different amounts. Secondly, chromium as a mineral functions as a glucose tolerance factor, but the question is, what amount is appropriate as a supplement and can it be toxic?

It is not recommended to use chromium picolinate to control blood sugar levels. There is no proof that chromium supplements can help treat or prevent diabetes and other health problems. Methods to assess chromium amounts in the body are lacking, but chromium is stored in hair and blood (serum). However, hair analysis is not a valid method to analyze nutritional status of chromium or any other nutrient.

It is relatively easy to get safe and adequate amounts of chromium (50-200 micrograms per day) by eating a variety of foods like brewer’s yeast, calf’s liver, American cheese and wheat germ.

People who take chromium picolinate supplements may suffer health problems rather than improved health. Although claims of weight loss, lowered cholesterol and reversal of diabetes are unfounded, researchers have shown that chromium supplements damaged cell chromosomes which are the blueprints for a cell’s function and reproduction. It is generally thought that cancer starts with a change to the genetic material in a cell causing it to grow and reproduce without restraint.

How effective and safe are Chromium Picolinate and Fenfluramine as appetite suppressants?

Chromium Picolinate is sold over the counter as a nutritional supplement. Chromium works with insulin in assisting cells to take in glucose and release energy. Chromium Picolinate has not been shown to cause weight loss and its ability to improve insulin effectiveness is being questioned.

Fenfluramine is the chemical name of a drug that inhibits the release of serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is the “feel good me” drug that the brain produces. Tryptophan (an amino acid found in complete proteins, especially turkey and chicken) is a precursor of serotonin. In addition, carbohydrates increase the serotonin levels in the brain. Exercise increases these neurotransmitters in the brain. Fenfluramine is being looked at as an anti-obesity drug. Research so far indicates that when the drug is stopped, weight can be regained. Ask you doctor about Fenfluramine.

Continue Reading about Chromium

Entry Filed under: Vitamins & Minerals

Weight management IX Chromium II