How much chromium

It can also reduce hunger. Getting the correct nutrients may cause the body to stop seeking food to fill the void. Chromium is one of the essential nutrients that the body needs. Eating healthy food is good. It is pointless if the body is unable to utilize it for energy. Chromium has a specific job to do with this process. When we eat our digestive system turns the food into glucose. The glucose is the main fuel source of every cell in our bodies.

Once it is broken down, it is then sent into the bloodstream to feed our cells. The pancreas produces insulin to help the cells absorb the glucose. The job of insulin is to get the glucose out of the bloodstream inside the cell. More glucose in the bloodstream increases the amount of insulin needed to process it. Insulin spikes happen whenever we eat to regulate the amount of glucose in our circulating through the blood. Too much glucose in the blood can cause damage to the blood vessels.

It causes oxidative stress. This type of damage may lead to atherosclerosis. It is the reason that persons with diabetes are at an increased risk of heart disease and stroke. Excess circulatory glucose may also damage nerves. It is the reason that persons with uncontrolled diabetes experiences neuropathy. Insulin and chromium work with other elements to prevent such damage.

They both must function properly to prevent the destruction that free glucose may cause. They depend on each other to get the job done. Once the glucose lines up with a cell, it waits to enter. The insulin comes along and opens the door so that the glucose can enter. It is at this moment that chromium goes to work.

Chromium binds to the glucose transporter and pushes the glucose into the door. If there is no chromium or not enough in the body, the glucose just continues to sit at the door.

It floats around the bloodstream waiting to enter. The body will eventually downgrade the receptor. When more food is ingested, more glucose is made. The problem is compounded.

The body thinks it does not have enough insulin to open the door for the glucose. The pancreas receives the signal. It makes more. The increase of insulin in the blood stream sends a signal that increases the need for more glucose. The person craves sugar to correct the balance.

When more sugar is eaten, more insulin is produced. It is a vicious cycle. Insulin resistance is a persistent problem with little to no symptoms. It may take a long time before the person knows there is a problem. The excess insulin in the body performs another task. If the amount of glucose is not reduced by its presence, insulin instructs the body to store it as fat. It is insulin that keeps watch over the fat storage and signals when to release it.

The correct amount of chromium in the body may prevent this vicious cycle from the beginning. If chromium were available, then the insulin would open the door and chromium would assist in escorting it inside.

There the glucose would fuel the cells the way it was designed. The insulin would reduce in the bloodstream because the glucose level would drop back to normal. The craving for sugar and carbohydrates would subside, and weight loss may occur. As discussed above chromium plays an essential role in glucose metabolism. It is also an important part of the balance preventing insulin resistance.

Early prevention may greatly reduce the risk of type two diabetes. Chromium is not easily absorbed. Deficiency has been a problem for many people that do not maintain a healthy diet. It is also a problem with older people that cannot absorb nutrients as efficiently. Some of the symptoms of deficiency can be:. The daily recommended intake of chromium is 25 micrograms. It is present in broccoli, turkey breast, red wine, green beans, and potatoes, to name a few. A healthy diet of lean meats, grains and vegetables may supply the balance needed.

Many would argue that the mineral depletion of the soil, or the processed food industry, has reduced the amount of chromium that is available in our food supply. Even if we made healthy food choices we still may not get the number of nutrients we need. It may be necessary to supplement chromium if this is the suspicion. Chromium picolinate is the most common form of the supplement. Picolinate, picolinic acid, is a natural chelator. It allows the mineral to absorb better by surrounding it with a series of neutral molecules, which will allow it to pass into the cell membrane.

It delivers it safely for the body to utilize it properly. Chromium also comes in a glycinate. It is not as common to find as picolinate. The chromium found in foods will not hurt you. But taking excessive chromium supplements can lead to stomach problems and low blood sugar hypoglycemia.

Too much chromium from supplements can also damage the liver, kidneys, and nerves, and it may cause irregular heart rhythm. But side effects from taking chromium supplements are rare.

Being exposed to high levels of chromium on the job such as in metallurgy and electroplating has been linked not only to kidney damage but also to lung and other cancers as well as skin conditions such as eczema and other inflammations of the skin.

The U. Food and Drug Administration FDA does not regulate dietary supplements in the same way it regulates medicines. A dietary supplement can be sold with limited or no research on how well it works or on its safety. Always tell your doctor if you are using a dietary supplement or if you are thinking about combining a dietary supplement with your conventional medical treatment.

It may not be safe to forgo your conventional medical treatment and rely only on a dietary supplement. This is especially important for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Author: Healthwise Staff. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information.

Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content. To learn more about Healthwise, visit Healthwise. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. Overall, due to questionable benefits and possible health concerns, it has been recommended that chromium picolinate not be taken as a dietary supplement 6.

If you want to consume this dietary supplement, it may be best to speak with your health care provider due to the possibility of unwanted effects or drug interactions. There is no specific level of dietary chromium intake that is known to be harmful. However, although limited information is available, there are potential concerns that the picolinate form of chromium could produce negative effects in your body.

Chromium deficiency appears to be rare, and there are concerns that the picolinate form of chromium could produce harmful effects in your body. Overall, chromium picolinate is probably not worth taking for most people. If you want to take it, you should discuss the risks and benefits with an experienced healthcare provider. This simple 3-step plan can help you lose weight fast. Read about the 3-step plan, along with other science-backed weight loss tips, here.

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However, many people wonder about the safety and effectiveness. What Is Chromium Picolinate? Share on Pinterest. It May Improve Blood Sugar. It May Reduce Hunger and Cravings.