What is it?
Chromium is a trace mineral that works with the hormone insulin, helping the body regulate blood-sugar levels. It is found in cheese, nuts and whole grains.
How does it work?
Chromium’s main function is to help insulin carry sugar into muscle cells where it is stored as energy. A lack of chromium could cause fluctuating blood-sugar levels triggering sugar cravings.
Has it been proven?
One Austrian study found that a group of moderately overweight volunteers who took chromium in supplement form – chromium picolinate – lost almost twice as much weight as those on a placebo.
But recent research in the US has found that chromium supplements may have no benefits unless you are deficient in the mineral to begin with.
Brigid McKevith from the British Nutrition Foundation, says, ‘Chromium is an important nutrient but the benefits for those trying to lose weight are too inconclusive.
Where can I get it?
Chromium supplements are sold as chromium picolinate, because picolinate helps the body to absorb chromium more effectively. The UK Sports Council warns not to take large doses for long periods of time as it can have serious side effects on the body. Ask a nutritionist or your doctor for more advice if you want to start taking chromium.
Body by Nature supplements sell the next generation of Chromium. Wholefood is the best in the market to date. Read below how good it is for you.
Chromium GTF & blood glucose levels
Organic Chromium is an active ingredient of a substance called GTF (Glucose Tolerance Factor). GTF is now being recognised as important in carbohydrate metabolism.
It stimulates the activity of enzymes involved in the metabolism of glucose for energy and the synthesis of fatty acids and cholesterol. When Chromium levels are low in the body, GTF levels are low too and the activity of insulin is blocked – blood glucose levels therefore remain elevated.
Also, diets high in carbohydrates soon begin to exhaust the normal control mechanisms. The end result is hypoglycaemia, insulin resistance, obesity and diabetes. Obesity is strongly linked to blood sugar disturbances because of the increasing sensitivity to insulin.
Click here to read more about our Adrenal Support (Vegan) – Vitamin B, Chromium, Kelp
Image taken from Alan Cleaver