Chromium Supplement Benefits & Uses
Updated Feb. 06th, 2024 | Read Time: 4 Minutes | What You Will Learn:
- Chromium's Role In Stabilizing Blood Sugar & Supporting Insulin
- Who Should Consider Taking Chromium Supplements?
- Selecting Quality Chromium Supplements
- Final Considerations Before Taking Chromium Supplements
Chromium is sometimes referred to as glucose tolerance factor (GTF) because of the vital role it plays in the metabolism of sugar for energy. It maintains stable blood sugar levels by regulating the workings of the hormone insulin. Insulin is released from the pancreas, in response to sugar intake. It allows the intake of glucose by the cells as a fuel source. Let's explore how to take chromium as a supplement and its many uses.
Chromium's Role In Stabilizing Blood Sugar & Supporting Insulin
Without insulin, sugar stays in the blood, and cells become starved for energy. The standard North American diet is high in sugar and refined products, as well as being deficient in blood sugar-stabilizing substances like fibre.
Eventually, the pancreas becomes worn out and does not produce as much insulin or the body’s cells become intolerant after years of high insulin levels. Only one in ten individuals have a diet that includes a sufficient amount of chromium. These are important reasons why the prevalence of type II diabetes is increasing and the need for chromium supplementation is growing. Hypoglycemic individuals suffer from the opposite problem as diabetics; their blood sugar is too low. Chromium supplementation also helps these individuals regulate their blood sugar. Chromium also plays a role in the synthesis of fats, cholesterol and proteins. High cholesterol can be regulated with chromium supplementation.
Who Should Consider Taking A Chromium Supplement?
Chromium is important for pregnant women because they often suffer from symptoms of blood sugar imbalances like nausea and fatigue. This occurs because the fetus is taking sugar out of the blood without the body realizing that it is. Some studies show that adding chromium to the diet reduces total body fat and increases muscle mass, making chromium an important supplement for athletes and those who are trying to lose weight.
Selecting A Quality Chromium Supplement
The most active forms of chromium supplementation are chromium picolinate and chromium polynicotinate. Chromium is chelated, or bonded, to the picolinate molecule or niacin, which takes it into the cell. Chromium GTF and chromium chloride are less active forms of chromium.
Final Considerations Before Taking Chromium Supplements
Active individuals and athletes need more chromium because they consume more carbohydrates than the general population. Chromium may decrease a diabetic’s need for insulin and oral hypoglycemics. Those with blood sugar imbalances should seek professional advice before supplementing with chromium. Zinc and chromium compete for absorption and should be taken at different times. Corticosteroids cause a depletion of chromium.
I take chromium in the more highly bioavailable "chromium picolinate" form. I would go so far as to say that it has saved my life, but I wouldn't want anyone to think that I was exaggerating. Chromium stabilizes blood sugar. I have found that this gives me much more energy throughout the day, and even reduces food cravings. It totally changed my life. Most days I didn't even want to get out of bed. Now I know what it feels like to be a normal person!
When my blood sugar continued to climb, my Naturopath recommended Chromium Piccolinate to help regulate my sugar levels. I can’t honestly say that I felt any profound effect once I started to take the Chromium, but my levels began to normalize. I honestly believe this has enabled me to stay away from insulin.
Hello Neil,
Excellent to hear that Chromium has helped keep your blood levels stabilized and off insulin. Other supplements that also help stabilize blood sugar include; b complex, CoQ10, ALA and more. Here's our article on blood sugar to learn more.
https://www.nationalnutrition.ca/articles/health-concerns/diabetes/
Have a healthy day!
My mother uses chromium gtf 500mcg. Can't find that dose any where. She was right on the cusp of diabetes some 10 years ago. Along with cinnamon, walking and chromium, now at age 80 her A1C is better than ever. She prefers the gtf to picolinate and the higher dose allows her to only have to take it twice a day vs every meal. She also take vitamin d and magnesium
Hello Ladine,
Thank you for sharing your story and how this protocol helped your mother. Vitamin D and Magnesium are important supplements for the maintenance in good health. We do carry Chromium GTF, here's the link for your convenience:
https://www.nationalnutrition.ca/catalogsearch/result/?q=gtf
If you need any future assistance, please reach out, we're always happy to help.
Have a healthy day!