Genestra GTF Chromium - 120 Tab

CHROMIUM

Only one in ten individuals has a diet that includes a sufficient amount of chromium ...

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.

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 has 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.

Chromium is important for pregnant women because they often suffer with 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.

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.

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.

Chromium – QUICK FACTS

FOOD SOURCES
· Brewer’s yeast, brown rice, cheese, meat, whole grains.

DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS
· Anxiety, fatigue, glucose intolerance, inadequate protein metabolism, arteriosclerosis.

OPTIMUM DOSAGE
· 200-600mcg daily. (Clinical doses may be higher as recommended by your practitioner.

WORKS WELL WITH
· Vanadium, vitamin B complex, bilberry, gymnema, bitter melon, fibre.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION
· If light-headedness or skin rashes occur while supplementing with chromium consult a health professional.
· Chromium toxicity causes dermatitis, gastrointestinal ulcers, liver and kidney impairment.
· Diabetics and hypoglycaemic individuals should take chromium under the guidance of a health professional.