CHROMIUM PICOLINATE

IS CHROMIUM IMPORTANT? Especially Chromium Picolinate? We've known for years that trace minerals like iron and zinc are essential to good health. But one of the most important minerals is chromium. Chromium helps insulin metabolize fat, turn protein into muscle and converts sugar into energy. In fact, chromium-activated insulin increases the amount of blood sugar available for energy production nearly twentyfold. Chromium is of great help for weight loss also.

HOW CHROMIUM HELPS CONTROL BLOOD SUGAR. Because insulin is dependent upon biologically active chromium, some people consider chromium the "master" nutrient for controlling blood sugar. A lack of chromium can cause low blood sugar and may be a factor in some cases of adult-onset diabetes and heart disease. There is also evidence to suggest that in some people chromium may play a role in lowering blood pressure, regulating appetite, reducing sugar cravings and promoting lean body mass. CHOLESTEROL? Chromium has been shown to reduce levels of harmful LDL cholesterol, a form of cholesterol that has been linked to heart disease.

WHO NEEDS CHROMIUM? U.S. Government studies show that 9 out of 10 Americans do not get enough Chromium in their diet and that chromium deficiency may be a widespread problem. Chromium levels decrease gradually with age, while strenuous exercise, pregnancy, diabetes and stress can all cause the body to use up its chromium stores even faster.

WHAT IF I ALREADY TAKE A CHROMIUM SUPPLEMENT? You may not be getting the chromium you thought you were. Chromium chloride, for example, does not activate insulin and is absorbed less than 2% by the body.