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WHAT IS CHROMIUM?
Chromium is a very well known and widely used supplement and has been for a
number of years now. It is a trace mineral which is essential to the human body
but has been hyped up by everybody selling it as a remedy for everything from
hypoglycemia to obesity. There have, however, been quite a few studies performed
on chromium and much of the data holds true and is based on sound scientific
research.
WHAT DOES IT DO?
Chromium's key function in the human body is to act as a co-enzyme in insulin
action, which basically means it aids insulin perform it's job. Chromium
deficiencies have been shown to be the cause or development of a number of
insulin resistance diabetes and hypoglycemia. Poor functioning of insulin can
lead to sub optimal metabolism of muscle and fat. Much of the population that is
taking in 100 mcg/day is probably marginally deficient in this essential micro
nutrient and could show signs of lower glucose tolerance, higher overall levels
of insulin, and symptoms of hypoglycemia. Adding 200 mcg/day of chromium can
alleviate these symptoms. There have been some studies to suggest that taking
chromium supplements can help people to loose excess bodyfat and gain muscle.
There are several forms of chromium available on the market. Chromium
Picolinate being the most popular, however one does not seem to be any
beneficial over another form. Some other variations being chromium citrate,
chromium chloride and chromium polynicotinate.
HOW MUCH SHOULD I USE?
An effective dose appears to be around 200 - 300 mcg/day. Studies have shown
that there are no increased benefits of taking a higher dose as when the body
reaches saturation levels of this mineral the excess is just excreted.
DIABETICS NOTE
Caution should be used when taking this mineral at this dose if you are
diabetic as blood sugar levels are altered and dosages of insulin may have to be
monitored and altered likewise. Always check woth your physician before using
any compound to help stablise blood sugar levels.
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