What is the Best Chromium Supplement?
What is the Best Chromium Supplement?
The best chromium supplement for you depends on what your goals are. For instance, if you are trying to lose weight, you will want to find a chromium supplement that does not cause a spike in blood sugar. You will also want to find a supplement that contains hexavalent chromium, which is considered the safest form. Also, if you are interested in anti-aging, you will want to find a dietary supplement that is rich in chromium picolinate. This form of chromium is known to increase your bone health. However, this type of supplement has also been shown to increase your risk of cardiovascular disease.
Glucose Tolerance Factor (GTF)
Glucose Tolerance Factor is a chromium supplement that may be beneficial in lowering blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. The compound works by enhancing the action of insulin. It is a complex composed of a niacin molecule, chromium, and zinc. Chromium plays an important role in controlling blood sugar levels.
Studies suggest that chromium supplementation can help lower blood sugar, improve cholesterol levels, and enhance glycated hemoglobin. Adding a chromium supplement to your diet can also help you feel better.
Several researchers have investigated the possible presence of a chromium-containing substance, named GTF, in cells. However, scientists have not been able to fully determine the biological activity of the chromium component.
Votava and his group, however, claim that the chromium-containing substance is a complex of anionic chromium. They reported that the purified form of the substance, called LMCr, showed GTF-like activity.
While most studies agree that the purified chromium-containing substance, GTF, is an anionic chromium compound, there is debate over the precise content of chromium in the complex. Some researchers believe that it is a quinoline derivative, while others contend that it is a nicotinic acid-containing compound.
Regardless of its true nature, some experts consider GTF to be a crucial nutrient for people with diabetes. Besides improving blood sugar control, it has also been shown to help the pancreas recover.
A study conducted by AP Grant et al in 1982 showed that hyperglycaemic adults who took a brewer’s yeast supplement had a positive effect on their glucose metabolism. In addition, their HBA1c percentages dropped. Compared to a placebo group, the supplementation increased HDL, a lipid that is important in reducing cardiovascular risk.
Studies conducted by Mirsky et al, however, found no correlation between the concentration of chromium in the active fraction and biological activity. As such, the optimum amount of chromium to take in order to obtain the greatest benefit is not known.
Although many researchers agree that chromium plays a vital role in regulating blood sugar, it is important to remember that there is no specific amount of chromium that the body needs.
Chromium picolinate
Chromium Picolinate is one of the best chromium supplements available today. It can help with appetite regulation, enhance energy production, and stabilize blood sugar. In addition, it can also help with muscle growth and weight maintenance.
There are many forms of chromium in nature. Some of the forms include trivalent (III) chromium, nicotinate, and polynicotinate. However, some of these compounds are not for human consumption. Those forms should be avoided by pregnant women, nursing mothers, or those with liver or kidney disease. Those with known allergies should also consult a physician before taking chromium supplements.
The dietary reference intake of chromium for adult men is 35 mg/day, and for adult women, 25 mg/day. Trivalent chromium is present in many foods, including lean meats and whole grains.
Several clinical trials have investigated the effects of chromium on glycemic control. However, these studies have found little evidence that chromium supplementation can improve diabetes.
However, chromium supplements may benefit people with metabolic syndrome, which includes high blood pressure, high levels of triglycerides, and low levels of HDL cholesterol. These supplements can reduce lipid levels, increase protein synthesis, and improve glucose tolerance. They also can help to reduce the rate at which glucose is converted to fat.
One of the most recent chromium studies has focused on the effects of chromium picolinate on glucose levels. Eight type 2 diabetic subjects received Cr picolinate or a placebo. Results showed that the treatment of diabetics with Cr had no effect on IRS-1 phosphorylation and IR phosphorylation. However, a significant increase in IL-2 and TNF-a was observed.
Researchers suggest that the immunostimulatory effect of chromium is mediated through modifications to the immunoglobulins. This is a promising aspect of chromium’s role in supporting diabetes therapy.
Nonetheless, the precise mechanism by which chromium increases insulin sensitivity and helps reduce blood glucose levels has not yet been determined. Nevertheless, some clinical trials have shown that chromium can help regulate the appetite and increase the rate of body composition.
If you are interested in using chromium to aid in your health, be sure to follow the recommended dosage and directions provided by the manufacturer.
Hexavalent chromium
Chromium is a trace element that has been used in weight loss products. It also has a positive effect on lipid levels and blood lipid profiles. As well as improving glucose tolerance, it can be used to increase insulin sensitivity and reduce the effects of chronic inflammation.
Hexavalent chromium is a known carcinogen. Studies show that exposure to hexavalent chromium can be linked to lung cancer. The USEPA has proposed that hexavalent chromium be classified as a probable human carcinogen.
However, research has shown that hexavalent chromium is sequestered in the stomach and in saliva. This limits the toxicity of hexavalent chromium after oral ingestion.
The National Toxicology Program has found that sodium dichromate dihydrate causes cancer in rats. These findings have led to a recommendation by the Food and Nutrition Board that chromium supplements be used only in dietary interventions to lower the risk of developing diabetes.
A number of studies have investigated the potential for chromium to reduce the risk of metabolic syndrome. A metabolic syndrome is a group of factors that increases the risk of cardiovascular and diabetes diseases. They include high fasting blood glucose, high triglyceride levels, low HDL cholesterol, abdominal obesity, and high blood pressure.
Trivalent chromium is naturally present in many foods. It is available in different forms. For example, it can be added to vitamins and dietary supplements. In addition, it is often used as a stand-alone supplement.
Some research has suggested that chromium can act as an immune modulator. It has been shown to decrease cortisol levels and suppress the functions of lymphocytes and leukocyte populations. Also, it has been shown to inhibit the production of Bcl-2, which is an initiator of caspase 8.
There are concerns about the possible adverse effects of high chromium intake. Besides its potential to cause cancer, it may have a negative impact on renal function. If you have these conditions, you should consult your doctor before considering taking a chromium supplement.
According to the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition, chromium should be reduced in TPN solutions. The concentration of chromium in TPN solutions is less than the amount needed to maintain healthy blood glucose concentrations in healthy individuals.
Other chromium supplements
Chromium is a metallic element that is used in a variety of oral nutrition products. It has been reported to act as an immune modulator. Moreover, chromium is a suppressive factor in the production of certain cytokines, including interleukin-2 (IL-2).
It has been hypothesized that chromium supplements may help people with metabolic syndrome. Metabolic syndrome is a collection of conditions, including abdominal obesity and low high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels, which are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. This condition is also known as prediabetes.
Some studies have shown that chromium supplementation can reduce oxidative stress and inflammation. In addition, chromium can be beneficial in treating diabetes.
Researchers are currently investigating whether chromium might play a role in lipid metabolism. Early controlled studies in diabetic patients have reported positive effects on blood lipid profiles. However, more research is needed.
One study investigated the effect of daily chromium supplementation on lipids, glucose, and blood pressure in rats. While the effect was modest, it was not statistically significant. Compared to the control group, the participants that received chromium had a lower body mass index and a decreased level of fasting insulin.
Another study investigated the effects of chromium picolinate on hematological parameters. The participants took daily chromium picolinate for 24 weeks. They had a significant increase in IL-6 and TNF-a levels. Interestingly, this study did not find a statistically significant increase in insulin sensitivity.
Other studies have demonstrated a positive effect of chromium in patients with long-term total parenteral nutrition. These patients had a decrease in plasma IgG levels, but their glucose levels were not affected. Despite these results, the Food and Nutrition Board has not evaluated the use of chromium supplements since 2001.
Despite its apparent benefit, researchers recommend that chromium be used cautiously. The dose of chromium in a supplement should not exceed 400 mcg per day. People with renal disease, for example, maybe more prone to adverse effects from high chromium intake. Therefore, people with diabetes should consult their healthcare professionals before making any changes to their diet.