Chromium Picolinate

Chromium Picolinate

DESCRIPTION
Chromium Picolinate 300 mcg. is a trace element supplement that contains chromium bound to picolinic acid, a highly biologically active form of this mineral.

INDICATIONS
Chromium Picolinate 300 mcg. may be useful as a daily supplement for individuals who wish to supplement their intake of chromium or who have a demonstrated need for supplemental chromium in its active form due to dietary deficiency or impaired metabolism. 

FUNCTIONS
Chromium is an essential trace mineral that potentiates insulin action and thus influences carbohydrate, protein, and fat metabolism. The biologically active form of chromium, sometimes called glucose tolerance factor (GTF), occurs naturally in brewers yeast. GTF has been proposed to be a complex of chromium, nicotinic acid (vitamin B-3), and possibly the amino acids glycine, cysteine, and glutamic acid.

Although many attempts have been made to isolate or synthesize natural GTF, none have been entirely successful. Adequate chromium nutrition is essential for the formation of GTF and subsequent control of blood glucose levels. Studies have shown that supplemental chromium may be useful for the maintenance of healthy blood sugar. Chromium appears to act by increasing insulin binding, insulin receptor numbers, and rate of insulin receptor phosphorylation. Chromium absorption is typically less than 2% efficient and variable depending on its chemical form.

Studies have demonstrated that chromium picolinate has a bioavailability comparable to that of chromium polynicotinate, and higher than that of chromium chloride. Tissues retain anywhere from 2 to 8 timesmore chromium from chromium picolinate compared to chromium chloride.

The typical dietary chromium intake in the U.S. can vary considerably depending on eating habits. Meats and unrefined whole grain cereal products, especially bran, are good sources of chromium. However, most self-selected diets contain less than 50 mcg per day, which is below the minimum of the Estimated Safe and Adequate Daily Dietary Intake established by the National Research Council, Food and Nutrition Board. Chromium requirements may be increased with high intake of refined carbohydrates and simple sugars, strenuous physical exercise or work, infection, or physical trauma.

FORMULA (7411)
Each Capsule Contains:

Chromium (Picolinate) 300 mcg

SUGGESTED USE
As a dietary supplement, adults take 1 capsule with a meal daily twice a day, or as directed by their healthcare professional.

SIDE EFFECTS
Diabetics: use only under a physician’s supervision.

STORAGE
Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct light. Keep out of reach of children.

REFERENCES
Anderson RA. Chromium, glucose intolerance and diabetes. J Am Coll Nutr 1998;17:548-55.

Anderson RA, Bryden NA, Polansky MM. Lack of toxicity of chromium chloride and chromium picolinate in rats. J Am Coll
Nutr 1997;16:273-9.

Anderson RA, Cheng N, Bryden NA, et al. Elevated intakes of supplemental chromium improve glucose and insulin variables in individuals with type 2 diabetes. Diabetes 1997;46:1786-91.

Bahadori B, Wallner S, Schneider H, et al.Effect of chromium yeast and chromium picolinate on body composition of obese, nondiabetic patients during and after a formula diet. Acta Med Austriaca 1997;24:185-7.

Fox GN, Sabovic Z. Chromium picolinate supplementation for diabetes mellitus. J Fam Pract 1998;46:83-6.

Hoeger WW, Harris C, Long EM, et al. Four-week supplementation with a natural dietary compound produces favorable changes in body composition. Adv Ther 1998;15:305-14.

Lee NA, Reasner CA. Beneficial effect of chromium supplementation on serum triglyceride levels in NIDDM. Diabetes
Care 1994;17:1449-52.

Lien TF, Horng YM, Yang KH. Performance, serum characteristics, carcase traits and lipid metabolism of broilers as
affected by supplement of chromium picolinate. Br Poult Sci 1999;40:357-63.

McCarty MF. High-dose biotin, an inducer of glucokinase expression, may synergize with chromium picolinate to enable a
definitive nutritional therapy for type II diabetes. Med Hypotheses 1999;52:401-6.

Preuss HG, Grojec PL, Lieberman S, et al. Effects of different chromium compounds on blood pressure and lipid peroxidation in spontaneously hypertensive rats. Clin Nephrol 1997;47:325-30.

Vincent JB. The biochemistry of chromium. J Nutr 2000;130:715-8.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.