Chromium is an essential trace mineral. Its main role is to work with the hormone, insulin, to metabolize carbohydrates, fats and proteins. Since nearly all bodily functions are dependent on carbohydrate, fats and proteins, insulin and its co-factor, chromium, affects most cells in your body. Chromium helps support healthy blood glucose levels and plays an important role in the proper utilization of protein, fat and carbohydrates.
Now Foods Chromium Picolinate:
- Insulin Co-Factor
- Metabolism Enhancer
- Supports Healthy Blood Sugar Levels
Chromium is needed for proper insulin function. If you are not getting enough chromium, your insulin cannot perform as effectively as possible. Impaired insulin activity is referred to as “insulin resistance”. If your body becomes insulin resistant, more glucose remains in your blood stream and is more likely to be stored as fat, rather than moving into your cells to be burned for energy.
The Reference Daily Intake (RDI) for chromium has been set at 120 mcg by the Institute of Medicine. Clinical research suggests, however, that 200–500 mcg is needed to see beneficial effects. One capsule of Now Foods Chromium Picolinate provides 170% of the Daily Value for this essential element. Since our chromium supply is low in foods and depleted as we age and after strenuous exercise, you may want to increase your daily intake based on your individual needs.
What is chromium picolinate?
Chromium picolinate is a mixture of the trace mineral chromium and picolinic acid. Picolinic acid is a natural metabolite (a naturally occurring product of metabolism) found in breast milk.
Chromium supplied in this form is more easily absorbed and used by the body.
How soon will I see results with chromium picolinate?
Individual response to chromium supplementation can differ. You may see some benefits, like improved body composition, in as few as two weeks when you use chromium picolinate in conjunction with a healthy diet and exercise.
Studies have revealed that better glucose metabolism can arise in as few as six to 12 weeks. Other benefits, such as healthy cholesterol metabolism, may take longer and can be confirmed by your doctor.
Do I still need chromium picolinate if my multivitamin contains chromium chloride?
Chromium chloride is not easy for your body to absorb effectively, so you will need additional chromium supplementation. Chromium picolinate is a good choice because it is a highly bioavailable form of chromium. Your body absorbs chromium picolinate much more efficiently than it does chromium chloride.
Can I use chromium picolinate as part of my weight loss program?
Chromium picolinate can be an important addition to a well-designed, long-term weight loss program. People, who are overweight, are often insulin resistant. When taken in combination with a well-balanced diet and regular work out, chromium picolinate can effectively support your goal of achieving and maintaining a healthy weight, by promoting a healthy metabolism, reducing body fat and preserving lean muscle.
Is chromium picolinate safe?
Chromium picolinate has been analyzed in over 35 clinical trials utilizing over 2,000 participants. Research has set up that chromium picolinate is safe at levels as high as 500 mg, or 500,000 mcg, in animals, which is more than 500 times the typical daily dose for an average adult (not recommended). Chromium picolinate is produced under conditions that ensure quality and safety.
There have been no substantiated side effects reported in the roughly 10 billion doses consumed since chromium picolinate has been on the market.