Chromium

Chromium stimulates enzymes involved in glucose metabolism,improves the effectiveness of insulin in glucose control and helps stimulate the synthesis of fatty acids and cholesterol in the liver. It competes with iron to transport protein in the blood, is involved in RNA-protein binding ability and helps stabilize DNA and RNA. Chromium is poorly absorbed (<5% bioavailability). Chromium is stored in the spleen, testicles, kidneys, pancreas, heart, lungs, and brain. Chromium is an active ingredient of GTF-Glucose Tolerance Factor, along with niacin and glutathione (three amino acids glutamic acid, glycine, and cysteine) which is produced in the intestinal tract of the body.

FOOD SOURCES

Whole grains, brazil nuts. Skins of apples and potatoes, bananas, dried beans, mushrooms, brown sugar and molasses, poultry and animal meat and liver, yeast, dairy products, eggs, seafood, beer, chicken, corn, liver, meat.

SUPPLEMENTATION

Chromium picolinate, chromium nicolinate, chromium nicotinate, chromium (III) chloride hexahydrate, chromium amino acid chelate, GTF chromium.

Warning: Consult your doctor before supplementing if you have: diabetes, lung disease, liver disease or kidney disease. Avoid chromium supplements during pregnancy and nursing.

SIGNS OF DEFICIENCY

Adult-onset (Type 2) diabetes, glucose intolerance, glycosuria, continual hunger, atherosclerosis, cataracts, heart disease, high cholesterol, impotence, frigidity, immunodeficiency, nervous system disorders, nausea, fatigue, protein and lipid metabolism problems.

SIGNS OF TOXICITY

Long term excessive exposure can lead to skin problems, lung cancer, liver impairment and kidney impairment.

DAILY MINIMUM REQUIREMENT

Normal adults, 50-100mcg approx.