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Why chromium? What does this essential mineral do for your body, and how is it used to increase your overall health, well-being and energy level? In the United States, both the American Medical Association and the American Osteopathic Association have conducted much medical research on the role of chromium, and endocrinologists (physicians who treat disorders of the endocrine system like diabetes) have long relied upon chromium to regulate blood sugar. But do you need a chromium supplement? Only you and your physician can determine the response to this all-important question.

Chromium is an essential mineral contained in your body in trace amounts. Most people take a chromium supplement to manage their diabetes, reduce HDL cholesterol levels, maintain a healthy weight, and increase muscle efficiency. Chromium is found naturally in foods such as grains, fruits, meat, poultry, seafood and vegetables, but research indicates that we don’t always get the chromium we need from food because this mineral isn’t easily absorbed by the body. To help with this problem, taking a chromium supplement is better absorbed by the body thus giving you the amount of this essential mineral you need.

As of today, there are no studies yet that shows how much chromium can be considered as healthy for the body. But still, many health professionals believe that the chromium amount people get from food is still not sufficient. This is where chromium supplements come in. for people interested in taking this supplement, you should know that it is usually available in a different form and not simply chromium. The problem with chromium is it not absorbed as easily as other minerals.

To address this, the more absorbable form of chromium is sold as supplement, the chromium picolinate. If you plan on taking a multi-vitamin which contains the pure form of chromium, make sure that the amount is between 20 to 120 micrograms. Just like any other things, moderation is the key and an excessive amount of chromium might result to some side effects or health complication.

Before you talk with your physician about whether or not taking a chromium supplement is right for you, check the label of your multi-vitamin: it should contain between 20 to 120 micrograms of a form of chromium. Women over age 50 may safely take a vitamin containing up to 180 micrograms. Look for the forms of chromium that are the most easily absorbed, such as chromium chloride, high chromium yeast, chromium nicotinate or chromium picolinate.

The market today is brimming with chromium supplements sold in different forms. If your multi-vitamin contains chromium chloride, high chromium yeast, chromium nicotinate or chromium picolinate, then you are indeed taking a chromium supplement. Among these forms, the chromium picolinate and chromium nicotinate are absorbed more readily.

You may have heard that some medical studies indicate that chromium picolinate is harmful to cells, there is yet no definite empirical evidence to support this theory; other studies indicate that just the opposite is true. However, chromium picolinate supplements should not be taken by people who have serious health problems, and never without a physician’s instruction.

When purchasing a chromium supplement locally or through an online merchant, you can conduct an Internet search for more information on chromium and tips on how to buy the best and most efficient supplement for the most reasonable price.

Tags: Supplements //