Chromium is an essential mineral that is needed for insulin activity in carbohydrate, fat and protein metabolism. A recent study has demonstrated that chromium picolinate may increase the amount of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) - a key enzyme involved in metabolism - in skeletal muscle cells, thus improving energy balance and insulin function.[2]Studies show that people with type 2 diabetes have lower blood levels of chromium than those without the disease. [3] Consequently, researchers supplied chromium supplementation to patients suffered from types 1 and 2 diabetes. They found improvement in serum glucose. The beneficial effects of chromium on serum glucose and lipids and insulin resistance occur even in the healthy subjects. [5]
Recently, FDA issued a favorable response to a qualified health claim petition filed by Nutrition 21, recognizing chromium picolinate as a safe nutritional supplement that may reduce the risk of insulin resistance and possibly type 2 diabetes. [1]
DOSE AND SAFETY
Supplements containing 200-1,000 mcg chromium as chromium picolinate a day have been found to improve blood glucose control. Chromium picolinate is the most efficacious form of chromium supplementation. Numerous animal studies and human clinical trials have demonstrated that chromium picolinate supplements are safe. [3]
However, one should be aware that individual patients with type-2 diabetes mellitus may have an increased risk of hypoglycaemic episodes when taking chromium supplements as self-medication. [4] In addition, chromium supplementation does result in tissue retention in the kidney, although no pathogenic effect has been demonstrated despite considerable study. [5]
Analogues of picolinic acid may induce profound alterations in the metabolism of serotonin, dopamine, and norepnephrine in brain. Thus, patients with behavioral disorders should consult with doctors before taking any chromium picolinate supplements. [6]
REFERENCES
[1] FDA Approves First Qualified Health Claim for Chromium Picolinate and Risk of Type 2 Diabetes, Purchase, N.Y. (PRWEB) September 2, 2005.
[2] New Study Suggests Chromium Picolinate Triggers Key Enzyme to Improve Glucose Metabolism, Pennington Biomedical Research Center News Release, September 14, 2005 [3] A scientific review: the role of chromium in insulin resistance. Diabetes Educ. 2004;Suppl:2-14. [4] Kleefstra N et al, Chromium and insulin resistance. Ned Tijdschr Geneeskd. 2004 Jan 31;148(5):217-20. [5] Lamson DS et al, The safety and efficacy of high-dose chromium. Altern Med Rev. 2002 Jun;7(3):218-35.
