Puritan's Pride
Puritan's Pride Chromium Picolinate 200 mcg - 100 Tablets
€3.29Unit price /UnavailablePuritan's Pride
Puritan's Pride Chromium Picolinate 500 mcg - 100 Tablets
€4.49Unit price /Unavailable
Chromium is an essential trace element found in nature that plays a crucial role in the proper functioning of the body. It has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity and affect protein, carbohydrate, and lipid metabolism. However, despite the fact that people only need small amounts of chromium, their daily diet usually does not provide enough to meet the body's requirements. This can lead to various health problems. In this article, we will explore the properties, effects, and benefits of chromium, as well as its recommended dosage.
Properties of Chromium
Chromium can exist in two main forms: Cr(III) and Cr(VI). The former is the most important and safe form, as it easily penetrates cell membranes, rapidly distributes in the body, and poses no significant risks. Unfortunately, its bioavailability is low due to poor absorption in the gastrointestinal tract, which means only a small amount of chromium is absorbed by the intestines (estimated at about 2.5% of the consumed element).
Chromium is naturally present in the intestines and food sources, particularly in yeast, mushrooms, nuts, asparagus, and whole grain products such as bran, wholemeal flour, and groats. However, these sources only provide trace amounts of chromium. The availability of chromium is also influenced by other nutrients, such as zinc chelating compounds (e.g., vitamin C, niacin, amino acids), which can increase absorption.
Effects of Chromium on the Body
Chromium has several essential functions in the body, such as being a component of important enzymes and stimulating their activity. It also has several other properties, including the ability to stimulate pancreatic activity, stabilize RNA structure, increase insulin effectiveness, and affect protein and lipid metabolism. Furthermore, research has shown that chromium supplementation has a positive impact on cognitive function in people with Alzheimer's disease and may protect against other neurodegenerative diseases.
Chromium and Weight Loss
Studies on chromium have shown that it is involved in appetite and craving regulation processes and can reduce fat mass while increasing lean mass. A small study has also shown that chromium may have possible benefits for people with compulsive overeating disorder. However, the response to chromium varies depending on many factors, and its mechanism is not yet fully understood. Chromium should be a component of a comprehensive plan that includes a change in eating habits and physical activity to achieve weight loss.
Chromium Deficiency in the Body
Many factors can contribute to the loss and reduced absorption of chromium, with the most common being dietary mistakes, such as consuming foods high in simple sugars, fats, or highly processed foods. A deficiency in chromium can result in several symptoms, including numbness and tingling in the fingers and toes, moderate to severe headaches, chronic fatigue and apathy, irritation, and movement coordination disorders. A deficiency in chromium can also lead to nervousness, depression, anxieties, and metabolic problems.
Chromium retention is higher in younger people and decreases with age, raising the risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes.
Chromium Deficiency in the Body
Many factors can contribute to the loss and reduced absorption of chromium, with the most common being dietary mistakes, such as consuming foods high in simple sugars, fats, or highly processed foods. A deficiency in chromium can result in several symptoms, including numbness and tingling in the fingers and toes, moderate to severe headaches, chronic fatigue and apathy, irritation, and movement coordination disorders. A deficiency in chromium can also lead to nervousness, depression, anxieties, and metabolic problems.
Chromium retention is higher in younger people and decreases with age, raising the risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes.
Recommended Dosage of Chromium
Chromium can be found in various preparations, ranging from single-ingredient remedies to complex multi-vitamin products and dietary supplements. Demand for chromium increases under conditions of increased stress, overtiredness, or as a consequence of nutritional deficiency. This is the body's natural reaction, which mobilizes chromium reserves and increases excretion of the element. This situation is often observed in people living under pressure or in sports.
The daily requirement for chromium is estimated at 25 mcg for women and 35 mcg for men, which helps protect against deficiencies. However, after the age of 50, the recommended intake decreases to 30 mcg/day for men and 20 mcg/day for women.