Indications for use
Chromium picolinate helps to normalize and maintain a stable level of sugar in the blood, reduces cholesterol and triglycerides, and normalizes carbohydrate, fat and protein metabolism.
The use of chromium picolinate helps regulate your appetite and, in particular, cravings for sweet foods, and helps strengthen the muscular system. In patients with arterial hypertension and vegetative-vascular dystonia, dietary supplements help normalize blood pressure.
According to the instructions, chromium picolinate has a beneficial effect on the cardiovascular system, reduces the risk of obesity, promotes faster recovery after intense physical activity, activates the immune system and the functional activity of the brain.
Chromium is considered to be a factor in longevity. This is due to its positive effect on the function of the endogenous hormone of youth dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and the ability to protect proteins (including connective tissue proteins) from glycolysis. If a person's insulin levels are elevated, the effect of DHEA produced by the body is inhibited. As a result, in people who are addicted to sweets, the body begins to show a tendency towards faster aging.
The older a person is, the less DHEA is produced in his body, so older people are recommended to periodically introduce chromium picolinate into their diet, which contains the mineral in a biologically active form - it helps maintain normal muscle tone, immune system activity and basic brain functions .
In the course of research, it was found that the use of chromium picolinate made it possible to prolong the life of experimental animals and slow down the process of formation of glycosylated proteins, which cause aging of the body.
There is also a lot of scientific evidence showing that chromium actually improves the functioning of insulin and reduces the concentration of sugar in the blood. This allows us to conclude that with a sufficient intake of this mineral in the body, it is possible not only to prolong life, but also to significantly improve its quality and make it more energetic.
Chromium picolinate helps increase overall muscle mass in the body (has an anabolic effect), which in turn accelerates metabolism and burns excess fat. Thus, for a person on a low-calorie diet, chromium helps avoid muscle loss.
For people who actively use physical activity to lose weight, it is equally important to take a sufficient amount of chromium. This is due to the fact that intense training stimulates an increased release of chromium, which increases the body's need for this trace element. In addition, people losing weight should remember that chromium helps burn calories during physical activity and makes it easier to lose weight.
Considering the above, the use of chromium picolinate as a dietary supplement is advisable for athletes, children, as well as people who have symptoms of chromium deficiency, including signs inherent in diabetes mellitus, increased appetite, excessive weight gain, unmotivated fatigue, increased anxiety, a feeling of fear, decreased fertilizing ability of sperm. Capsules can improve the clinical situation with diabetes, depression, acute infectious diseases, obesity, chronic ulcers, polyneuropathy, hypotension, acne. For preventive purposes, chromium picolinate is recommended to be taken for diseases of the heart and blood vessels.
According to the instructions, chromium picolinate is intended for use:
- In bodybuilding (as a supplement to sports nutrition and physical activity);
- For non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus;
- For weight correction in alimentary obesity.
An important feature of the dietary supplement is that it has a cumulative effect.
Chromium picolinate: what is it and how does it work?
Impressive interest in this drug is provoked by the presence of chromium in it, a microelement that regulates carbohydrate metabolism in the body and increases the sensitivity of cells to insulin.
From food, it is absorbed only by 1-2%, because in plants and white meat it is present in the form of mineral salts, which are poorly absorbed by the intestines. Chromium picolinate is an organic compound whose formula is chromium combined with three amino acid molecules. In this form, the microelement is absorbed by 80-100%. At the same time, chrome performs its functions properly:
- Stimulates insulin production;
- Increases the sensitivity of cells to it;
- The active course of carbohydrate metabolism reduces cravings for sweets and dulls appetite;
- It also affects the thyroid gland. By normalizing the production of thyroid hormones, chromium increases resistance to stress and improves mood;
- Stabilizes the functioning of the autonomic nervous system - relieves attacks of bulimia, stomach pain and anxiety;
- Chromium has a powerful antidepressant effect. This means that there are significantly fewer reasons for “eating.”
The only thing chromium picolinate really can’t do is break down fats. Therefore, if you expect that taking it will help you lose weight on a pie diet while lying on the couch, then you shouldn’t buy it - it’s a waste of money.
With an 8-week course of taking chromium picolinate in an amount of 600 mcg per day, scientists noted that symptoms of stress are reduced in 98% of people, appetite – in 87%. At the same time, a slight decrease in weight was observed - only 1-2 kg for each of the 113 subjects. Therefore, taking chromium picolinate for weight loss can only be effective in combination with a balanced diet and increased physical activity.
Indications for taking chromium picolinate
The activity of a microelement is not limited to its effect on carbohydrate metabolism. It is often prescribed as a medicine. In particular, chromium picolinate provides significant support in the treatment of diseases such as:
- Diabetes mellitus type 2.
Its development is associated with a decrease in the sensitivity of cell membranes to insulin. As a result, glucose continues to circulate in the blood for a long time, and saturation does not occur. Chromium picolinate helps cells “see” sugar and break it down to produce energy;
- Atherosclerosis.
The microelement displaces harmful cholesterol and promotes its breakdown, as a result of which blood vessels are cleansed, the frequency of hypertensive crises is reduced, and heart function improves;
- For dermatitis and eczema.
Chromium is one of the factors protecting the skin from inflammatory reactions. Its regular use promotes rapid healing of injuries and the patient entering stable remission;
- Vegetovascular dystonia.
This multifaceted disease is provoked by a deficiency of the hypothalamic-pituitary system, which, in combination with stress, leads to unexplained pain in the heart, digestive disorders and other symptoms. Chromium picolinate increases resistance to stress and stabilizes the functioning of the autonomic nervous system, relieving the patient of unpleasant symptoms of the disease;
- Hormonal dysfunctions.
As already noted, chromium affects the functioning of the thyroid gland, which also affects other glands interconnected with it - the adrenal glands, ovaries.
It is recommended to take chromium picolinate during decreased immunity, as well as hormonal changes in women - after the end of lactation, during puberty and menopause. This will help prevent unpleasant consequences: hot flashes, hyperhidrosis, rapid weight gain.
It is also recommended to take chromium picolinate:
- During grueling workouts;
- Chronic fatigue;
- Lack of energy and apathy;
- Weaknesses;
- Students during sessions and people of mental work.
Regular intake of chromium picolinate for 8-12 weeks leads to replenishment of the body's reserves, increased endurance, physical and mental activity. A positive effect also affects your figure: decreased appetite and endurance allow you to stoically survive the transition to proper or low-carbohydrate nutrition and begin to regularly attend workouts.
Everything you need to know about chrome
Chromium is a metal that was discovered by scientists relatively recently and has revolutionized metallurgy.
But it's needed for more than just tough bicycle frames, rocket nozzles, and shiny car parts.
It is this microelement that helps a person stay healthy and slim. Why is it needed?
The human body contains approximately 6 mg of chromium in the form of ions included in various molecular complexes. It is found in all tissues of the body, and accumulates in the liver, bone tissue and spleen.
Scientists believe that the main role of chromium in the metabolism of the human body is its participation in the absorption of glucose. This element is part of the so-called glucose tolerance factor (FTG), which regulates the absorption of sugar by cells.
Chromium plays an important role in the secretion and functioning of enzymes in the body. In addition to influencing carbohydrate metabolism, chromium promotes effective fat burning
in the body, as it is involved in regulating energy consumption in muscle tissue.
It also helps reduce cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein levels in the blood.
As it turns out?
The body does not absorb pure chromium or its alloys with metals. And hexavalent chromium compounds, common in chemical production, are a strong toxin that causes cellular mutations.
Trivalent chromium salts, necessary for human life, can only be obtained from food
.
How many do you need?
The daily requirement of chromium for an adult is from 80 to 100 mcg.
Young children need 10 to 60 mg, and pregnant and breastfeeding women need 50 to 200 mcg. Chromium is excreted in breast milk. During breastfeeding, it is the only source of this microelement for the baby.
What if it's not enough?
If a person eats well
, there is no need to worry about chromium deficiency. But when you consume excess amounts of refined foods, added sugars and fats, your body's chromium reserves are used up faster.
If there is not enough chromium, blood sugar levels remain elevated because the deficiency of this microelement blocks the activity of insulin, which ensures the absorption of glucose by cells.
The concentration of chromium in the body decreases with age
, and this is one of the factors in the increasing incidence of type 2 diabetes among older people.
Pregnant women are often deficient in chromium, as it is required for normal development and growth of the fetus.
Chromium is poorly absorbed if the diet does not contain enough foods containing essential amino acids, vitamin C and vitamin B3.
Since chromium is excreted from the body in urine, its deficiency occurs with the active use of diuretics, such as those contained in dietary supplements for weight loss.
What to eat?
Trivalent chromium, which is absorbed by the body, is found in meat products, especially beef and beef liver. It is found in bran, yeast and whole grain products. Legumes and seafood are rich in chromium.
The most important
Chromium is necessary for the body to absorb glucose and regulate the process of fat deposition. If a person’s diet is balanced, there is no need to worry about chromium deficiency. But among sweet lovers, elderly people and pregnant women, the need for chromium increases. They need to additionally include whole grains and meat in their diet.
