Review of Chromium Picolinate for Weight Loss

Benefits and composition of chromium picolinate

Chromium picolinate hides the same chromium (Cr), only in combination with picolinic acid. It improves the absorption of the microelement and enhances its effect. Chromium is found in garlic, poultry meat, grape juice and a number of other products. But its absorption from food is extremely small - only 0.5-1%, and at the same time the microelement performs many important functions.

This supplement contains:

III-valent chromium;
picolinic acid;
maltodextrin;
dicalcium phosphate;
magnesium stearate, etc.

Why does the body need chromium picolinate:

to reduce cravings for sweets;
maintain insulin activity;
regulate lipid synthesis and carbohydrate metabolism;
stabilize blood pressure;
increase immunity;
improve the elasticity of blood vessels;
produce the so-called youth hormone DHEA;
maintain normal blood sugar levels.

The combination with picolinic acid allows you to increase the degree of microelement absorption by up to 90%. The use of chromium picolinate is recommended for type 2 diabetes mellitus. This is due to the fact that the element is involved in the production of “good” cholesterol, which helps produce insulin during meals. The latter transports glucose to the cells, which gives them energy. Thus, chromium picolinate in diabetes mellitus helps in the processing and high-quality absorption of sugar.

The real role in losing weight

The fat-burning effect of such a supplement is a myth. It is due to the fact that chromium picolinate is classified as a dietary supplement for diabetics, which other people associate primarily with poor sugar tolerance and excess weight.

Therefore, many people think that chromium is used in diabetes mellitus to correct and alleviate the condition, in particular, to reduce weight. And they believe that if a supplement helps diabetics, then it is even more likely to help healthy people.

In reality, everything is completely different. In recommended doses, the supplement only improves glucose metabolism (does not interfere with fat deposition), has a beneficial effect on overall endurance and reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

So is it possible to take chromium picolinate for weight loss? It is possible, but the weight loss effect is achieved by reducing cravings for sweets, and not by burning fat deposits. At the same time, you can only lose weight if you follow a diet and exercise.

Use for weight loss

Chromium picolinate is used very often for weight loss. This is explained by the fact that the active component of the dietary supplement is involved in biochemical processes that affect metabolism. Chromium activates the activity of insulin, which is produced when eating, and transports glucose to cells.

When taking chromium picolinate, appetite is significantly reduced. When using it, you quickly feel full when eating. If the amount of chromium in the body corresponds to the norm, then carbohydrate metabolism is normalized and the digestive system functions correctly. This eliminates the deposition of fats in tissues, which leads to weight gain.

An important feature of chromium picolinate is that when taken, weight loss is not associated with the destruction of muscle tissue. It is recommended to take this dietary supplement during physical activity. Against this background, fats are converted into energy. Body weight decreases gradually due to normalization of carbohydrate metabolism and redistribution of lipid reserves. The duration of a course of taking chromium picolinate for the purpose of losing weight is 2-3 months. This is the period that allows you to achieve the maximum cumulative effect. After a month's break, taking the drug can be repeated.

Since chromium picolinate is not a drug, it can be purchased without a prescription. But it is important to consult a doctor before taking a dietary supplement to determine the presence of indications and contraindications. It is also necessary to carefully study the instructions for use. It is important to avoid combining the product with alcohol, as this significantly reduces its effectiveness.

Indications for taking chromium picolinate

Scientists confirm that a complete refusal of sweets can cause depression and even metabolic disorders in people. Strict restrictions with a strong desire to eat something tasty later turn into breakdowns, which also do not bring any benefit. The presence of chromium in the body helps to avoid this. Indications for its use:

heavy sports activities;
chronic fatigue;
chromium deficiency in the body;
vegetative-vascular dystonia;
diabetes;
psychosomatic disorders;
skin diseases;
atherosclerosis;
elevated blood sugar levels;
high blood pressure;
hormonal disorders;
weakened immunity.

The beneficial properties of chromium picolinate make it possible to use it to prevent obesity and combat bulimia.

May reduce hunger and food cravings

Most people who have tried to lose weight and reduce the amount of food they eat are familiar with the feelings of hunger and intense cravings for food.

As a result, many are interested in foods, supplements, or medications that can help combat these urges.

Several studies have looked at whether chromium picolinate can be used for this purpose.

In an 8-week study, 1000 mcg/day of chromium (as chromium picolinate) reduced food intake, hunger, and food cravings in healthy overweight women ().

The researchers reported that what caused these effects was believed to be chromium exposure in the brain.

Other studies have looked at people with an eating disorder or depression, as these groups could potentially benefit the most from curbing food cravings or hunger.

In an 8-week study, 113 people with depression received 600 mcg of chromium picolinate per day or a placebo.

Researchers found that appetite and food cravings were reduced when taking chromium picolinate supplements compared to placebo ().

Additionally, a small study observed possible benefits for people with eating disorders.

Specifically, doses of 600 to 1000 mcg per day may result in a reduction in the frequency of binge eating episodes and depressive symptoms ().

Summary:
Although limited data is available, some studies suggest that doses of 600 to 1,000 mcg of chromium picolinate per day may help reduce hunger, food cravings, and the frequency of binge eating episodes in some people.

How to take chromium picolinate correctly

Frequency of use: during meals 2-3 times a day.
How long to take chromium picolinate: in total, the course of treatment lasts 1-3 months.
Dosage of chromium picolinate: the maximum daily dose is 200 mcg of chromium, the recommended dose is 100-150 mcg.

Specific rules for use depend on the supplement itself. The manufacturer provides recommendations on the packaging of the product. Chromium picolinate comes in capsules and tablets. Examples of such additives:

Chromium Picolinate from Scitec Nutrition. Available in tablets. There are 100 tablets in a jar. You need to take 1 tablet once a day for 4 weeks, then take a break for three weeks.

Burner by QNT. 3 capsules per day between meals for 1 month. The drug is a powerful fat-burning complex, since it additionally contains caffeine, L-carnitine and guarana extract.

Burner (90 caps) Top fat burners

QNT (BELGIUM)

You can fight excess weight in different ways. One of the most effective and fastest methods of struggle is to take special medications - fat burners, the effect of which...

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Chromium in serum

A microelement that is needed by the body in minimal quantities and has toxic properties in large doses.

English synonyms

Chromium (Cr), Blood.

Research method

Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry.

Units

μg/L (micrograms per liter).

What biomaterial can be used for research?

Venous blood.

How to properly prepare for research?

Do not eat for 2-3 hours before the test; you can drink clean still water.
Do not smoke for 30 minutes before the test.

General information about the study

Chromium is a vital trace element, which in high doses has toxic properties. Despite numerous research works, the exact mechanisms of the physiological action of chromium remain unclear, however, it is known that this microelement plays an important role in the regulation of carbohydrate metabolism, is important in lipid metabolism and the prevention of the development of atherosclerosis, is involved in the functioning of the thyroid gland and affects the structure and function of nucleic acids. acids It has been scientifically proven that it is able to enhance all metabolic functions of insulin and processes dependent on this hormone.

Chromium is found in small quantities in various foods, but is practically absent in refined sugar and fine flour. It is absorbed from food mainly in the small intestine in an amount of 0.4-0.7% of the ingested dose. In patients with diabetes mellitus, the absorption of chromium increases 3 times. It is transported in the blood by the iron transporter transferrin. The metal accumulates in the liver, spleen and bones. Chromium is excreted from the body mainly through urine, a small part of it is removed through bile, sweat and hair. The daily intake of this element is 30 mcg.

Severe chromium deficiency is observed in patients who have been on total parenteral nutrition for a long time and is manifested by peripheral neuropathy, weight loss, and loss of glucose tolerance. With moderate chromium deficiency, which is more common but practically undiagnosed, there is a decrease in glucose tolerance and an increase in blood lipid levels. Data on the advisability of using dietary supplements containing chromium are mixed and require further research.

Chromium and its compounds are used in the metallurgical, chemical, textile, and leather industries. They are factors of occupational hazard. Chromium easily penetrates into lung tissue and can accumulate in the body. Its excess content in the body disrupts oxidation processes and the tricarboxylic acid cycle. The toxic effects of chromium depend on the valence: the higher it is, the greater the toxicity. Compounds of hexavalent chromium, to a greater extent than trivalent chromium, have a mutagenic and carcinogenic effect on the genetic apparatus of cells. This metal causes specific skin lesions (dermatitis, ulcers), ulceration of the nasal mucosa with characteristic perforation of the cartilage of the nasal septum, gastritis, gastric and duodenal ulcers (unfavorable), chromic hepatosis, dysregulation of vascular tone and cardiac activity. Acute poisoning occurs when it enters the body in a dose of more than 1.5 mg/kg body weight and is associated with its high oxidative abilities, which lead to hemolysis, acute renal and liver failure. In addition, chromium salts can cause allergic reactions.

Given the rarity of chromium deficiency, blood levels are more often measured to diagnose poisoning with this element.

What is the research used for?

To diagnose chromium deficiency;
for the diagnosis of acute and chronic chromium poisoning;
to monitor the intake of drugs and nutritional supplements containing chromium.

When is the study scheduled?

When working in conditions of high chromium content;
for symptoms of poisoning with chromium compounds;
if chromium deficiency is suspected (decreased glucose tolerance);
when examining patients on long-term parenteral nutrition;
during periodic examination of a patient taking dietary supplements containing chromium.

What do the results mean?

Reference values: 0.05 - 2.1 µg/ml.

Reasons for increased chromium levels in the blood:

work in conditions of high chromium content;
acute or chronic poisoning with chromium compounds;
abuse of food additives containing chromium.

Signs of the toxic effects of chromium and its compounds: skin damage (dermatitis, ulcers), ulceration of the nasal mucosa with characteristic perforation of the cartilage of the nasal septum, gastritis, gastric and duodenal ulcers (unfavorable), chromium hepatosis, dysregulation of vascular tone and cardiac activity.

Reasons for low chromium levels in the blood:

insufficient intake of chromium into the body during long-term and total parenteral nutrition, after bariatric surgery (stomach reduction), with malabsorption syndrome;
insufficient chromium content in foods and drinking water.

What can influence the result?

Taking dietary supplements with chromium before taking the test will distort the test result.

Important Notes

High doses of chromium in the blood require urgent treatment measures.

Also recommended

Chromium in urine
Selenium in serum
Zinc in blood
Copper in the blood
Manganese in the blood
Plasma glucose

Who orders the study?

Toxicologist, occupational pathologist, therapist, endocrinologist.

Literature

Barceloux, Donald G.; Barceloux, Donald. “Chromium”// Clinical Toxicology – 1999. – 37(2): 173-194.
Jeejeebhoy, Khursheed N. “The role of chromium in nutrition and therapeutics and as a potential toxin” // Nutrition Reviews - 1999 - 57(11): 329-335.
Avtsyn A. P., Zhavoronkov A. A., Rish M. A., Strochkova L. S. Human microelementoses. – M.: Medicine, 1991. – 496 p.

Summarize

Chromium picolinate is a supplement that helps replenish chromium deficiency, which is important for better absorption of sugar and reduction of cravings for sweets. By itself, it does not affect fat deposits and does not prevent their formation, but due to the ability to resist the desire to eat sweets, it helps to lose weight. Suitable for the prevention of obesity and also approved for use by diabetics. It is also optimal for athletes who train intensively - it helps them recover faster.

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