Chromium Picolinate: Essential Trace Mineral Assists Vital Insulin Functions

Chromium may be a teeny, tiny trace mineral, but it plays a huge role in blood sugar metabolism and energy utilization – both essential to keep your body fit and your cells in good communication. Chromium was discovered in France in the late 1790s, but not until the 1960s was it recognized as an important trace element and important factor to insulin function.

Chromium Supports Healthy Blood Sugar Levels

Chromium encourages carbohydrate and fat metabolism, thus limiting fat storage and improving overall energy use. Studies indicate that chromium works with insulin to assist cells in taking in glucose and releasing energy. When chromium is lacking, insulin is less effective and glucose tolerance impaired; phenomena otherwise known as insulin resistance. Promising evidence shows that chromium picolinate can decrease fasting blood glucose and increase insulin sensitivity in people with severe insulin resistance.

Supports Healthy Mood & Neurotransmitter Action

While researchers have yet to uncover just why, chromium has shown positive results in supporting healthy, happy moods. Researchers speculate the effects may have to do with chromium’s role with insulin effectiveness, as insulin plays a major role in producing various neurotransmitters like serotonin (which regulates mood and appetite).

Supports Health Cholesterol & Lipid Levels

A strange bit of research suggests that low toenail chromium concentrations (who measures this stuff?!) are associated with an increased risk of heart attacks. Researchers are hard at work to determine what implications chromium levels might have to heart health. Additionally, preliminary research suggests that taking chromium 600 mcg daily for 2 months increases high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels by 16% in men with heart health risks.