Chromium Part 2

Chromium is a mineral that helps the body use fats, proteins, carbohydrates, and glucose for energy. It helps the hormone insulin deliver glucose to your cells, and is sometimes referred to as glucose tolerance factor (GTF).

Because chromium enhances the effect of insulin in the body, it is thought to be helpful to both people with hypoglycemia and people with Type II (adult onset) diabetes that are trying to control their blood sugar.

There is no Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for chromium. The safe and adequate range for adults is anywhere between 50 and 200 micrograms. Dietary sources of chromium include apples, beer, brewer’s yeast, brown rice, cheese, meat, dried beans, molasses, liver, chicken, broccoli, barley, corn, beef, eggs, nuts, mushrooms, oysters, rhubarb, tomatoes, and sweet potatoes are all good food sources of chromium. Herbs such as catnip, horsetail, licorice, nettle, oat straw, red clover, sarsaparilla, wild yam, and yarrow also contain chromium.

Since modern diets are high in refined flour, white sugar, and junk food, and such diets have been shown to increase insulin resistance, most people today are almost certainly chromium deficient, and could benefit from getting more chromium in their diet. Symptoms of chromium deficiency include anxiety, fatigue, glucose intolerance (particularly in people with diabetes), inadequate metabolism of amino acids, and an increased risk of arteriosclerosis.

Chromium comes in different supplemental forms. Look for chromium picolinate or chromium polynicotinate; these forms are most easily absorbed. Chromium is also found in most daily multivitamin supplements. If you do decide to take chromium supplements, don't go overboard and exceed 200mg daily. Excessive intake of chromium can be toxic; diabetics should definitely not try chromium therapy without first consulting their physician.

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