Chromium is an essential mineral for enhancing the action of insulin, metabolizing sugar (glucose), and maintaining healthy blood sugar levels. Although it is naturally present in food in trace amounts, the majority of North Americans do not get enough chromium in their diet and are at risk of gradually developing a deficiency. Elevated cortisol levels caused by stress can also deplete the bodys chromium. Chromium deficiency can lead to elevated levels of blood sugar and insulin, and increased risk of diabetes.

 

Chromium supplements have been shown to improve blood sugar balance in people with glucose intolerance (prediabetes) and diabetes, and can reduce food cravings and improve appetite regulation. Chromium may also be useful in managing reactive hypoglycemia, a condition where blood sugar falls below normal after eating.

 

Inadequate chromium intake is linked to increased levels of low density (bad) cholesterol and triglycerides, and decreased levels of high density (good) cholesterol, factors that heighten the risk of cardiovascular disease.

 

Chromium picolinate is the form of chromium most easily absorbed by the body, which is why it is often used in clinical trials. Easily absorbed Natural Factors Chromium Picolinate is an effective way to obtain your daily requirement of this essential mineral.

When we eat a meal, blood sugar levels start to rise, triggering the pancreas to secrete the hormone insulin. This insulin then plugs into receptors on the surface of muscle, liver, and fat cells, acting as a signal to switch on a complex process inside the cells that enables them to absorb the sugar and use it for energy.

 

Insulin also causes chromium ions to flow into these cells. Chromium supports the activity of an enzyme called tyrosine kinase which, in turn, amplifies the insulin signal for absorbing blood sugar. With adequate levels of chromium, the activity of tyrosine kinase is magnified up to eightfold, thereby enabling a small amount of insulin to trigger sufficient absorption of sugar in the blood (Vincent, 2000).

 

When chromium intake is inadequate, as is the case for most North Americans, this amplification process is impaired. As a result, the cells do not completely absorb the blood sugar, and the pancreas must secrete more insulin. Chronically elevated insulin levels are a risk factor for diabetes and cardiovascular disease. However, research has shown that taking a chromium picolinate supplement can support normal insulin function and improve blood glucose balance.