Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Chromium

Chromium is a mineral that humans require in trace amounts.  Chromium is known to enhance the action of insulin, a hormone critical to the metabolism and storage of carbohydrate, fat, and protein in the body. Chromium also appears to be directly involved in carbohydrate, fat, and protein metabolism.

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There is some evidence that chromium supplements may help people with diabetes lower blood sugar levels.  Studies have been mixed, with some finding that chromium may help people lose weight and build muscle, and others finding that it had no effect.  Animal studies suggest that chromium may help lower blood pressure. 

Clinical studies about whether chromium can lower cholesterol have been mixed. Some suggest that chromium may lower LDL or bad cholesterol, including one study that combined chromium with grape seed extract. In another study, people who were taking beta-blockers found that taking chromium raised their HDL or good cholesterol levels.

One small study found that chromium picolinate improved symptoms of depression in people with atypical depression. But a larger study found that chromium didn' t help. More research is needed.

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