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Chromium for Weight Control
Chromium
Why Do Dieters Use It?*
Some dieters say that chromium helps decrease body fat and improve muscle tone.
What Do the Advocates Say?*
Chromium is mainly used to stabilize blood sugar. The major role for chromium in weight loss is to correct insulin resistance caused by chromium deficiency. However, assessing chromium deficiency is difficult since normal blood levels are of such a low concentration that they can escape detection by even the most sensitive instruments. Hair and toenail levels can be evaluated, but these tests are not routinely done.
Known causes of chromium deficiency include malnutrition, TPN (total parenteral nutrition), alcoholism, and strenuous exercise, which can cause what is called “chromium dumping.”
*Dieters and weight-management advocates may claim benefits for this supplement based on their personal or professional experience. These are individual opinions and testimonials that may or may not be supported by controlled clinical studies or published scientific articles.
Also indexed as:
- chromium,
- chromium picolinate,
- dietary chromium,
- weight control,
- weight management
About this treatment
Chromium
How Much Is Usually Taken by Dieters?
The mineral chromium plays an essential role in the metabolism of carbohydrates and fats and in the action of insulin. Chromium, usually in a form called chromium picolinate, has been studied for its potential role in altering body composition. Chromium has primarily been studied in body builders, with conflicting results. In people trying to lose weight, a double-blind study found that 600 mcg per day of niacin-bound chromium helped some participants lose more fat and less muscle.However, three other double-blind trials have found no effect of chromium picolinate on weight loss, though in one of these trials lean body mass that was lost during a weight-loss diet was restored by continuing to supplement chromium after the diet. A recent comprehensive review combining the results of ten published and unpublished double-blind studies concluded that chromium picolinate supplementation may have a small beneficial effect on weight loss.
Side Effects
In supplemental amounts (typically 50–300 mcg per day), chromium has not been found to cause toxicity in humans. While there are a few reports of people developing medical problems while taking chromium, a cause-effect relationship was not proven. One study suggested that chromium in very high concentrations in a test tube could cause chromosomal mutations in ovarian cells of hamsters. Chromium picolinate can be altered by antioxidants or hydrogen peroxide in the body to a form that could itself create free radical damage. In theory, these changes could increase the risk of cancer, but so far, chromium intake has not been linked to increased incidence of cancer in humans.
One report of severe illness (including liver and kidney damage) occurring in a person who was taking 1,000 mcg of chromium per day has been reported. However, chromium supplementation was not proven to be the cause of these problems. Another source claimed that there have been reports of mild heart rhythm abnormalities with excessive chromium ingestion. However, no published evidence supports this assertion.
Three single, unrelated cases of toxicity have been reported from use of chromium picolinate. A case of kidney failure appeared after taking 600 mcg per day for six weeks. A case of anemia, liver dysfunction, and other problems appeared after four to five months of 1,200–2,400 mcg per day. A case of a muscle disease known as rhabdomyolysis appeared in a body builder who took 1200 mcg over 48 hours. Whether these problems were caused by chromium picolinate or, if so, whether other forms of chromium might have the same effects at these high amounts remains unclear. No one should take more than 300 mcg per day of chromium without the supervision of a doctor.
Interactions with Supplements, Foods, & Other Compounds
Chromium supplementation may enhance the effects of drugs for diabetes (e.g., insulin, blood sugar-lowering agents) and possibly lead to hypoglycemia. Therefore, people with diabetes taking these medications should supplement with chromium only under the supervision of a doctor.
Preliminary research has found that vitamin C increases the absorption of chromium.
Interactions with Medicines
Certain medicines interact with this supplement.
 | Some medicines may increase the need for this supplement. |
|---|---|
 | Some medicines interact with this supplement, so they should not be taken together. |
 | Some interactions between this supplement and certain medicines require more explanation. Click the link to see details. |
Note: The following list only includes the generic or class name of a medicine. To find a specific brand name, use the Medicines Index.
| Cortisone |
|---|---|
| Cortisone |
| Dexamethasone |
| Dexamethasone |
| Methylprednisolone |
| Methylprednisolone |
| Prednisolone |
| Prednisolone |
| Prednisone |
| Prednisone |
| Sertraline |
| Glyburide |
| Insulin |
| Metformin |
Last Review: 05-11-2011
Copyright © 2011 Aisle7. All rights reserved. www.Aisle7.net
Learn more about Aisle7, the company.
The information presented in Aisle7 is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires June 2011.
© 1995-2011 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.
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