Chromium Picolinate is a type of mineral found in specific foods. A lack of this mineral in human beings is very rare as the body requires a minimal amount of it. Insulin and Chromium Picolinate work as a combination to digest carbohydrates.
It is sometimes used as an alternative medicine to lower cholesterol, control blood sugar in people with prediabetes or diabetes, and it is also used to assist in weight loss.
Considerations To Make Before Using Chromium Picolinate
It is important to talk to your physician before taking Chromium Picolinate. If you have the conditions below, it may be a risk to use chromium picolinate:
- Liver Disease
- Diabetes, Especially If You Use Insulin
- Kidney Disease
- Mental Illness
- An Allergy To Leather Products
- Thyroid Disorder
- Mental Illness
- If You Are On Steroids Such As Beclomethasone, Fluticasone, Prednisone, Or Others
If you are pregnant, do not use chromium picolinate unless prescribed by your physician, as it may put the unborn baby in danger. Breast feeding mothers should not use Chromium Picolinate, as it may pass through the breast milk and once ingested, it may harm the baby.
It is important to note that no herbal health supplement should be given to a child without prescription from a doctor, as it may cause harm.
How To Use Chromium Picolinate
Before taking Chromium Picolinate, ensure that you engage a physician who is well versed with herbal health supplements. If you decide to make use of it, use it as prescribed by your doctor or as per the instructions on the label. Do not take more than as prescribed, as this will cause an overdose.
With an increase in age, the prescribed dietary allowance increases. If you have diabetes, it is important to check your blood sugar before taking it. Chromium Picolinate may in some instances be part of a larger program that requires you to exercise and watch your diet. Chromium Picolinate should be stored at room temperature away from heat and moisture.
If you miss a dose, make sure you take the supplement as soon as you remember. Do not consume additional medication to make up for the missed dose, as this will result in an overdose. Symptoms of an overdose may include blood in stool, diarrhea, and coughing up blood. If you get any of these symptoms, ensure you see a doctor as soon as possible.
When taking Chromium Picolinate, do not take foods that have high quantities of sugar as this will affect its effectiveness. If you are taking an antacid, request your doctor to recommend one that works well with Chromium Picolinate as some antacids make it difficult for the body to absorb the supplement.
Benefits of Chromium Picolinate
Helps In Regulation Of Blood Sugar
Chromium Picolinate can improve the utilization of blood sugar, normalize the sugar levels in the body, and reduce insulin requirements in people with insulin resistance or glucose intolerance.
Helps to Diminish Carb Cravings
Most people usually have uncontrollable cravings for foods rich in carbohydrates. These cravings for foods laden with sugar and grease can be addictive. One study showed that by taking 600mgs of chromium for a period of eight weeks, participants reduced the carbohydrate cravings. Chromium Picolinate normalizes the sugar levels and reduces the need to seek out sugary and starchy foods.
Normalizes Cholesterol Levels
Studies have shown its effect on lipid profiles. These research studies have shown reductions in triglycerides by more than 30%. The studies further show a significant reduction in the levels of LDL cholesterol. All these positive effects were evident when conducted on the risk of heart diseases, glucose intolerance, and diabetes.
Helps Fight Body Fat
Studies have proven that chromium picolinate supplementation promotes a lean body, reduces fat mass, and promotes general weight loss. In one study, patients were placed on a very low calorie diet and were able to lose weight through taking chromium picolinate.
Side Effects of Chromium Picolinate
Some of the common side effects include the following:
- Sleep Problems (Insomnia)
- Changes In Mood And Feelings Of Irritability
- Headache
If you experience the side effects below, ensure you stop using Chromium Picolinate and get in touch with your physician immediately:
- Unable To Think And Difficulty In Concentrating
- Swelling Of Your Face, Tongue, Lips, Or Throat
- Problems With The Liver
- Nausea
- Upper Stomach Pain
- Very Dark Urine
- Clay-Coloured Stools
- Itching
- Tired Feeling
- Loss Of Appetite
- Jaundice
- Difficulty In Balance And Coordination
Chromium Picolinate Review Summary
Before taking Chromium Picolinate, it is critical that you read and follow the directions on the label. Ensure that you give your medical history to your physician. This may include allergies, your surgical history, and the medicine you take. It is important to note that Chromium Picolinate is not approved entirely by the FDA and therefore shouldn’t be used in place of medicine prescribed by your physician.
In most instances, Chromium Picolinate is sold as an herbal supplement and there are no standards for manufacturing herbal compounds. It is advised that herbal supplements should be bought from sources that are reliable as some herbal supplements have been found to be contaminated with dangerous drugs and metals. By purchasing from known sources, the risk of contamination will be reduced.
