Deficiency of Chromium
Researchers estimate that two out of every three Americans are hypoglycemic, pre-hypoglycemic or diabetic. The ability to maintain normal blood sugar levels is jeopardized by the lack of chromium in our soil and water supply and by a diet high in refined white sugar, flour and junk foods. A number of human and animal studies have found that chromium supplements can improves insulin sensitivity and blood sugar in the face of insulin resistance, elevated blood sugar levels, impaired glucose tolerance and diabetes.
A deficiency of chromium can lead to anxiety, fatigue, glucose intolerance, (particularly in people with diabetes), inadequate metabolism of amino acids and an increased risk of arthrosclerosis. Excessive intake (the level depends upon individual tolerance) can lead to chromium toxicity, which has been associated with dermatitis, gastrointestinal ulcers, and kidney and liver impairment.
Supplemental chromium is best absorbed by the body when it is taken in a form called chromium picolinate (chromium chelated with picolinate, a naturally occurring amino acid metabolite). Picolinate enables chromium to readily enter into the body’s cells, where the mineral can then help insulin do its job much more effectively.
Deficiency of Chromium
