chromium

[gold]

alright so i just purchased some chromium. what do you guys suggest is a good amount to be taking daily. ive heard that this stuff can give you serious results when used properly. oh yeah and when are the best times to take it? thanks in advance guys!

[JHI]

"Venom how big of a role does chromium supplementation play in insulin sensitivity?"

Quote from Venom (2004)

[ QUOTE ]
It serves as a cofactor for potentiating insulin function. All mechanisms have not been clearly defined yet, however, it appears that chromium increases insulin binding to cells, insulin receptor number, and activates the insulin receptor kinase leading to enhanced insulin sensitivity.


Here a few journals for you on chromium.


chromium in the prevention and control of diabetes.


Anderson RA. Diabetes Metab. 2000 Feb


chromium is an essential nutrient involved in the metabolism of glucose, insulin and blood lipids. Suboptimal dietary intake of chromium is associated with increased risk factors associated with diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Within the past five years, chromium has been shown to improve glucose and related variables in subjects with glucose intolerance and type 1, type 2, gestational and steroid-induced diabetes. Severe neuropathy and glucose intolerance of a patient on total parenteral nutrition, who was receiving currently recommended levels of chromium, were reversed by additional supplemental chromium.


chromium, glucose intolerance and diabetes.


Anderson RA. J Am Coll Nutr. 1998 Dec


Nutrient Requirements and Functions Laboratory, Beltsville Human Nutrition Research Center, US Department of Agriculture, ARS, Beltsville, Maryland 20705-2350, USA.


Within the last 5 years chromium (Cr) has been shown to play a role in glucose intolerance, Type 2 diabetes mellitus (Type 2 DM), and gestational diabetes. In addition, diabetes and the neuropathy of a patient on home parenteral nutrition were alleviated when supplemental Cr was added to total parenteral nutrition (TPN) solutions. In a study conducted in China that has been supported by studies in the United States, supplemental Cr as Cr picolinate improved the blood glucose, insulin, cholesterol, and hemoglobin A1C in people with Type 2 DM in a dose dependent manner. Follow-up studies of > 1 year have confirmed these studies. The requirement for Cr is related to the degree of glucose intolerance: 200 microg/day of supplemental Cr is adequate to improve glucose variables of those who are mildly glucose intolerant. However, people with more overt impairments in glucose tolerance and diabetes usually require more than 200 microg/day. Daily intake of 8 microg of Cr per kg body weight was also more effective than 4 microg/kg in women with gestational diabetes. The mechanism of action of Cr involves increased insulin binding, increased insulin receptor number, and increased insulin receptor phosphorylation. In summary, supplemental Cr has been shown to have beneficial effects without any documented side effects on people with varying degrees of glucose intolerance ranging from mild glucose intolerance to overt Type 2 DM.


chromium, glucose tolerance, and diabetes.


Anderson RA. 1992 Jan-Mar;32:19-24.


Vitamin and Mineral Nutrition Laboratory, US Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, MD 20705. Biol Trace Elem Res.


chromium functions in maintaining normal glucose tolerance primarily by regulating insulin action. In the presence of optimal amounts of biologically active chromium, much lower amounts of insulin are required. Glucose intolerance, related to insufficient dietary chromium, appears to be widespread. Improved chromium nutrition leads to improved sugar metabolism in hypoglycemics, hyperglycemics, and diabetics.





Additionally, high carbohydrate diets, and exercise promotes urinary chromium loss. Here is another study.





Effects of aerobic exercise and training on the trace minerals chromium, zinc and copper.


Campbell WW, Anderson RA. Sports Med. 1987


Aerobic exercise and training lead to numerous changes and/or adaptations in the normal physiological functioning of the body. The trace minerals chromium, zinc, and copper are directly involved in maintaining and regulating many of these physiological processes, especially those involved in normal carbohydrate, fat and protein metabolism and the ultimate formation of usable energy. Therefore, it is important to establish whether exercise and training alter the functions of these trace elements, and to determine the overall effects of exercise on nutritional status and physical performance. Exercise results in a marked mobilisation of chromium into circulation, while zinc and copper levels have been shown to either remain stable or increase. Exercise also results in large increases in excretion of chromium, zinc and copper. Urinary chromium excretion has been shown to increase on an exercise day compared with a rest day, while increased zinc losses occur in urine and sweat and increased copper losses occur in urine, and faeces. When exercise-enhanced trace mineral losses are coupled with dietary intakes below the recommended levels, which are commonplace for both sedentary and exercising individuals, the nutritional status and overall health of exercising individuals may be suboptimal. Individuals who train intensively may be at special risk due to repeated increased losses. Trained athletes have lower resting urinary chromium losses, larger increases in urinary chromium losses due to exercise, lower resting serum zinc levels, and possible alterations in copper nutriture compared with sedentary controls. These changes suggest an altered metabolism and/or nutritional status of the trace minerals chromium, zinc, and copper in trained individuals and those who exercise strenuously.

[/ QUOTE ]

"what do you guys suggest is a good amount to be taking daily"

"oh yeah and when are the best times to take it?"

Here is what President Wilson recommends, from 13-week diet:

[ QUOTE ]
Step Four: It is important that you supplement with the mineral called chromium everyday! Its a fact that chromium increases insulin sensitivity and the lack there of will do the opposite! There is no RDA for chromium; however, most experts agree you need at least 200 mcg/day. A recent study which showed positive results used 1,000 mcg/day. Hard-working athletes may want to make sure they get at least 400 mcg/day.

[/ QUOTE ]