Generality
Chromium is a micronutrient present in trace amounts in our body.
Its important role as a cofactor in the enhancement of insulin function has been known since 1959.
From these assumptions derives the business of supplements in which chromium is found in the form of chromium picolinate.
In fact, this salt represents an excellent compromise between bioavailability (effective absorption of chromium) and risk of toxic effects (typical, for example, of hexavalent chromium).
There is no recommended daily intake of Chromium for the Italian population.
In the Bel Paese, the ingestion levels derived from the analyzes carried out on the national diet amount to 20.6 µg / day and the foods that most contribute to the total intake of chromium are vegetables (59.3 µg / day), cereals and derivatives (48.2 µg / day), followed by fruit (33.2 µg / day) from meat, fish and eggs (14.7 µg / day) and from milk and derivatives (13.1 µg / day) (Gambelli L., 1994).
According to the LARN for the Italian population, the adequate intake of Chromium would be:
Babies | from 7 to 12 months: 4 mcg |
children | from 1 to 3 years: 7mcg from 4 to 8 years: 10 mcg from 9 to 13 years: 14 mcg |
Teenagers | males 14 to 18 years: 25 mcg females 14 to 18 years: 33 mcg |
Adult men | from 19 to 50 years: 35 mcg + 50: 30 mcg |
Adult Women | from 19 to 50 years: 25 mcg + 50: 20 mcg pregnant: 30 mcg breastfeeding: 45 mcg |
Where mcg = µg = micrograms | |
Indications
Why is Chrome used? What is it for?
Classically, hypoglycemic properties are ascribed to chromium.
These activities, although the molecular role is not yet completely clear, seem to be attributable to the Chromium's ability to act on the insulin signal, strengthening it.
The activating action against the insulin receptor and the probable ability to improve hepatic glucose metabolism would further support the metabolic role of Chromium.
By virtue of its biological potential, Chromium was used:
- As a hypoglycemic agent in dysmetabolisms;
- As an ergogenic support in sports;
- As a supplement that can help improve body composition.
Property and Effectiveness
What benefits has Chromium shown during the studies?
Several studies have been published in the literature which show the biological potential of chromium.
Although there are clearly still many conflicting opinions, in some studies the Chrome:
- Fasting blood glucose, basal insulin concentrations and glycosylated hemoglobin levels would appear to improve, as observed in approximately 180 patients with second-type diabetes;
- It would favor an appreciable decrease in the concentrations of total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol;
- It would improve body composition, optimizing muscle growth and facilitating the loss of fat mass, measured instrumentally with DEXA, in athletes subjected to training.
However, data not confirmed by subsequent work (Med Sci Sports Exerc 1998; 30: 1730-7),
No appreciable benefit would be recorded instead in the treatment of obesity, compared to a hypocaloric diet rich in fiber.
Doses and method of use
How to use Chrome
Estimated at about 25-35 mcg the adequate daily intake of Chromium, the supplementation generally uses doses between 20 and 200 mcg / day.
Quantities sometimes doubled in some studies.
The most widespread Chromium supplements on the market are Chromium Picolinate, although other forms of Chromium are also present, such as Chromium polynicotinate and Chromium chloride.
Side effects
Chromium competes with iron for binding to transferrin, a protein that transports iron mobilized from deposits into the blood.
A chronic overdose of chromium picolinate could therefore favor the establishment of anemic pictures.
Some studies have shown that picolinic acid contained in chromium picolinate can alter the parotid gland and adversely affect cell shape and function; cases of kidney damage at high doses have also been reported (Ann Pharmacother 1998; 32: 428-31)
Case reports also reported the appearance of anemia, thrombocytopenia, liver failure and rhabdomyolysis in patients undergoing supplementation with high doses of chromium picolinate.
Contraindications
When should Chromium not be used?
The use of Chromium is contraindicated in case of hypersensitivity to the active ingredient.
Pharmacological Interactions
Which drugs or foods can modify the effect of Chromium?
The simultaneous use of ascorbate and ascorbate-containing foods could increase the intestinal absorption of chromium.
On the contrary, the presence of phytates could compromise absorption.
It should also be remembered that Chromium could enhance the metabolic effects of hypoglycemic drugs.
Precautions for use
What do you need to know before taking Chromium?
The intake of Chromium, through supplements, should not exceed the maximum permitted limits, especially during pregnancy and in the subsequent period of breastfeeding.
The use of Chromium should also be avoided in patients with hypoglycemia and supervised by the doctor in patients suffering from diabetes or altered carbohydrate metabolism.
