Chromium Picolinate

Is considered to be the best form of chromium

Trivalent forms of this mineral can play a major role in that as it is recognized as a nutritionally essential mineral.

In fact, it is considered an isomer of nicotinic acid, and because of its structure, can form strong ties to this mineral and other transition metals.

However, scientists are not yet exactly certain how this mineral functions in the body. A biological active form of chromium participates in glucose metabolism by enhancing the effects of insulin.

Insulin is secreted by specialized cells in the pancreas in response to increased blood glucose levels, such as after a meal. Chromium Picolinate is not believed to occur in nature and thus a deficiency of this mineral is quite rare in healthy people. However, chromium picolinate’s role appears to be quite similar to other forms of this mineral such as that found in brewer's yeast.

Calcium deficiency has been reported in some people on long term intravenous feeding who did not receive supplements of this mineral in their intravenous solutions.

Several studies of male runners have also indicated that urinary chromium loss was increased by endurance exercise, suggesting that chromium needs to be greater in individuals who exercise regularly. Insulin binds to insulin receptors on the surface of cells, which activates the receptors and stimulates glucose uptake by cells.

Through its interaction with insulin receptors, chromium provides cells with glucose for energy and prevents blood glucose levels from becoming elevated.

In addition to its effects on carbohydrate (glucose) metabolism, carbohydrate (glucose) metabolism, insulin also influences the metabolism of fat and protein.

A decreased response to insulin or decreased insulin sensitivity may result in impaired glucose intolerance, or "type 2 diabetes", also known as non-insulin dependant diabetes mellitus (NIDDM).

This type of diabetes is characterized by elevated blood glucose levels and insulin resistance.

Because of liquid vitamins and supplements ease of taking and the absorption superiority over pills, it is a very good source of helping in supplementing this nutrient as well as several others.

Recent studies have shown that resistance exercise (weight lifting) was found to increase urinary excretion of chromium in older men. The amount of chromium in foods is variable and has been measured accurately in relatively few foods.

LIQUID VITAMINS

Presently, there is no large database for chromium content of foods. Foods high in simple sugars, however, such as sucrose and fructose, are not only low in chromium but have been found to promote this nutrients loss.

Foods that have shown signs of adding chromium include:

Broccoli, green beans, potatoes, grape juice, orange juice, beef, turkey breast, ham (processed), waffle, bagel, English muffins, apple w/peel, and bananas.

Chromium (III) is available as a supplement in several forms including chromium chloride, chromium nicotinate, chromium picolinate, and high-chromium yeast.

There are several very good brands and sources for liquid supplementation that will assist this mineral including the following brands:

Natural Sources for Chromium Picolinate

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