Supplements in practice - Chromium

Question 1

Chromium Forms: Chromium picolinate:

Answer 1

• Readily absorbed with high serum levels.
• Safety concerns about picolinate: Small scale animal studies show chromium picolinate could damage genetic material in animal cells and, therefore, might promote cancer. Studies used very high dose chromium, therefore, findings controversial. Note: It is picolinate that is in question, not trivalent chromium.

Question 2

Chromium Forms: Chromium polynicotinate:

Answer 2

• Claimed to be a safer long-term option than chromium picolinate but is not currently listed on the EU safe list.

Question 3

Chromium Forms: Chromium GTF:

Answer 3

• Preformed GTF is not readily bioavailable to the body; it is wiser to take supplements of GTF’s individual components.

Question 4

Chromium Forms: Chromium malate:

Answer 4

• Animal studies indicate that chromium malate exhibits greater benefits in treating Type 2 diabetes and, its curative effect of, is superior to chromium trichloride and chromium picolinate.

Question 5

Chromium GTF

Answer 5

Chromium GTF = trivalent Cr + nicotinic acid + glutamic acid + cysteine + glycine

Question 6

Note:

Answer 6

• The hexavalent form of chromium is from industry and is associated with toxicity (ref: Erin Brockovich).
• It is not used in nutritional supplements.

Question 7

Contraindications:

Answer 7

• Some diabetes drugs may have an additive effect. Careful monitoring required.
• Oral corticosteroids may deplete chromium levels.