What is chromium? Can taking a chromium supplement help me lose or maintain weight?
Chromium is a nutrient which plays a factor in maintaining blood glucose (sugar) levels. Chromium occurs naturally in the diet, and is found in foods such as brewer’s yeast, whole grains, liver, and shellfish. Individuals whose diets consist mainly of processed foods may not have an adequate intake of chromium; symptoms of chromium deficiency include weight loss and impairment in the body’s ability to maintain blood sugar levels. Although there is no recommended daily allowance for chromium, a daily intake of between 50 and 200 micrograms (g) is recommended by many physicians and nutrition experts. Chromium is available in several forms, including inorganic chromium, high-chromium yeast, chromium picolinate, and chromium polynicotinate. Of these, chromium polynicotinate seems to be the best absorbed. While chromium does seem to be of benefit in regulating blood sugar in diabetics, its role in weight loss or maintenance for non-diabetics is not yet clear. Some individuals who have made
