There are two types of Chromium; the first type is what we can visually see all around us every day in buildings, furniture, jewellery etc, this Chromium is mainly sourced from Chrome Ore, and is used commercially.  The second type of Chromium is found within the Earth’s crust.  This Chromium is commonly known as Chromium Glucose Tolerance Factor, or Chromium GTF.

Under normal circumstances we would be able to source enough Chromium from our diets, but over the years the Chromium levels in our soil has depleted and fewer foods now contain high levels of Chromium.  Because of this a supplement of Chromium may be beneficial to our daily routine.Chromium is a trace mineral that has been identified as helping the blood sugar lowering hormone, insulin, function more efficiently¹¯³.  Insulin is the master hormone of our metabolism, it does this by regualting the body’s breakdown of carbohydrates, protein and fats for energy.  Chromium helps Insulin work more efficiently to allow blood sugar, (glucose), to move from the blood into cells.  Glucose is a fuel that cells need for energy.  Researchers still do not know why Chromium acts as it does, and more research is still in progress.

Chromium and Diabetes

There have been many studies done on Chromium and the benefits that it may or may not hold for people with Diabetes, and there have been mixed reviews.  In one study a review of 16 trails was carried out.  In each trial people with Insulin-Dependant Diabetes Mellitus were given Chromium.  Three trials showed no effects, whereas 13 shwed improvements on one or all of; Insulin Levels, Glucose Levels, or Lipids.  However, it should be noted that in all 16 trials the reviewer noticed that 200µg or less was ineffective, and almost all of the positive studies involved doses over 400µg per day.

Chromium and Osteoporosis

In one Placebo-Controlled trial on Postmenopausal women it showed that a supplementation of Chromium did lead to a decrease of Calcium in the Urine, thus suggesting that a supplementation of Chromium may be beneficial in the prevention of Osteoporosis.  There has also been another study of Postmenopausal women who were receiving Hormone Replacement Therapy, (HRT).  Within this study it was found that Chromium status, based on Blood and Urinary analysis, improves in Postmenopausal women on HRT.

Chromium and you Mood

In a report of 8 patients, each patient showed excellent clinical responses to Chromium Monotherapy, for Bipolar II Disorder, Dysthymic Disorder, and major and minor depression.

Chromium and its effects on Weight Control and Muscle Mass

There have been many studies carried out on Chromium and what effect it has on Weight control, ending in very mixed results.

One summary of many well designed studies showed that a supplementation of up to 1000 mcg of Chromium daily, had no effect on the body’s composition at all regardless of whether an exercise regime was included or not.

Yet another study showed that 1000 mcg per day, given to a moderately obese Mexican woman, positively affected her Body Mass Index, (BMI), and Triglycerides.