Chromium picolinate: what is it for and contraindications

Chromium picolinate is a nutritional supplement indicated to help in the treatment of diabetes or insulin resistance, as it contains picolinic acid and chromium in its composition, which helps to regulate blood glucose and insulin levels.

Likewise, this supplement can help reduce appetite and compulsive eating disorders, as it can promote weight loss, and should always be used under the advice of a doctor or nutritionist and be associated with exercise and a balanced diet. .

Chromium picolinate can be purchased in the form of capsules at pharmacies, natural products stores or stores onlineand it should be used only under the indication of the nutritionist or the doctor, the one who recommends the dose and the way in which the supplement should be consumed.

The chromium picolinate is indicated in case of chromium deficiency in the organism. However, certain studies have shown that this supplement could also have other health benefits, and could be used for the following purposes:

• Regulate blood sugar levels;
• Assist in the treatment of diabetes or insulin resistance;
• Regulate the levels of “malo” cholesterol and triglycerides;
• Prevent heart disease;
• Decrease appetite and compulsive eating disorder;
• Improve the metabolism of proteins, carbohydrates and fats;
• Increase muscle mass.

Although it has benefits for health, however, more scientific studies are needed to understand the benefits of chromium picolinate. For this reason, the use of this supplement should only be carried out under the guidance of a doctor or nutritionist. See other benefits of chromium for health.

In addition, it is important to point out that the use of chromium picolinate does not replace the treatment with medications indicated by the doctor.

Does chromium picolinate adelgaza?

The chromium picolinate favors weight loss, as it can reduce the appetite and the compulsive eating disorder, so that the person consumes fewer calories during the day.

However, the results of scientific studies^[1,2] performed with chromium picolinate for weight loss in people who suffer from obesity or overweight, they have not concluded anything significant, as they indicate that the amount of weight lost is not relevant.

It is important to point out that chromium picolinate must be used only under medical advice or from a nutritionist and not replacing regular exercise with a balanced diet, in order to slim down in a healthy way.

See how to have a balanced diet.

Chromium picolinate must be ingested orally, with a pot of water, preferably before one of the main meals.

Certain scientific studies indicate that the duration of the treatment depends on the objective of the use of the supplement, and can vary between 4 weeks to 6 months. The dose used also varies, and it may be indicated from 25 to 1000 mcg per day.

However, it is recommended that the daily dose of chromium be between 50 and 300 mcg, in the case of athletes and people with excess weight or obesity, and when the supplement is used to lower cholesterol and triglycerides, it can be recommend increasing the dose from 100 to 700 mcg per day, around 6 weeks, according to the doctor’s instructions.

The most common side effects that can arise during treatment with chromium picolinate include headache, insomnia, diarrhea, nausea, stomach pain, vomiting, liver problems and anemia. However, in most cases, this supplement is well tolerated and the emergence of side effects is rare.

It is important that diabetic people speak with their doctor before using this supplement, as it may be necessary to adjust the dose of the hypoglycemic agent; in addition, in some cases it is also necessary to control the blood glucose levels during the period of use of the supplement, in order to avoid a hypoglycemic crisis.

Find out how to identify the symptoms of hypoglycemia.

Chromium picolinate should not be used in children under 12 years of age, people who have renal failure, severe liver disease or thyroid problems in those who are under treatment with corticosteroids, such as fluticasone, prednisone, prednisolone or beclomethasone, for example.

Likewise, this supplement should not be used in individuals allergic to picolinic acid, to chromium or to any other component of the formula.

The use of chromium picolinate is also recommended for embarassed women or in the period of lactation, as it is not known if it can harm the fetus or the baby, and in that case it should be used only if it is recommended by the doctor.