Chromium? Does that word make you think of shiny car bumpers or household appliances? Yes, that is Chromium but it is hexavalent Chromium (Cr+6) which is toxic and quite different from the trivalent Chromium (Cr+3) which is the essential trace element needed by humans. The (Cr+3) is the form found in foods and dietary supplements. Chromium is known to stimulate the activity of enzymes involved in the metabolism of glucose for energy and the synthesis of cholesterol and fatty acids. Research done in the late 1950's by Dr. Walter Mertz identified Chromium as the active component of the Glucose Tolerance Factor (GTF).
Dr. Mertz was a government researcher who identified Chromium as an essential trace element responsible for enhancing insulin's function and maintaining normal blood sugar metabolism. He coined the phrase, "GTF" and his definition is based on metabolic rather than chemical criteria. Through his research, Dr. Mertz determined GTF must:
1) Potentiate insulin and affect glucose tolerance.
2) Be more readily absorbed than simple chromium salts.
3) Have access to physiological tissue stores, notably the liver.
4) Be significantly less toxic than simple Chromium compounds.
5) Readily cross the placental barrier and be taken up by the fetus.
When we hear the word insulin most of us immediately think diabetes but insulin also plays a major role in weight control, cardiovascular health and muscle growth. The action of insulin is potentiated by Chromium as an integral component of GTF. Chromium is an essential trace element. That means the body must have it for normal cellular function but does not manufacture it. Even slight Chromium deficiencies may result in diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and hypoglycemia, as well as weight gain and increased stress level all of which may result in a shortened life span. The National Academy of Sciences recommends between 50-200 mcg. daily. We get very little if any in the foods we eat and the level of dietary Chromium bears little relevance to its effectiveness as biologically active Chromium in humans. Some reports suggest the typical American diet only provides 50% of the suggested dietary intake. While plant derived organic (sometimes referred to as plant derived colloidal) form is the best, plants do not easily absorb Chromium and it is not available to begin with in our already depleted soils (Senate Doc. 261) so vegetables are not a ready source.
Understanding these facts, where do we get the GTF Chromium? The richest known source of naturally occurring GTF is Brewers Yeast but it has less than 50% biologically active Chromium and contains only 2 mcg. of Chromium per gram of yeast. Although yeast has been found to lower cholesterol and improve insulin sensitivity in some overt diabetics, many people are allergic to yeast. The better colloidal mineral supplements will contain 100% plant derived colloidal Chromium.
Be careful! Read the label closely. If it doesn't say more than just "Chromium" and doesn't identify the type of Chromium, it is more than likely inorganic Chromium that is poorly absorbed by the body. Some Chromium supplements don't contain Chromium in a form the body can readily utilize. Inexpensive Chromium supplements are inorganic salts such as Chromium chloride, oxide and acetate. These inorganic Chromium salts are not well absorbed. They are not stored in the liver where biologically active Chromium is stored but rather in the kidneys and ovaries. With the low absorption rate, even the maximum recommended daily intake would supply only1-4 mcg. of the 7-10mcg the body excretes each day. With so much being excreted and so little taken in, Chromium depletion could result within a few years.
Improved absorption may come with chelation, a type of chemical bond. Some of the first Chromium compounds were chelated with amino acids (proteinates) which are historically safe. Many amino acid chelated Chromium compounds contain traces of the mineral vanadium which itself may mimic many of the activities of insulin. Dr. Mertz's model contains amino acids and niacin. Some animal studies showed the bioavailability of this Chromium Amino Acid Niacin Chelate to be more effective than that of either Chromium Picolinate or Chromium Chloride. Chromium Picolinate (picolinic acid) is another popular Chromium product. Dr. Mertz studied picolinic acid in place of niacin in his model to verify the importance of the niacin and found it inefficient in potentiating insulin. Picolinic acid is a niacin antagonist that competes with niacin in the body and may lead to a niacin deficiency. Chromium Polynicotinate also called Nicotinate is Chromium bound to Niacin. Chromium Polynicotinate has properties similar to naturally occurring GTF and is found to be more effective and safer than other Chromium supplements.
In summary, though Chromium is an essential trace mineral not all Chromium provides the same healthful benefits. An organic plant derived colloidal form of Chromium will insure optimum absorption.