Frequently asked questions
What
is chromium picolinate?
Chromium picolinate is a combination of the trace mineral chromium and picolinic acid. Picolinic acid is a natural metabolite (a naturally occurring product of metabolism) found in breast milk.
Chromium supplied in this form is more easily absorbed and used by the body.
How much chromium
picolinate do I
need daily?
The Reference Daily Intake (RDI) for chromium has been set at 120 mcg by the Institute of Medicine. Clinical research suggests, however, that 200–500 mcg is needed to see beneficial effects.
Since our chromium supply is low in foods and depleted as we age and after strenuous exercise, you may want to increase your daily intake based on your individual needs.
How
soon will I see results with
chromium picolinate?
It is important to understand that your body’s need for chromium is essential and life-long. Individual response to chromium supplementation can vary. You may see some benefits, like improved body composition, in as few as two weeks when you use chromium picolinate in conjunction with a healthy diet and exercise.
Studies have shown that better glucose metabolism can occur in as few as six to 12 weeks. Other benefits, such as healthy cholesterol metabolism, may take longer and can be confirmed by your doctor.
Can
I take chromium picolinate with
my current medication?
Chromium picolinate has exhibited a strong safety profile in clinical studies, even when taken with medication. However, as with any dietary supplement, you should consult your physician before adding chromium picolinate to your medication regimen.
Is chromium
picolinate safe?
Chromium picolinate has been analyzed in over 35 clinical trials utilizing over 2,000 participants. Research has established that chromium picolinate is safe at levels as high as 500 mg, or 500,000 mcg, in animals, which is more than 500 times the typical daily dose for an average adult (not recommended). Chromium picolinate is produced under conditions that ensure quality and safety. For more on safety, click
here.
Does
chromium picolinate produce
any side effects?
There have been no substantiated side effects reported in the roughly 10 billion doses consumed since chromium picolinate has been on the market.
Do I
still need chromium picolinate if my multivitamin contains chromium
chloride?
Chromium chloride is difficult for your body to absorb effectively, so you will need additional chromium supplementation. Chromium picolinate is a smart choice because it is a highly bioavailable form of chromium. Your body absorbs chromium picolinate much more efficiently than it does chromium chloride.
Can
I use chromium picolinate as part of my weight loss program?
While there is no “quick fix” for losing weight permanently, chromium picolinate can be a valuable addition to a well-designed, long-term weight loss program. People who are overweight are often insulin resistant. Given the body of evidence demonstrating chromium’s health benefits in people who are insulin resistant, chromium supplementation should be considered a natural choice for supporting a healthier metabolism in people who are overweight. When taken in conjunction with a well-balanced diet and regular exercise, chromium picolinate can effectively support your goal of achieving and maintaining a healthy weight, by promoting a healthy metabolism, reducing body fat and preserving lean muscle.
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