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Chromium and weight loss
Would you recommend taking Chromium to aid weight loss?
Chromium is an essential trace element needed in minute amounts to form an organic complex known as the Glucose Tolerance Factor (GTF). This interacts with the pancreatic hormone, insulin, to regulate the uptake of glucose by cells. GTF encourages the production of energy from glucose, especially in muscles, and may also suppress hunger pangs through a direct effect on the satiety centre in the brain.
Most refined carbohydrates have little chromium content and people eating processed foods will have low intakes. In general, the more carbohydrate you eat, the more chromium you need. Brewer's yeast is a particularly good source of chromium as it is already in the form of GTF, making it at least ten times more effective than that obtained from other food sources.
Because chromium has an effect on appetite, hunger pangs and fat metabolism, it has been used as a slimming aid. In one study, 233 people randomly received placebo or chromium (200mcg or 400mcg daily), for 72 days, without receiving weight loss, dietary or exercise guidance - subjects could follow whichever type of weight loss programme they wished. Those receiving placebo had an average body weight of 83.3kg before the trial, and only lost 0.4kg over the 72 days. Those receiving 200mcg or 400mcg chromium picolinate had an initial weight of 84.6kg and lost an average of 1.26 kg. There was no additional benefit in taking 400mcg compared with 200mcg chromium picolinate. When combined with a sensible diet and regular exercise, chromium supplements may help some people lose weight (especially if they are deficient in chromium). While some studies have shown it to be beneficial in weight loss, others have shown little benefit, however, and more research is needed.
Most refined carbohydrates have little chromium content and people eating processed foods will have low intakes. In general, the more carbohydrate you eat, the more chromium you need. Brewer's yeast is a particularly good source of chromium as it is already in the form of GTF, making it at least ten times more effective than that obtained from other food sources.
Because chromium has an effect on appetite, hunger pangs and fat metabolism, it has been used as a slimming aid. In one study, 233 people randomly received placebo or chromium (200mcg or 400mcg daily), for 72 days, without receiving weight loss, dietary or exercise guidance - subjects could follow whichever type of weight loss programme they wished. Those receiving placebo had an average body weight of 83.3kg before the trial, and only lost 0.4kg over the 72 days. Those receiving 200mcg or 400mcg chromium picolinate had an initial weight of 84.6kg and lost an average of 1.26 kg. There was no additional benefit in taking 400mcg compared with 200mcg chromium picolinate. When combined with a sensible diet and regular exercise, chromium supplements may help some people lose weight (especially if they are deficient in chromium). While some studies have shown it to be beneficial in weight loss, others have shown little benefit, however, and more research is needed.
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