Chromium was first recognized as an important dietary trace mineral in the 1950s. Research discovered that it works with insulin to help metabolize carbohydrates, fats and proteins. Insulin depends on chromium to help move sugar and fat into the body’s cells, where the nutrients either are burned for fuel or stored.
Although essential to metabolic function, chromium is not produced by the body and must be included in the diet. Unfortunately, the American diet, which is high in refined foods such as flour and sugar, supplies little chromium. Foods rich in chromium – such as mushrooms, broccoli, brewer’s yeast, brown rice, cheese, meat and wheat germ – often are not consumed at levels high enough to supply recommended levels of the nutrient.
If you are diabetic, you should check with your health care provider before taking Chromium Picolinate.
