Are you getting enough chromium each day? Try this simple test: look at the label of your multi-vitamin and see how much, if any, chromium it contains. Your body needs about 120 micrograms of chromium to maintain your health. Unfortunately, your multi-vitamin contains much less than this under the assumption that you’ll gain chromium from the foods you eat that contain chromium such as meat, poultry, seafood, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and dairy products. But in today’s world of fast food, a hamburger and fries at the drive-through just isn’t enough for your body to gain the chromium it needs.

Chromium should be a part of your daily nutritional intake; it is needed to metabolize fat and regulate your blood glucose (sugar) level. It is your pancreas that produces insulin, and chromium plays a major role in enhancing insulin’s action in your body. This is especially crucial if you suffer from type 2 diabetes. In many cases, chromium can actually prevent the adult onset of this serious illness.

The importance of having a healthy level of chromium in the body cannot be stressed enough. Sugar levels must be regulated in order to produce the most amount of energy. If you combine chromium with the other nutrients, you basically guarantee that your insulin is utilized correctly. Chromium even works with glucose tolerance factor to increase the level of insulin in the blood.

A glucose tolerance factor actually contains elements such as glycine, niacin, cysteine and vitamin B3. All these vitamins and enzymes improve insulin activity, resulting to the quicker movement of sugar to your cells. Once your blood sugar is stabilized, chromium also helps regulate cholesterol in the blood.

As you age, you’ll find that your vitamin and mineral nutritional needs change. For example, people over 50 to 60 may find that it’s more difficult for their bodies to absorb and maintain a healthy level of chromium. In addition, glucose tolerance levels may also be affected by age. Fortunately, there is a quick solution to this problem: in addition to your multi-vitamin, your physician may recommend a chromium supplement. You’ll gain the additional benefit of reducing your risks of developing late onset type 2 diabetes.

Chromium picolinate is also being studied and used as a carbohydrate-burning supplement. It has also been discovered to play a vital role in the synthesis of protein, fat, and carbohydrates; this could benefit you by reducing the risk of coronary problems later in life.

There are many chromium supplements available today in local stores and online merchants. When looking for a high-quality supplement, chromium picolinate is thought to be the form of this essential element that is best absorbed by the body. It’s vital that, when using a chromium supplement, you don’t take more than your physician recommends based upon the current state of your general health. Your body absorbs only the amount of chromium it needs. Avoid the “more is better” trap!

If you think that you need to increase your chromium levels, taking supplements is the most effective solution. You can establish your need for chromium supplement if you are feeling tired, anxious and suffering from glucose intolerance. For adults, you need to take at least 120 mcg daily. In case you are suffering from severe chromium deficiency, your doctor might recommend higher amount of daily chromium intake. You should make sure that you check with your doctor before taking these chromium supplements.

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