 |
Picolinate ChromiumThe research regarding picolinate chromium and burning fat has caused some heated exchanges. You'll find relevant research listed below to allow you to make your own intelligent decision about whether to use weight loss products or fat burners which include chromium. Research Title: The potential value and toxicity of chromium picolinate as a nutritional supplement, weight loss agent and muscle development agent. Year Published: 2003 Research Title: A randomized, double-masked, placebo-controlled study of the effects of chromium picolinate supplementation on body composition: a replication and extension of a previous study. Year Published: 1998 Research Summary: Two groups of clinically obese participants were either given 400 mcg of picolinate chromium or a placebo over three months. In the group that received the picolinate chromium, there were significant improvements in lean body mass. Current Therapeutic Research 59(6):379-388, 1998 Research Title: Chromium picolinate for reducing body weight: meta-analysis of randomized trials. Year Published: 2003 Research Summary: Two experts reviewed randomised, placebo-controlled, double blind research concerning the supplement. Their conclusions were that after reviewing the relevant literature, picolinate chromium offered relatively small benefits to reducing body weight. The authors of the analysis, also note that these conclusions are not clinically relevant and should be taken with caution. Int-J-Obes-Relat-Metab-Disord. 2003 Apr; 27(4): 522-9 Research Title: Chromium picolinate effects on body composition and muscular performance in wrestlers. Year Published: 1998 Research Summary: 20 wrestlers from the University of Oklahoma were divided into a treatment group, placebo group and controll group in which the treatment group was given 200 mcg of picolinate chromium over a 14 week period occuring during their normal pre-season resistance and conditioning programs. Measurements of body composition, neuromuscular performance, metabolic performance, serum insulin and glucose were taken both before and after the study began. Results were that picolinate chromium did not affect body composition or performance beyond the improvements that their normal training had. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 1998 Dec; 30(12):1730-7. Research Title: Effect of chromium yeast and chromium picolinate on body composition of obese, non-diabetic patients during and after a formula diet. Year Published: 1997 Research Summary: The study assessed 36 obese participants who underwent a low calorie diet and an 18 week maintenance program. The participants either received a placebo, or chromium picolinate or chromium yeast. Measurements of BMI and skin-thickness indicated that all three groups lost weight, however the group that received chromium picolinate made improvements in lean body mass during their maintenance period without putting on more weight. Acta Med Austriaca. 1997;24(5):185-7. Conclusions about Chromium Supplements:While some research has indicated some promise in losing body fat and gaining lean muscle, more research needs to be done. The overwelming concensus of research does not support picolinate chromium as an ingredient in fat burners, as you can see above. One reason for this discrepancy may be in the actual differing designs of the research listed above. In the studies that found that chromium did indeed give rise to weight loss, the participants were clinically obese individuals. Research conducted in the same year measuring the effects of picolinate chromium on body composition used wrestlers as their participants. It is a well known fact that the metabolism and chemical interactions within obese people are radically different to those who are fit and participate regularly in exercise. Many obese people have shown that their body's ability to maintain glucose levels at acceptable levels have been impaired, whereas, wrestlers may not experience this unless they are diabetic. It is very likely indeed that these differing results could have come about due to the differing design issues in the research itself. The most recent reviews and research conducted by experts however indicate that it does not have a significant effect. Safe dosages of the supplement are at 200 mcg's. Unusually high dosages of chromium picolinate can cause renal failure and chromosomal damage as indicated in the study at the top of the page. Chromium is an important nutrient in regulating blood sugar levels, and while you can buy it as a supplement, you can also buy it within normal every day foods. If you're interested, you can get your daily intake of chromium within the following foods (1):
You can find more information on which foods are high in chromium here. Other research you might be interested in:Hepburn,-D-D; Xiao,-J; Bindom,-S; Vincent,-J-B; O'Donnell,-J Nutritional supplement chromium picolinate causes sterility and lethal mutations in Drosophila melanogaster. Proc-Natl-Acad-Sci-U-S-A. 2003 Apr 1; 100(7): 3766-71 To find this research, copy and paste the title here at this link.1. Applegate, E., (2002) Encyclopeadia of Sports and Fitness Nutrition Diet & Fitness TipsLike these resources on Picolinate Chromium ? Want more information on diet and fitness ? I send out free recipes, exercise and diet related tips in my newsletter, Diet & Fitness Tips. Sign up today ! Top Of Picolinate Chromium Page.
|
