Chromium and weight loss

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Permalink Reply by Cindy Kelly on May 1, 2008 at 1:28pm

Chelated chromium is really good. It helps to even out blood sugar.
I've started taking this awesome vit/min supplement that has extra chromium, along with biotin and some other stuff that helps even out blood sugar. Takes cravings away and helps to curb overeating. Of course blood sugar isn't always a problem, but often is a factor in unsuccessful attempts to lose weight. If you want the name of the supplement just message me.

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Permalink Reply by Cindy Kelly on May 1, 2008 at 1:33pm

Oh....I forgot to mention that there aren't any contraindications or side effects. At least not when taking the safe amount that you would get in a supplement. It is a mineral.

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Permalink Reply by Lynn on May 2, 2008 at 8:53am

There actually has been no conclusive research that states chromium helps healthy individuals. The studies that have been done show that there is benefit for those who have type two diabetes, because chromium can enhance insulin's function. Some studies also have found that weight was lost, but only for those with type two diabetes. Here is an article which reviewed multiple studies on this, if you are interested:

Althuis MD, Jordan NE, Ludington EA, Wittes JT. Glucose and insulin response o dietary chromium supplements: A meta-analysis. Am J Clin Nutr. 2002;76:148-55.

They have found that Chromium Picolinate may improve brain activity, but it is still unclear.

Chromium in doses of 100X the AI of 25mcg/day may be toxic; the no observed adverse effect level is currently 1000mcg/day. Doses between 600-2400mcg/day have been associated with renal failure and liver dysfunction.

Overall, it is safe, but expensive. If you have pre-diabetes or diabetes, then I would recommend trying it, but if not, it may not be worth the money. However, it sounds like Cindy has seen some benefit from it, so you could try it; just remember, multiple studies have found the benefits to be with people who have type-two diabetes only.

I hope that helps...let me know if you have any questions.
Lynn

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Permalink Reply by Melinda on May 2, 2008 at 9:54pm

So I checked into the chromium that we sell at my clinic for "weight loss" and it is called chromium picolante
Is that the same as chelated chromium??

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Permalink Reply by Cindy Kelly on May 3, 2008 at 10:47am

Yes......it means it's chelated with picolante......so that's good.

Again, don't recommend this unless you know that there are blood sugar issues to begin with, otherwise your clients will be disappointed that it doesn't work. There are symptoms of blood sugar imbalances that make it pretty obvious. One big clue would be that when the person misses a meal or hasn't eaten for longer than 3 hours or so, they get shaky, irritable or light headed.

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Permalink Reply by Andrea McNeil on May 3, 2008 at 7:29am

Hi,

I've read up a little on chromium myself. It is good for weight-loss per se because it helps control cravings for sugars. Since I've have the biggest sweet tooth around I tried to use some. But I didn't really notice a difference in my cravings or weight-loss!

I hope this helps!

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Permalink Reply by Audrey on May 7, 2008 at 8:10am

I agree with what Lynn and Cindy are saying, and from personal experience, it will really only have effect if there is a sugar imbalance to begin with. I took it and didnt get any benefit from it.

CLA (conjugated linoleic acid) is also suggested as a good weight loss supplement. From an article on the Mercola site Click Here:

Increases metabolic rate -- This would obviously be a positive benefit for thyroid patients, as hypothyroidism -- even when treated -- can reduce the metabolic rate in some people.
Decreases abdominal fat -- Adrenal imbalances and hormonal shifts that are common in thyroid patients frequently cause rapid accumulation of abdominal fat, so this benefit could be quite helpful.
Enhances muscle growth -- Muscle burns fat, which also contributes to increased metabolism, which is useful in weight loss and management.
Lowers cholesterol and triglycerides -- Since many thyroid patients have elevated cholesterol and triglyceride levels, even with treatment, this benefit can have an impact on a thyroid patient's health.
Lowers insulin resistance -- Insulin resistance is a risk for some hypothyroid patients, and lowering it can also help prevent adult-onset diabetes and make it easier to control weight.
Reduces food-induced allergic reactions -- Since food allergies can be at play when weight loss becomes difficult, this can be of help to thyroid patients.
Enhances immune system -- Since most cases of thyroid disease are autoimmune in nature, enhancing the immune system's ability to function properly is a positive benefit.
If you're interested in taking CLA to help with weight loss, keep in mind that it's not a magic, and you will need to start a program of diet and exercise in order to successfully lose weight and keep it off.

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