I have been told recently that if I take a chromium supplement it will help me lose weight. Is this true?  JB. 

Chromium is an essential trace mineral that helps the body maintain normal blood sugar levels.  A deficiency of the mineral can lead to Diabetes and this is where the primary research into this mineral has been directed. 

Chromium first and foremost is a component of the ‘glucose tolerance factor’ which is required for maintaining a normal blood glucose balance.  Chromium works with insulin to ease the absorption of blood glucose into the cells and it may also play a part in other activities that involve insulin such as the metabolism of fats and proteins. 

This last activity has opened a line of research in the effect of chromium on weight loss, building muscle and decreasing body fat and has led to a lot of chromium based products being put on the market in recent years.  There is no definite proof that it works although some studies do claim that in a study that people on chromium lost more body fat over three months than those who did not take it.  Personally, I would suggest that you start by increasing the amount of food containing chromium in your diet before taking it in supplement form and as you will see from the list below, there is a good variety to choose from.

Chromium is very easy to lose from the body in urine, sweat and if you engage in excessive physical activity without eating an appropriate, nutritionally packed diet. If you are a diabetic then you must make sure that you work with your medical advisor before taking any chromium supplement, as it will affect the dosage of any insulin you may be taking. 

Other areas that chromium may have an influence on your health are with elevated blood pressure, high cholesterol and low HDL (High-density lipoproteins or Healthy cholesterol) in your blood. 

Best food sources for chromium are; Whole grains, potatoes, oysters, liver, seafood, cheese, chicken, turkey, beef, lamb and pork.  Dark leafy vegetables such as broccoli and romaine lettuce contain healthy amounts as do onions and tomatoes.  Brewer’s yeast is a very good source of all the B-complex vitamins including B2 although drinking excessive pints of beer is not the recommended method of taking the vitamin.