Chromium picolinate is a form of the mineral chromium that can be found in supplements.Many of these products claim to improve nutrient metabolism and produce weight loss.However, many people wonder about the safety and effectiveness.
Chromium is a mineral that exists in several forms. Although one dangerous form can be found in industrial pollution, a safe form is found naturally in many foods.
This safe form, trivalent chromium, is typically considered essential, meaning that it must be obtained from the diet.
Although some researchers question whether this mineral is truly essential, it does serve several important functions in the body.
For example, it is part of a molecule called chromodulin, which helps the hormone insulin perform its actions in the body.
Insulin, a molecule released by the pancreas, is important in your body’s processing of carbs, fat and protein.
Interestingly, the absorption of chromium in the intestines is very low, with less than 2.5% of ingested chromium being absorbed.
However, chromium picolinate is an alternate form of chromium that is absorbed better. For this reason, this type is commonly found in dietary supplements.
Chromium picolinate is the mineral chromium attached to three molecules of picolinic acid
