New chromium compound more bioavailable
chromium and are looking for companies to carry out trials on the
product, they said this week.
The new compound was developed by chemist Richard Anderson and colleagues at the US department of agriculture's main scientific research agency, ARS, in 2001. It is a water-soluble complex of natural chromium mixed with theessential amino acid histidine. This helps enhance the mineral'sabsorption within the body, according to the researchers, who say it is absorbed at least 50 per cent better than chromium picolinate, one of the most popular chromium forms for supplements.
Chromium is a trace element found widely in the environment. Good food sources include meat, whole grains, lentils and spices. It is thought to be involved in the transfer of sugar from the blood to muscles and an increasing body of research shows that it can help maintain normal blood sugar levels.
But several dietary and lifestyle factors influence chromium blood levels, says the ARS team, such as vitamin C, which increases chromium absorption, while refined sugars and intense exercise increase its elimination.
Chromium specialist company Nutrition 21, which has invested heavily in research on its chromium picolinate brand Chromax, has recently applied to the FDA to allow the use of health claims supporting the glucose control function of this mineral.
Jim Komorowski, vice president of technical services and scientific affairs at the firm, noted that the new form will require significant testing before both its absorption and efficacy can be demonstrated."We believe our product is currently the most effective on the market but we promote chromium and will be interested to hear of new research."
The ARS Office of Technology Transfer is seeking US companies interested in obtaining a license on the new compound and conducting clinical trials associated with product safety and proper dosage.
Scientists at the Beltsville Human Nutrition Research Centre are also developing tests to assess people's chromium levels and to evaluate the interaction between levels of chromium and sugar circulating in the blood. There is currently no blood test to distinguish adequate ordeficient chromium levels.
