Special edition: Blood sugar management
Chromium
One of the most established ingredients in the blood glucose control sector is chromium via its effects on insulin, with the picolinate form the most prevalent (structure shown above). A 2006 review by the FDA was not convinced by the science however, concluding that the “relationship between chromium picolinate intake and insulin resistance is highly uncertain”.
Eight years later, and a review in the Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics (2014, Vol. 39, pp. 292–306) came to a different conclusion. Thai scientists concluded: “The available evidence suggests favourable effects of chromium supplementation on glycaemic control in patients with diabetes. Chromium monosupplement may additionally improve triglycerides and HDL-C levels.
“Chromium supplementation at usual doses does not increase the risk of adverse events compared with placebo.”
Pharmachem offers a combination of chromium picolinate (Chromax) and L-arabinose, derived from the corn plant, which acts as a sucrase ‘blocker’, which reduces the digestion of sugar.
The company has science to support the activity of the ingredient, with pilot and clinical trials already completed.
Correction: This entry has been corrected to remove statements relating to chromium dinicocysteinate (Zychrome from InterHealth) outperforming established chromium picolinate supplements. These statements were incorrect: The NAD ruled in favor of Nutrition 21, manufacturers of the Chromax-branded chromium picolinate, regarding similar unsubstantiated claims and statements made about chromium dinicocysteinate. We apologize for this mistake.
