Chromium Picolinate: a Critical Analysis of the Ergogenic Claims
Chromium Picolinate:
A Critical Analysis of the Ergogenic Claims
Elmira Fudd
Health 426
Tom Kelly
March 22, 2006
Critical Analysis of the Ergogenic Claims made for Chromium Picolinate
Classification and Usage
Chromium picolinate, (Cr(pic)3), is the combination of the essential trace mineral chromium and picolinic acid. Picolinic acid, naturally found in breast milk, is added to chromium because it is thought to increase the absorption of the mineral. (Pittler, M. H., Stevinson, C., & Ernst, E. 2003) When combined, the absorption rate increases from .5-2% to 2-5%. The daily adequate intake for chromium is 35ug for adult males and 25ug for adult females. (Vincent, 2003) There is currently no upper limit available. As a nutritional supplement, the Food and Drug Administration can not control the claims made about the effectiveness, often leading it to be called a “miracle supplement”. (Pittler et al., 2003)
Chromium picolinate works with the hormone insulin to metabolize carbohydrates, fats, and proteins in the body. By supplementing chromium picolinate, there could be an increase in insulin production thereby improving body composition. If there is a low production of insulin in the body, insulin resistance could form, which may increase risk for diabetes, cardiovascular complications, and obesity. About 10 million Americans consume more than $150 million in chromium supplements each year. It’s the second most common mineral supplement in the US, only behind calcium. (Gunton et al., 2005)
Chromium can be found naturally in many foods. High sources include brewers yeast, whole grains, nuts, cheese, beer, and mushrooms. Generally, the more processed a food is, the less chromium it will contain. (Williams, Melvin H., 2005, p. 316) This can lead to chromium deficiency in some American diets, though it is rare to find a person so lacking that they are negatively affected.
As more stress is placed upon the
A Critical Analysis of the Ergogenic Claims
Elmira Fudd
Health 426
Tom Kelly
March 22, 2006
Critical Analysis of the Ergogenic Claims made for Chromium Picolinate
Classification and Usage
Chromium picolinate, (Cr(pic)3), is the combination of the essential trace mineral chromium and picolinic acid. Picolinic acid, naturally found in breast milk, is added to chromium because it is thought to increase the absorption of the mineral. (Pittler, M. H., Stevinson, C., & Ernst, E. 2003) When combined, the absorption rate increases from .5-2% to 2-5%. The daily adequate intake for chromium is 35ug for adult males and 25ug for adult females. (Vincent, 2003) There is currently no upper limit available. As a nutritional supplement, the Food and Drug Administration can not control the claims made about the effectiveness, often leading it to be called a “miracle supplement”. (Pittler et al., 2003)
Chromium picolinate works with the hormone insulin to metabolize carbohydrates, fats, and proteins in the body. By supplementing chromium picolinate, there could be an increase in insulin production thereby improving body composition. If there is a low production of insulin in the body, insulin resistance could form, which may increase risk for diabetes, cardiovascular complications, and obesity. About 10 million Americans consume more than $150 million in chromium supplements each year. It’s the second most common mineral supplement in the US, only behind calcium. (Gunton et al., 2005)
Chromium can be found naturally in many foods. High sources include brewers yeast, whole grains, nuts, cheese, beer, and mushrooms. Generally, the more processed a food is, the less chromium it will contain. (Williams, Melvin H., 2005, p. 316) This can lead to chromium deficiency in some American diets, though it is rare to find a person so lacking that they are negatively affected.
As more stress is placed upon the
References: Allen, Amanda (2000). Chromium Picolinate and Weight Loss. Retrieved February 11, 2006, from www.vanderbilt.edu/AnS/psychology/health_psychology/chromiumpicolinate.htm Gudi, R., Slesinski, Ronald S., Clarke, Jane J., San, Richard H.C. (2005). Chromium picolinate does not produce chromosome damage in CHO cells [Electronic version]. Mutation Research/Genetic Toxicology & Environmental Mutagenesis, 587(½), 140-146, 7. Gunton, Jenny E., Cheung, N. Wah. Hitchman, R., Hams, G. O’Sullivan, C., Foster- Powell, K., & McElduff, A. (2005). Chromium Supplementation Does Not Improve Glucose Tolerance, Insulin Sensitivity, or Lipid Profile [Electronic version]. Diabetes Care, 28, 712-713. Lien, T-F., Horng, Y-M., & Yang, K-H. (1999). Performance, serum characteristics, carcase traits and lipid metabolism of broilers as affected by supplement of chromium picolinate [Electronic version]. British Poultry Science, 40, 357-363. Maughan R., Burke L, Coyle E, Matsudo V (2003). Many dietary supplements are contaminated. International Olympic Committee Working Group Paper, Nov. 15, 2003, 1-3. Pasman, W. J., Westerterp-Plantenga, M. S., & Saris, W. H. M. (1997). The effectiveness of long-term supplementation of carbohydrate, chromium, fibre and caffeine on weight maintenance [Electronic version]. International Journal of Obesity, 21,1143-1151. Pittler, M. H., Stevinson, C., & Ernst, E. (2003). Chromium picolinate for reducing body weight: Meta-analysis of randomized trials [Electronic version]. International Journal of Obesity, 27, 522-529. Vincent, John B. (2003). The Potential Value and Toxicity of Chromium Picolinate as a Nutritional Supplement, Weight Loss Agent and Muscle Development Agent [Electronic version]. Sports Med, 33 (3), 213-230. Williams, Melvin H. (2005). Nutrition for Health, Fitness, & Sport. Boston: McGraw-Hill