What Are the Benefits of Chromium Polynicotinate?

The amount of chromium the body requires can be measured in mere micrograms. But what a difference such a tiny bit makes in how we look and feel. Chromium helps keep blood sugar levels healthy, and it also helps build lean, muscular bodies.

Do We Need a Supplement?

• Ideally, we should be able to obtain enough chromium from our diet. However, because much of the soil in which crops are grown has been grossly depleted of minerals, many nutritionists say we’re deficient and advise taking a chromium supplement.

Polynicotinate or Picolinate?

• Chromium polynicotinate, also known as niacin-bound chromium, may be the preferred form to use. In one research study with hamsters, chromium picolinate caused damage to their chromosomes, a precursory event to cancer. Researchers observed that other forms of chromium did not result in such harm, leading them to believe the cause was the picolinic acid and not the actual chromium.

Blood Sugar Management

• For anyone watching blood sugar levels, chromium is a natural aid to insulin's effectiveness. In healthy individuals, insulin shuttles sugar into the cells where it can be used for energy. For those who experience insulin resistance, however, receptors on cells refuse to open. Chromium is like a key that unlocks the receptors, allowing sugar inside the cell.

Lose Fat, Spare Muscle

• In an 8-week trial at Georgetown University, chromium polynicotinate helped overweight women lose fat while sparing muscle, compared to the group using a placebo.

Youthful Skin, Longer Life

• Want firmer skin with fewer lines? Nicholas V. Perricone, M.D., says chromium can help you achieve it. In fact, his blog relates that chromium polynicotinate may even increase lifespan by as much as 20 percent.