Imagine this scenario: your physician tells you that you have become glucose intolerant, and that you are in the pre-stage of type 2 diabetes. You know that this is a serious condition that usually strikes adults over age 50. If untreated, it can result in limb amputation, blindness or even death. Your physician tells you that NOW is the time to do everything you can to regulate glucose (sugar) levels in your body through a healthy eating style and perhaps using a chromium supplement.

To help you learn some basic facts about chromium, keep in mind that this is an essential mineral that plays many vital roles in maintaining your health. For example, chromium helps enhance the action of pancreatic insulin in your body because it ensures that an appropriate amount of glucose (sugar) is made available to cells at the right time so that glucose energy is released - often called “bioavailability.” If your body is deficient in chromium, this could lead to the syndrome of glucose intolerance since the action of insulin is largely decreased. Adults who are diagnosed with type 2 diabetes often have diminished levels of the bioavailability of chromium; thus, a physician often recommends that diabetics take a chromium supplement.

In addition to regulating glucose, chromium plays a major role in weight loss and maintaining a healthy weight, reducing HDL cholesterol levels, increased energy by raising your metabolism, and improving muscle strength. Chromium picolinate is often sold as a weight loss aid, but its true efficiency in this area is still under evaluation by medical research.

How much chromium do you need each day for optimal results and proper nutrition? Currently, the recommended daily allowance (RDA) of chromium as determined by the Department of Health has yet to be firmly established. To be safe, try a supplement that contains between 20 and 35 micrograms each day. Although we obtain some chromium from foods, it may be insufficient because chromium is poorly absorbed into the body - hence the need for supplements especially if you are diabetic, pregnant, or breast feeding. Chromium picolinate, sold in supplements, is a combination of beneficial picolinic acid and chromium, making it the easiest form of chromium for your body to absorb.

Yet another reason to consult your physician before taking a chromium supplement is that it may negatively interact with your prescriptions medications and other medicines and supplements. You may also have allergies that could be adversely affected by an increased amount of chromium in your system.

Once you find a local store or online vendor you can trust to deliver pure, reliable chromium supplements, chances are that you may experience an increased energy level, stronger and more flexible muscle strength, weight maintenance, and proper regulation of pancreatic insulin.