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published in: Taste for Life magazine; November, 2000 |
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Insulin Amplifier Chromium is key to diabetes By Marcia Zimmerman, M.Ed., C.N.
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A highly refined diet that contains too few micronutrients has been recognized as the dominant factor in the rising incidence of diabetes and other insulin related conditions. Among the missing micronutrients, chromium has the greatest impact on insulin response. Until recently, few physicians recognized the importance of supplementing chromium in the management of diabetes. However, research at the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has revealed that chromium plays an important role in amplifying insulin response in diabetics. The Role of Insulin A hormone whose primary role is modifying the body's response to carbohydrates, proteins and fats, insulin is produced in the pancreas. Following a meal the pancreas releases insulin into the bloodstream, as glucose, or blood sugar, levels from the digested meal begin to rise, Glucose is the primary fuel for energy production within all body tissues including the brain. But it can't get into cells without the help of insulin. A hormone that binds to special receptors on cell membranes, insulin facilitates the cellular uptake of glucose. The more sugar that enters the blood, the more insulin that is required to transport it into cells. Eating refined carbohydrates and sugary foods quickly raises glucose levels making these foods particularly troublesome for anyone with a blood sugar imbalance such as diabetes. A Vital Micronutrient While glucose transport is the primary role of insulin, chromium's main function is increasing insulin's efficiency in regulating blood sugar levels. But this hormone produces much more complex and far-reaching effects. These include the transport of amino acids and electrolytes into cells, several enzymatic activities and cellular growth. Numerous studies show that chromium alters lipoprotein abnormalities (unhealthy LDL and HDL levels) that are believed to increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. Chromium supplementation also appears useful in treating obesity in other research, increasing lean muscle mass and improving athletic performance. While chromium is an essential nutrient for humans, even healthy adults may be deficient. "Often 50 percent or more of the subjects in various studies improve following chromium supplementation," according to the results of studies led by Walter Metz, PhD, the USDA researcher who identified chromium as the essential component of glucose tolerance factor (GTF). The body needs GTF to metabolize sugar. Scientists have found that eating foods high in simple sugars stimulate chromium loss through the urine. In addition, refined carbohydrates are devoid of chromium and other important trace minerals. Besides the prevalence of these foods today, a stressful lifestyle, traumatic experiences and heavy exercise deplete the body of chromium. In addition, chromium binds with transferin, a transporter of iron in the body, so high levels can deplete chromium, resulting in a form of diabetes. Specific Findings Dr. Anderson followed 180 men and women with Type II diabetes. Researchers divided the subjects into three groups, each receiving twice daily doses of either 200 mcg or 500 mcg of chromium or a placebo. The patients were allowed to continue with their usual diet and medications. At the end of two months, those who took 1,000 mcg of chromium daily showed significant improvement in insulin response, the number if insulin receptors, and levels of blood lipids (fats and cholesterol)0. It took four months the group taking 400 mcg chromium daily to improve as much as the higher dosage group. However, all the patients taking chromium showed measurable improvement in their diabetes-related symptoms. 
Dr. Anderson says a minimum of 200 mcg of chromium daily is needed for at least three months to have a noticeable effect on insulin response. While noting that lower doses (around the government-recommended daily 80 mcg) might fill the nutritional needs of healthy individuals, his research suggests that this dosage is far too low to have therapeutic effects. No toxicity has been reported with high doses of supplemental chromium. But anyone with diabetes who uses insulin should consult with a healthcare provider about chromium supplements, since the insulin dosage may have to be adjusted. Using Chromium Who benefits from this valuable mineral and how much do they need? 
Healthy individuals: at least 80 mcg per day Anyone with diabetes or hypoglycemia: at least 200 mcg two to three times daily (check with cardiovascular disease: at least 200 mcg twice a day) Anyone with cardiovascular disease: at least 200 mcg twice a day Those who exercise regularly or are under stress: 200 mcg per day, minimum Pregnant and nursing women: 200 mcg daily Chromium polynicotinate, chromium picolinate and GTF chromium yeast are all useful. Chromium chloride may not be as effective for older adults. Food sources include brown rice and other whole grains, brewer's yeast, dried beans, corn and mushrooms; red clover, nettles, wild yam and horsetail are some herbal sources. § |
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Copyright©, 2001 by The Zimmerman Group, Inc. All rights reserved. Except as permitted under the Copyright Act of 1976, no part of this publication may be reproduced or distributed in any form or by any means, or stored in a database or retrieval system, without the prior written permission of the publisher. |
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