Chromium Picolinate is a dietary supplement formulated to help achieve and/or maintain overall health by providing the necessary amounts of the essential trace metal Chromium.
The formula advertises the complete set of benefits associated with this compound, considered very important for a healthy metabolism and several other body functions (such as insulin breakdown).
Alfa Vitamins Laboratories has a market activity of approximately 10 years in the field of dietary foods. Its products are sold internationally in 51 countries for private brands or for their own brands (from which the brand carried by this product is the most famous).
The company claims to follow the general regulations set by the FDA, Department of Agriculture, and USP. At the same time, their manufacturing processes consist of some of the most advanced technologies.
The formula is designed for adults experiencing metabolic or weight problems or diabetics who believe that the treatment can be found in a natural and safe product. The formula can be used for other possible health benefits such as reducing the risk of glaucoma and lowering bad cholesterol levels.
Chromium Picolinate a single active substance in a highly bio-available combination (Chromium and picolinic acid). This is not an uncommon combination in nutritional supplements; hence many other producers offer similar formulations.
1) Chromium Picolinate at a Glance
Chromium Picolinate is a brain nutritional supplement.
Chromium is a metal essential for a healthy diet. The compound is needed in minimal quantities by the human body and cannot be naturally produced.
This is why it is necessary to obtain the mineral from various dietary sources. Its most important role is in metabolizing fats and carbohydrates and turning them into energy.
It is also essential for glucose transport because glucose is the food source for all human cells.
Low chromium levels were linked by scientists to high LDL levels and increased risk of developing a dangerous heart condition called coronary heart disease.
Researchers also found a connection between high levels of high blood sugar and chromium levels under typical values. The evidence pointed out the importance of the mineral in maintaining normal insulin levels, thus assisting in the prevention and treatment of type 2 diabetes.
However, scientific evidence is still inconclusive in most of the ailment claims.
Although the mineral is considered likely safe for adults if taken in the suggested doses, prolonged use of supplements based on the trace metal may be associated with nausea and vomiting, judgment impairment, etc.
2) What Are Chromium Picolinate Ingredients?
Chromium Picolinate contains the following ingredients: Chromium (Picolinate), Dicalcium Phosphate, Magnesium Stearate, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Stearic Acid, Croscarmellose Sodium, Magnesium Stearate, and Carmine color.
3) Does Chromium Picolinate Work?
Chromium Picolinate features a single active ingredient, the metal, Chromium. The compound is necessary for the body; however, minuscule quantities are required by the human body. This is why the nutrient is called an essential trace element.
The most abundant natural sources of this substance are bananas, whole grains, broccoli, potatoes, green beans, etc.
The metal’s primary function consists of assisting body cells in processing glucose more efficiently, thus providing them with the food they need to work normally.
The nutrient plays a significant role in the metabolism of many other nutrients present in a regular diet: carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. Combined with picolinic acid, the trace metal becomes more bio-available, hence providing increased benefits.
Studies involving this metal have been made to establish how it participates in alleviating diabetes symptoms. Scientists concluded that the compound improves insulin signaling action, lowering the quantity of sugar that reaches the bloodstream.
Other studies support the heart benefits by reducing bad cholesterol.
The recommended dose for this supplement is one tablet daily, preferably taken with a meal.
The formula is not reviewed by consumers; therefore, it is impossible to fully evaluate its effectiveness even though it is based on a single active ingredient that has been the subject of clinical testing.
Chromium-based supplements and especially the combination of this metal and are prevalent among dietary foods.
This product contains approximately three times the daily recommended dose (respectively 333% of Chromium per serving).
4) Chromium Picolinate: Pros and Cons
- The formula comes with a reduced price for a month’s supply;
- The manufacturer offers a refund for online purchasing under certain conditions;
- The products offered by Alfa Vitamins benefit from a secured online purchasing (on the official site);
- International availability of all the manufacturer’s formulas.
5) Precautions of Chromium Picolinate Use
- There is no evidence of research involving the product;
- The manufacturer does not offer a free trial or samples of the product;
- Lack of details about the formula (purpose, drug interactions).
6) Chromium Picolinate Cost
The presented formula is available at a relatively low price, comparable to that exhibited by similar formulas. A bottle contains 100 tablets, which should last for approximately three months if the suggested dose is not exceeded.
The product is available for online purchasing only from the official website. Online transactions are secured by the SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) technology.
Shipping charges vary depending on the country of destination. The producer offers a full refund if the product is returned unsealed, and the container is undamaged. A partial refund is given in the case of partial use or if the bottle has been opened. Shipping charges are not refundable.
7) Chromium Picolinate Serving Size
The recommended dose is 1 tablet daily with a meal. A complete list of side effects and potential dangers can be provided by a healthcare practitioner.
8) Bottom Line – Does It Really Work?
Chromium Picolinate features a single active compound, Chromium, offered in a dose approximately 3 times higher than the recommended daily value. However, absorption from dietary sources is not done 100%.
The formula is designed only for the use of adults. Very little information is available on the official site, the only source where the formula is available for online purchasing.
Chromium-based supplements are not recommended for pregnant and nursing women and may interact with certain medications. It is always important to be fully informed about the potential side-effects and precautions to be taken when using this kind of product.
Like most of the nutritional supplements, this supplement is not FDA approved.