Chromium Picolinate

I have been taking vitamins and supplements since an experience with panic attacks in the 80's. Along with some diet changes I started taking B vitamins. I have since added in E, Folic Acid, C, baby aspirin and Soy. About 4 years ago I discovered the Source Natural Life Force Multiple which is now one of the top ranked multiple vitamins. This was about the same time that I changed my food habits over to "low carb". I have to say my health has never been better; there are very few colds or flus in my household.

This fall has been an emotional rollercoaster (see previous posts) and I feel like I need something to take the edge off emotions that seem to be bordering depression. Some new information has come out (new studies) on chromium picolanate and the help that it may provide treating carb cravings resulting from "atypical" depression:

Chromium is an essential trace mineral whose main function is to work with insulin to metabolize carbohydrates, fats and proteins. When chromium is bound to picolinic acid to create chromium picolinate, absorption in the body is significantly improved. Recently the U.S. Food and Drug Administration recognized chromium picolinate as a safe nutritional supplement.

Carbohydrate cravings, weight gain and unexplained fatigue are characteristic symptoms of atypical depression, a common but frequently undiagnosed depressive disorder affecting up to 42 percent of the 19 million Americans diagnosed with depression. “These results suggest that the use of chromium picolinate may be beneficial for patients with atypical depression who also have severe carbohydrate craving,” said the study's lead investigator, John P. Docherty, M.D., president and CEO of Comprehensive NeuroScience Inc, and adjunct professor of psychiatry at Weill Medical College of Cornell University. “For years, the link between depression, insulin sensitivity, and the value of dietary chromium picolinate has been hinted at in small studies and this trial may bring us closer to understanding the connection.”

What is chromium?:

Chromium is a mineral required in small quantities by the body. It enables insulin to function normally and helps the body process (metabolize) carbohydrates and fats. Good sources of chromium include carrots, potatoes, broccoli, whole-grain products, and molasses. Picolinate, a by-product of the amino acid tryptophan, is paired with chromium in supplements because it is claimed to help the body absorb chromium more efficiently.

I picked a chromium supplement produced by Source Naturals. I know from reading about the study it will about 8 weeks to really notice a difference. Stay tuned.....