Is Chromium picolinate an effective weight loss aid? Lack of exercise and poor diet may cause problems with blood sugar and insulin regulation.

Insulin resistance is common in countries with high obesity rates and is linked with the Metabolic Syndrome – a group of health problems that include the following:

type 2 diabetes, excessive abdominal fat deposits, high blood pressure, undesirable levels of blood fats (high cholesterol and triglycerides, and low “good� (HDL) cholesterol), and high blood insulin.

More than 10 years ago, nutritionists found that chromium picolinate (at rather high doses), may improve the sensitivity of insulin receptors by helping move sugar into cells.

In one study, conducted by the American College of Nutrition, chromium picolinate (400 or 800 micrograms per day) reduced blood sugar after a meal faster than a placebo in healthy subjects.

University of Vermont researchers reported that chromium picolinate (1,000 mcg/day for three months) helped prevent weight gain and improved insulin resistance in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Not all studies have been positive: chromium picolinate supplements (25-39 mcg/day for 12 weeks) had no effect on bodyweight or body composition in 80 healthy adult women.

Excess blood sugar from eating meals high in simple carbohydrates may be one cause of the rising obesity rates around the world.

While chromium may help some people regulate blood sugar (the effective dose appears to be greater than 400 mcg/day) – reducing your intake of simple carbs and adding fiber-rich vegetables to your diet, should be your first priority. [source: Fitness Rx]