There are reports of significant age-related decreases in the chromium concentrations of hair, sweat and blood,¹ which might suggest that older people are more vulnerable to chromium depletion than younger adults.² One cannot be sure, however, as chromium status is difficult to determine.³ That's because blood, urine, and hair levels do not necessarily reflect body stores.^4 5 Furthermore, no chromium-specific enzyme or other biochemical marker has been found to reliably assess a person's chromium status.^6 7

There is considerable interest in the possibility that supplemental chromium may help to treat impaired glucose tolerance and type 2 diabetes, but the research to date is inconclusive. No large, randomized, controlled clinical trials testing this hypothesis have been reported in the United States.⁸ Nevertheless, this is an active area of research.

Related Links: What is chromium? | What foods provide chromium? | How much chromium do I need? | What happens if I do not get enough chromium? | Do I need extra chromium? | Can chromium be harmful? | What are some current issues and controversies about chromium? | Does chromium interact with any medicines or supplements? |

Chitosan 500mg with Chromium 240ct by NOW Foods Chitosan with Chromium by NOW Foods is a dietary fiber derived from the shells of crustaceans that has been shown in non-clinical studies to bind to fat and cholesterol in the digestive tract. NOW® Chitosan contains LipoSan Ultra™, a patented high-density form of Chitosan that binds up to five times more fat than conventional Chitosan according to laboratory testing. A published clinical study has demonstrated that LipoSan Ultra™ , taken as directed, may aid in the support of healthy body weight and serum cholesterol levels already within the normal range. NOW has also included Chromium in this formula. Chromium is an essential trace mineral that works with insulin to support healthy blood glucose levels and plays an important role in the proper utilization of protein, fat and carbohydrates.* Serving Size: 3 Capsules. Suggested Use: As a dietary supplement, take 3 capsules with each meal. Refrain from taking Chitosan 4 hours before or after the ingestion of fat soluble vitamins (I.e., A,D,E,K) or any medications. Free of: sugar, salt, starch, yeast, wheat, gluten, corn, soy, milk, egg or preservatives.Other Ingredients: Gelatin (capsule), Magnesium Stearate and Silica. Warnings: Persons with allergies to shellfish should refrain from using this product. Not to be used by pregnant or lactating women. Disclaimers: *This statement has not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. LipoSan UltraTM is a trademark of Vanson, Inc. Chromium Chelavite® is a registered trademark of Albion Laboratories.

Disclaimer

Reasonable care has been taken in preparing this document and the information provided herein is believed to be accurate. However, this information is not intended to constitute an "authoritative statement" under Food and Drug Administration rules and regulations.

About Source: ODS

The mission of the Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS) is to strengthen knowledge and understanding of dietary supplements by evaluating scientific information, stimulating and supporting research, disseminating research results, and educating the public to foster an enhanced quality of life and health for the U.S. population.

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Health professionals and consumers need credible information to make thoughtful decisions about eating a healthful diet and using vitamin and mineral supplements. These Fact Sheets provide responsible information about the role of vitamins and minerals in health and disease. Each Fact Sheet in this series received extensive review by recognized experts from the academic and research communities.

The information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. It is important to seek the advice of a physician about any medical condition or symptom. It is also important to seek the advice of a physician, registered dietitian, pharmacist, or other qualified health professional about the appropriateness of taking dietary supplements and their potential interactions with medications.

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Footnotes

1. Davies S, Howard JM, Hunnisett A, Howard M. Age-related decreases in chromium levels in 51,665 hair, sweat, and serum samples from 40,872 patients — implications for the prevention of cardiovascular disease and type II diabetes mellitus. Metabolism 1997;46:469-73. [↩]
2. Institute of Medicine, Food and Nutrition Board. Dietary Reference Intakes for Vitamin A, Vitamin K, Arsenic, Boron, Chromium, Copper, Iodine, Iron, Manganese, Molybdenum, Nickel, Silicon, Vanadium, and Zinc. National Academy Press, Washington, DC, 2001. [↩]
3. Gibson RS. Principles of Nutritional Assessment, 2nd Edition. Oxford University Press, New York, 2005. [↩]
4. Lukaski HC. Chromium as a supplement. Annu Rev Nutr 1999;19:279-302. [↩]
5. Institute of Medicine, Food and Nutrition Board. Dietary Reference Intakes for Vitamin A, Vitamin K, Arsenic, Boron, Chromium, Copper, Iodine, Iron, Manganese, Molybdenum, Nickel, Silicon, Vanadium, and Zinc. National Academy Press, Washington, DC, 2001. [↩]
6. Lukaski HC. Chromium as a supplement. Annu Rev Nutr 1999;19:279-302. [↩]
7. Stoecker BJ. Chromium. In: Modern Nutrition in Health and Disease, 9th Edition (edited by Shils ME, Olson JA, Shike M, Ross AC.) Lippincott Williams and Wilkins, New York, 1999, pp. 277-282. [↩]
8. Institute of Medicine, Food and Nutrition Board. Dietary Reference Intakes for Vitamin A, Vitamin K, Arsenic, Boron, Chromium, Copper, Iodine, Iron, Manganese, Molybdenum, Nickel, Silicon, Vanadium, and Zinc. National Academy Press, Washington, DC, 2001. [↩]