Chromium is an essential mineral found in very low concentrations in the human body. In 1957, researchers discovered that a compound extracted from pork kidney called "glucose tolerance factor (GTF)" helped diabetic rats use insulin more efficiently. (People with diabetes either do not produce enough insulin—a hormone that is needed to convert sugar, starches and other food into energy needed for daily life—or cannot properly use the insulin that their bodies produce. As a result, glucose or sugar builds up in the bloodstream.) Chromium was later identified as the active component of GTF. Today, it is believed that chromium helps insulin bring glucose from the blood into the cells for energy.

Most diets do not contain enough Chromium, an essential trace mineral. Chromium assists the action of insulin, a hormone involved in carbohydrate, fat, and protein metabolism. One capsule provides 170% of the Daily Value for this essential element.

As many as 90% of American diets are low in chromium, but few people are deficient in this important mineral. The elderly, people who indulge in strenuous exercise, those who consume excessive amounts of sugary foods, and pregnant women are most likely to be deficient in chromium. Low chromium levels can increase blood sugar, triglycerides (a type of fat) and cholesterol levels and increase the risk for a number of conditions, including diabetes and heart disease.

Studies suggest that chromium supplementation may be helpful for the following conditions:

Diabetes
The benefit of chromium supplements for diabetes has been studied and debated for a number of years. While some studies have shown no beneficial effects of chromium use for people with diabetes, other studies have shown that chromium supplements may reduce blood sugar levels as well as the amount of insulin needed by people with diabetes. Pregnancy-induced and steroid-induced diabetes are thought to benefit from chromium as well. To address the ongoing debate, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) recently called upon researchers to address the safety and effectiveness of chromium for diabetes more fully.

High Cholesterol
Although not all studies agree, chromium has demonstrated the ability to lower total and LDL ("bad") cholesterol levels and raise HDL ("good") cholesterol levels in the blood, particularly in people with high cholesterol.

Obesity
Despite the popularity of chromium for weight loss and even though some studies suggest that chromium may improve lean body mass (namely, muscle) and reduce body fat, its effects are small compared to those of exercise and a well-balanced diet.

High Blood Pressure
Animal studies suggest that chromium may help improve blood pressure. This has yet to be tested on people. Until more information is available, use of chromium for this purpose is not currently recommended.

Benefits and Uses
• trace mineral that is essential to the body's production of insulin
• helps stabilize the body's blood sugar level
• helps boost energy, burn fat and build muscle
• improves blood circulation
• important for those deficient (the aging population and people who do not eat a good balanced diet)