Chromium for Blood Sugar
Chromium, an essential mineral, plays a crucial role in regulating blood glucose and insulin levels. The body relies on chromium to efficiently manage the amount of glucose and insulin released from the liver after consuming carbohydrate-rich meals. Excess insulin in the bloodstream can lead to a sharp drop in glucose levels, causing hypoglycemia. Over time, this can lead to insulin resistance, a condition linked to cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes (1). In individuals with type 2 diabetes, both the utilization and clearance of insulin are reduced. However, studies have shown that supplementation with chromium picolinate can improve insulin signaling pathways (3).
Chromium contributes to blood glucose and insulin regulation through several mechanisms, primarily acting as a cofactor in enzymatic reactions. It enhances insulin binding to cells by promoting insulin receptor phosphorylation, facilitating the entry of glucose into cells, and reducing blood glucose levels. Moreover, chromium stimulates the GLUT4 receptor on the outer surface of cells, aiding glucose uptake into muscle and adipose cells. This mineral also plays a significant role in regulating the insulin-degrading enzyme, which is vital for breaking down excess serum insulin. By modulating this enzyme, chromium helps lower insulin resistance and hypoglycemia (1).
However, it's essential to be cautious with chromium supplementation, especially for those already taking insulin or other antidiabetic drugs like metformin for blood sugar management, as it could lead to hypoglycemia. Additionally, combining chromium supplementation with levothyroxine for hypothyroidism treatment may reduce levothyroxine absorption. While there is currently no established upper limit for chromium supplementation, individuals with renal and liver disease should be wary of taking high doses, typically around 1,000mcg (2).
References:
Elseweidy, M. M., Amin, R. S., Atteia, H. H., & Aly, M. A. (2018). Nigella sativa Oil and Chromium Picolinate Ameliorate Fructose-Induced Hyperinsulinemia by Enhancing Insulin Signaling and Suppressing Insulin-Degrading Enzyme in Male Rats. Biological Trace Element Research, 184(1), 119–126.
2. National Institute of Health (n.d.). Chromium. Health Professional Fact Sheet . https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Chromium-HealthProfessional/
3. Wang, Z. Q., Yu, Y., Zhang, X. H., & Komorowski, J. (2014). Chromium-Insulin Reduces Insulin Clearance and Enhances Insulin Signaling by Suppressing Hepatic Insulin-Degrading Enzyme and Proteasome Protein Expression in KKAy Mice. Frontiers in Endocrinology, 5, 99.
