Chromium picolinate

Chemical properties

Dark violet crystal

The Uses of Chromium picolinate

Chromium picolinate (CrPic), a dietay supplement, may be used to study its potential as a modulator of glucose uptake and the activity of insulin. CrPic is used to study its effects on nuclear factor-κ B (NF-κB) and nuclear factor-E2-related factor-2 (Nrf2) pathways in animals.

Background

Chromium picolinate has a chemical formula CrPic3 and reddish-pink color. It is a coordination complex consisting of chromium(III) and picolinic acid. Chromium picolinate is used as a nutritional supplement for optimal insulin function in patients with Type 2 diabetes or promotion of weight loss. Chromium ions are shown to regulate insulin by promoting glucose utilization and increasing the sensitivity of the insulin receptor .

Health benefits

Chromium is involved in the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. In this role, chromium picolinate provides a number of physical health benefits. Some of the benefits of chromium are:

Enhances lean body mass

Promotes healthy blood glucose levels

Supports healthy blood pressure

Chromium also helps convert glucose into energy. In this capacity, it may provide positive effects on insulin resistance, which is a precursor to diabetes.

Side Effects

Allergic reaction

Cramps or pain in the muscles

Signs of low blood sugar (confusion, dizziness, sweating, shaky, clammy skin)

Urinary tract issues or changes

General Description

Chromium picolinate is a supplemental or alternative medication for type 2 diabetes and an anti-diabetic mechanisms of CrPic in insulin-resistant 3T3-L1 adipocytes.

Biochem/physiol Actions

Chromium picolinate (CrPic) is a supplemental or alternative medication for type 2 diabetes. Experimental evidence shows the effect of CrPic on glucose uptake through the activation of p38 MAPK. Chromium is thought to potentiate the action of insulin, leading to increased insulin sensitivity in type 2 diabetes.

Metabolism

Chromium picolinate was found to be stable in rat stomach and small intestine contents in vitro, consistent with a previous study [110]. It was inferred that the complex disassociated at or near the intestinal wall, and the absorbed picolinic acid was excreted mainly as N-picolylglycine; however, ~8–10% of the radiolabel was excreted from the breath as CO2, plus an unidentified major metabolite was observed in mice along with N-picolylglycine[1]. Adipose, blood, and liver showed Cr levels 2–6 times higher than untreated animals, with the liver containing the highest amounts.

References

[1] Stearns, D. “Evaluation of chromium(III) genotoxicity with cell culture and in vitro assays.” 2007.