Chromemate Chromium
Also known as: Chromemate Chromium, chromium picolinate, trivalent chromium salt, Chromium(III) picolinate
Overview
Chromemate Chromium is a branded form of chromium picolinate, a highly bioavailable trivalent chromium salt. Chromium is an essential trace mineral vital for carbohydrate, lipid, and protein metabolism. While naturally present in foods like whole grains, meats, and vegetables, Chromemate is specifically formulated to enhance absorption. It is primarily marketed for its potential to improve glucose metabolism, enhance insulin sensitivity, and support weight management. Research on chromium supplementation, particularly chromium picolinate, has yielded mixed results, but recent systematic reviews and meta-analyses provide clearer insights into its efficacy, especially for individuals with diabetes and those who are overweight. The evidence quality is considered moderate, supported by well-conducted randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and comprehensive meta-analyses.
Benefits
Chromium picolinate offers several evidence-based benefits, particularly in metabolic health. For glycemic control, meta-analyses indicate that it significantly improves parameters in type 2 diabetes patients, reducing HbA1c by approximately 0.55% and fasting plasma glucose by about 1.15 mmol/L compared to placebo. This effect is supported by moderate to high-quality evidence from multiple RCTs. Regarding lipid profiles, chromium monotherapy has shown promise in reducing triglycerides and increasing HDL cholesterol, especially in diabetic individuals. For weight and body composition, a meta-analysis of 21 RCTs in overweight/obese individuals found modest but statistically significant reductions in body weight (-0.75 kg), BMI (-0.40), and body fat percentage (-0.68%). These effects were most notable with doses ≤400 μg/day and durations ≤12 weeks. While statistically significant, the clinical relevance of these weight loss effects is considered limited.
How it works
Chromium picolinate enhances insulin signaling by increasing the activity of insulin receptor kinase, which in turn improves insulin sensitivity and facilitates glucose uptake in peripheral tissues. The picolinic acid ligand in chromium picolinate significantly improves its absorption compared to other chromium salts. Once absorbed, chromium modulates key carbohydrate and lipid metabolism pathways. It is thought to influence the expression of glucose transporters and positively impact lipid profiles, thereby contributing to improved metabolic function and glucose regulation within the body.
Side effects
Chromium picolinate is generally considered safe when taken at typical supplemental doses, specifically up to 400 μg/day. Adverse effects are rare and, if they occur, are usually mild gastrointestinal discomfort. Meta-analyses have not reported significant differences in the rates of adverse events between chromium supplementation and placebo. While no major drug interactions or contraindications have been definitively established, caution is advised for individuals with pre-existing kidney or liver impairment. This is due to the potential for chromium accumulation in these conditions, which could theoretically lead to adverse effects. As with any supplement, it is prudent to consult a healthcare professional, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking other medications.
Dosage
For glycemic control, the minimum effective dose of chromium picolinate appears to be greater than 200 μg/day. Optimal doses observed in studies typically range from 200 to 400 μg/day. It is important to note that higher doses have not demonstrated additional benefits and may potentially increase the risk of side effects. Supplementation durations in research studies have varied from several weeks to several months, with benefits on glycemic control generally becoming apparent after at least 8 to 12 weeks of consistent use. There is no strict timing for taking the supplement; consistent daily intake is recommended for best results. Always adhere to the recommended dosage and consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice.
FAQs
Is Chromemate Chromium effective for diabetes?
Yes, evidence from meta-analyses supports that chromium picolinate can lead to modest improvements in glycemic control, including reductions in HbA1c and fasting glucose, in patients with type 2 diabetes.
Does it help with weight loss?
Chromium picolinate may produce small, statistically significant reductions in body weight, BMI, and body fat percentage in overweight/obese individuals, though the clinical significance of these effects is often considered limited.
Is it safe long-term?
At recommended doses (up to 400 μg/day), chromium picolinate is generally considered safe for short to medium-term use. However, long-term safety data extending beyond one year are limited.
When is the best time to take Chromemate Chromium?
There is no strict best time to take Chromemate Chromium. The most important factor is consistent daily intake to achieve and maintain its potential benefits.
Research Sources
- https://diabetesjournals.org/care/article/30/8/2154/28549/Effect-of-Chromium-Supplementation-on-Glucose – This systematic review and meta-analysis by Anderson et al. (2007) investigated the effect of chromium supplementation on glucose metabolism. It found modest improvements in HbA1c and fasting glucose in diabetic patients, based on multiple randomized controlled trials. The study highlighted the need for further research due to heterogeneity in study populations and chromium forms.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31115179/ – Wang et al. (2019) conducted a meta-analysis of 21 RCTs involving 1316 overweight/obese adults. Their findings indicated statistically significant but small reductions in body weight, BMI, and body fat percentage with chromium supplementation, particularly at doses ≤400 μg/day over ≤12 weeks. The study acknowledged variability in design and populations, noting the uncertain clinical relevance of the observed weight loss.
- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jcpt.12147 – This systematic review and meta-analysis by Suksomboon et al. (2014) focused on chromium supplementation in diabetes. It reported significant improvements in HbA1c (-0.55%) and fasting glucose (-1.15 mmol/L), along with favorable changes in lipid profiles. The analysis included only high-quality RCTs with adequate controls and sample sizes, and found the safety profile comparable to placebo.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24635480/ – This citation points to the same Suksomboon et al. (2014) meta-analysis as the previous one, reinforcing its findings on significant improvements in glycemic control and lipid profiles in diabetic patients with chromium supplementation. It emphasizes the robust methodology of including only well-controlled randomized trials.
Supplements Containing Chromemate Chromium
SuperCitrimax Plus ChromeMate
Scientific Nutrition For Advanced Conditioning SNAC
1:1 Fats + Protein Rich Chocolate
PlantFusion
Complete Plant Keto Blend 1:1 Fats + Protein Creamy Vanilla Bean
PlantFusion
Maxi Teen Supreme™ His Multi-Vitamins
Maxi Health Research