Chromium Picolinate was a hyped up mineral a few years ago touting it as effective fat loss agent. Is there any merit to these claims or is it just far reaching claims based on assumptions?

About Chromium Picolinate:

Chromium Picolinate is made by combining Chromium and Picolenic acid. This form of Chromium is best absorbed by the body.

Chromium Picolinate Claims:

Nutritionist companies claimed that Chromium was hard to digest and therefore most people were deficient in it. They then claimed by this reasoning, that by supplementing chromium Picolinate, it would give you the benefits of optimal chromium levels. They claimed that by maintaining healthy chromium levels with supplementation, it would improve fat loss and increase muscle mass.

Chromium picolinate is only a worthwhile supplement, if you are deficient. A good multi-vitamin should have chromium picolinate in it to help against deficiency. Taking extra chromium picolinate beyond recommended dosages, just for the sake of fat loss effects, is not going to help you. In fact taking too much could cause health problems. Older individuals should supplement with chromium though, as they are most likely to be deficient in it.

Chromium Picolinate Side Effects:

Exceeding more then 1200mg may have kidney or liver problems. Pregnant and nursing woman should also avoid chromium supplementation. It will also increase the potency of insulin, so should be avoided by diabetics who take insulin.