Chromium is a dietary supplement that provides 200ug chromium picolinate per dose. Chromium is popular as a supplement for weight control, as chromium is said to contribute to the regulation of blood sugar, and thus it can help reduce cravings for sugar and sweet foods. With low blood sugar levels, our hunger for sugar and other fast carbohydrate sources increases, and keeping blood sugar more in balance helps to avoid the worst cravings. Chromium is found naturally in, for example, nuts, legumes, and fish. The daily reference intake of chromium is 40ug per day for adults but can be increased up to 200-250 micrograms for shorter periods like diets. It is at these dosages that the effect becomes clear.

References

• Chromium picolinate balances the metabolic and clinical markers in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial
• Beneficial effect of chromium supplementation on glucose, HbA1C and lipid variables in individuals with newly onset type-2 diabetes
• [Chromium and insulin resistance]