Effects of Chromium Picolinate on Food Intake and Satiety

Friday 5th December 2008 9:13am

Chromium Picolinate has long been included in diet preparations, either alone or in combination, on the presumption that it helps stabilise blood glucose levels. The theory being that if these levels were helped from swinging up and down then people would be less inclined to snack between meals.

Until now it has been difficult get reliable evidence of this effect because supplements are not generally subject to the strict scientific protocols of other drugs which help reduce the effects of other factors which can cloud results.

However Stephen Anton Ph.D. et al recently published the results of a double blind trial in Diabetes Technology & Therapeutics (Vol10, No. 5, Nov 2008) which has shown a small but significant role for Chromium.

It appears that Chromium Picolinate did not promote weight loss but it did help prevent weight gain during the trial. Although the trial couldn’t determine exactly why this was it is suggested that preventing weight gain suggests an effect on energy balance which either encourages a reduce food intake or increased energy expenditure. They believe that this effect is mediated through a direct effect on brain chemistry.

So what does this mean for you?

Well the old adage of ‘calories in calories out’ obviously still holds true.

For gradual but sustained weight loss you need to burn more calories than you take in but there is a place for supplementation to help you get there.

As part of a calorie controlled diet and exercise plan Chromium Picolinate can give you a small  added boost either by: