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Other names:
Also known as Fat Burners, fat blockers
What it is supposed to do (Action):
Promote weight loss, help the body burn fat, build muscle mass, reduce
serum cholesterol and control blood sugar levels.
How it is supposed to work:
Chromium is a trace mineral that is thought to play a role in insulin
function. It is needed for the burning of carbohydrates and fats in the
body and thereby helps control blood sugar.
Toxic effects:
Taking chromium may lead to kidney failure. Other side
effects include rashes and hair loss. In laboratory animals, preliminary
studies have shown that chromium picolinate can damage genetic material and
possibly increase the risk of cancer.
Does it work?
There is no scientific evidence that it works to help weight loss or burn
fat.
Other information:
Chromium is found in small amounts in many foods. Chromium deficiency
is rare in the United States. Chromium picolinate is much more readily
absorbed than naturally occurring chromium.
In 1996 the Federal Trade Commission announced settlements with three
manufacturers of chromium picolinate who made unsupported claims of its
benefits.
References:
- Livolsi JM, Adams GM, Laguna PL. The effect of chromium picolinate on
muscular strength and body composition in women athletes. J Strength Cond
Res 2001;15:161-166.
- Walker LS, Bemben MG, Bemben DA, Knehans AW. Chromium picolinate effects
on body composition and muscular performance in wrestlers. Med Sci Sports
Exerc 1998;30:1730-1737.
- Volpe SL, Huang HW, Larpadisorn K, Lesser II. Effect of chromium
supplementation and exercise on body composition, resting metabolic rate and
selected biochemical parameters in moderately obese women following an
exercise program. J Am Coll Nutr 2001;20:293-306.
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