Welcome to the Supplements Expert Q&A for May 2007. Supplements play a key role in the development of muscle. What supplements you take and when you take them can really have an impact on your development and reaching your goals. Here at Muscle&Strength we want you to reach your goals so we've recruited a supplement expert to help you Q&A each month!
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May Supps Question:
I have heard that Chromium Picolinate can help with weight loss, is it true?
Answer:
Chromium, an essential trace mineral, helps support healthy sugar levels in the body and promotes balance between meals so you are less likely to snack. For best results, combine Chromium Picolinate with your overall weight management program of diet and exercise.
How does it work? An essential mineral, chromium supports the body's metabolism, while helping they body to maintain proper insulin function. Insulin is part of the fundamental biological processes of regulating the movement of glucose out of the blood stream and into cells. Research indicates chromium may act as a cofactor to open the door to the cell membrane, allowing glucose to enter. This occurs when chromium is converted into Glucose Tolerance Factor, (GTF) which supports the functions of insulin in the body, such as maintaining healthy blood sugar levels and appetite control.
Study Finds Chromium Supports Weight Management
In a study conducted at the Health and Medical Research Foundation in San Antonio, Texas, researchers examined the effect of chromium picolinate on body composition in 154 subjects*. The randomized, double-masked, placebo-controlled study administered 200 and 400mcg of chromium daily for a total of 72 days. Body composition was measured before and after the test period by using underwater displacement testing. Patients however were allowed to follow any diet they chose, and did not receive any weight loss, dietary or exercise guidance from the researchers. On completion of the post trial exam, body composition improvement (BCI) was calculated for each subject by adding the amount of body fat lost and nonfat mass gained, while then subtracting fat gained and lean mass lost. The researchers found that both the 200mcg and 400mcg groups had significantly higher positive changes in BCIs compared to placebo.
*Source: Kaats, GR., Blum, K., Fisher, JA., Adelman, JA. “Effects of chromium picolinate supplementation on body composition: a randomized, double-masked, placebo-controlled study.” Current therapeutic Research 1996 Oct; 57(10): 747.
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About Doug Lawrenson:
Doug Lawrenson is our resident diet guru & fitness over on the Muscle&Strength Forum. Doug has had experience as a bodybuilder, coach and judge at national competition level. If you have questions for Doug or need some advice you can chat to Doug on the forum. Doug is on the forum almost every day!
Doug has written some in-depth and informative articles that have been featured on Muscle&Strength.com. To read some of his articles, check out the diet & nutrition articles section of this this website.
