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Chromium picolinate is a bright red complex made by combining the mineral chromium with picolinate acid and sold commercially as a health supplement to prevent chromium deficiency as well as a means of aiding people in their quest to lose weight. It is also touted as a means of helping diabetics with insulin resistance.

Natural foods which contain important amounts of chromium include cheese, meat, whole grains, brown rice, chicken, dairy products and even  beer.

Chromium, in fact, is important in the metabolism of glucose in the body and is vital for energy. It is also important in the synthesis of fats and proteins as well as cholesterol, making it one of the most popular body building supplements as well. However, several scientific studies have failed to prove that chromium picolinate has a significant  influence on either the loss of body fat or growth of muscle mass.

Despite this, chromium picolinate has continued to gain popularity and is touted by health food shops and manufacturers as a “miracle” pill for everything from mood enhancement to weight loss, especially in its “ability to melt fat” and decrease appetite while raising levels of the metabolism. It is also being marketed to body builders as a safe substitute for steroids, and nutrient that can improve their levels of strength. So far, there have been no adverse side effects found from taking it.

Chromium picolinate is readily available for over-the-counter sales at supermarkets, pharmacies, discount bodybuilders supplement websites  and other retailers. Since it is considered a nutritional supplement rather than a drug, there is no regulation needed by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration), which stresses that it cannot vouch for the quality or safety of any of the products sold containing it and warns consumers to use their own judgment in taking it.