Many people are aware of the importance of calcium; however, most are unaware of the health benefits associated with chromium. Just as calcium is important for strong bones, chromium is essential to help your body’s insulin work better.

While the body makes insulin naturally, chromium enables insulin to work at its best. Chromium is an essential mineral required to metabolize carbohydrates, fats and proteins. Without adequate levels of chromium in the body, insulin cannot effectively do its job. Numerous human studies support the role of chromium picolinate – the most studied, easily absorbed and commercially available form of chromium – to help improve blood sugar management and promote cardiovascular health.

Supplementing with chromium picolinate will help balance insulin levels. Balancing insulin levels can help manage one’s risk for type 2 diabetes and promote cardiovascular heath. A number of clinical studies conducted at academic institutions such as Pennington Biomedical Research Center have shown that daily supplementation with chromium picolinate can enhance insulin function and improve blood sugar metabolism. Researchers at the University of Vermont found that daily supplementation with chromium picolinate significantly improved insulin sensitivity in people with a family history of type 2 diabetes.

Getting the proper amounts of chromium in your diet today may help manage your risk for type 2 diabetes and heart disease tomorrow. Chromium is found in many foods at low levels, but it’s often poorly absorbed. This is where a chromium picolinate supplement can factor into your diet. Research suggests 500-1000 mcg of chromium picolinate daily will help achieve optimal health benefits. Chromium picolinate is available in the vitamin, mineral, and supplement sections at major retailers nationwide.