Chromium is a relatively new mineral in terms of our understanding of the role it plays in nutrition. It was not until 1957 that Mertz and Schwartz isolated a compound that they called the "glucose tolerance factor" (GTF). This was shown to restore the ability of rats with impaired sugar metabolism to utilize glucose. In 1959, chromium was identified as the active component of GTF. Because of its role in regulating blood sugar, chromium supplementation is useful in a number of conditions.

The Benefits of Chromium

Blood sugar balance - chromium helps maintain normal blood sugar levels, a function which not only helps diabetics but also those with pre-diabetic glucose intolerance and hypoglycaemia (too low blood glucose).

Cholesterol - chromium appears to play a role in reducing the bad LDL cholesterol and triglycendes whilst raising the level of good HDL cholesterol.
Weight loss - studies have demonstrated weight loss with increased chromium intake.  Chromium increases sensitivity to insulin, improving blood sugar control and encouraging the body to use calories to generate heat. Preliminary studies have shown that taking chromium picolmate can result in increased fat and weight loss and a gain in lean muscle
Athletes - chromium compounds are required both to build muscle cells and for the muscle cells to absorb glucose during exercise. Because of the extra demands of glucose absorption during exercise more of the appropriate chromium compound becomes damaged. This is broken down and excreted by the body. The result is a greater loss of chromium at a time when the body requires more than normal.
Acne - although people suffering from acne have normal oral glucose tolerance, skin tests have revealed that glucose tolerance in the skin is impaired. Rapid improvement in the condition has been noticed in people taking chromium supplements.

Properties

Glucose Tolerance Factor (GTF) - chromium is a vital component of the "glucose tolerance factor" (GTF). This supports the action of insulin as it causes the cells to take up glucose from the blood, reducing the blood glucose levels.

Contra-indications / Precautions

In view of that fact that chromium affects insulin levels it is recommended that diabetics should only supplement with chromium after consultation with, and under the supervision of. a doctor.