The effect of chromium on glucose metabolism apparently requires its conversion to glucose tolerance factor (GTF), a low-molecular-weight compound that contains chromium, niacin (nicotinic acid), Glycine, Glutamic acid, and Cysteine. GTF, which occurs naturally in brewer’s yeast and to a lesser extent in other foods, has been shown to potentiate the action of insulin at the cellular level. Because of farming techniques which fail to replenish trace minerals in the soil, the chromium content of food is most likely far lower than it was at the turn of the century. Tissue chromium levels were found to decline with age in Americans. In other studies, including one by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, more than 50% of people consumed less than the lower level of chromium recommended by the National Academy of Sciences, Nutritional Research Council. In order to be utilized, inorganic chromium must be converted into GTF, its biologically active form. Biosynthesis of GTF requires, among other things, an adequate supply of niacin, a nutrient which may be in short supply in many individuals. Chromium aspartate is a well-utilized form of supplemental chromium being solubilized at a wide range of pH. The amounts of chromium used in most clinical trials (150 to 200 ug/day) are apparently inadequate for some patients, even when more efficient chromium compounds are used. Larger amounts of chromium, such as 500 to 1,000 ug/day, have often had greater benefit. So-called "GTF-Chromium" has been widely touted as the preferred chromium supplement. It is true that GTF extracted from food is absorbed to a greater extent and has greater biologic activity than inorganic chromium. However, the precise molecular structure of GTF is still unknown, and GTF has never been successfully synthesized in the laboratory. According to Mertz, who originally discovered GTF, analysis of one of the so-called : "GTF-Chromium" products revealed no GTF activity.
Usage:
One (1) drop each day as a dietary supplement or as otherwise directed by a health care professional.
Usage:
One (1) drop each day as a dietary supplement or as otherwise directed by a health care professional.
One drop supplies:
| Chromium (as trivalent chromium) | 150 mcg |
