Poor diet can contribute to insulin resistance, notes Philip Domenico, PhD, assistant director, technical services, at Nutrition 21 Inc. (Purchase, N.Y.), a supplier of chromium picolinate. Deficiencies in several micronutrients have been implicated, including chromium (Cr), which is a co-factor for insulin function. According to Johns Hopkins (Baltimore, Md.) researchers, high Cr status may be strongly related with good cardiovascular health (Guallar E, et al., Am J Epidemiol, 2005;162:157). FDA's recent qualified health claim regarding chromium picolinate for reducing the risk of insulin resistance supports this essential nutrient. The new health claim is specific to chromium picolinate and excludes other forms of dietary Cr. The FDA has validated the safety of this GRAS self-affirmed ingredient for use in functional bars and beverages, says Domenico.
Adequate Cr intake is questionable even from balanced diets. Only modest amounts are found in oysters, brewer's yeast, mushrooms, broccoli, organ meats, cheese and cereals. Much also is lost in processing or cooking, and exercise and stress deplete Cr stores as well. Since Cr stores are depleted by 6%-9% in every decade of age, the Cr status in seniors is of special concern. In one recent study (Campbell JD, Med Hypotheses, 2001, 57:521), the majority of 2000 subjects had low Cr status, as measured by hair analysis, supporting the need for supplementation.