If you want to lose weight you should read the following article because these three nutrional supplements are mandatory in your quest. They help to boost your metabolism in order to lose body fat easily.
So without further delay I will explain to you which elements are and how to use them to your benefit.
Chromium is probably the most important nutritional supplement for people with diabetes or overweight. Our metabolism transforms chromium into a molecule called glucose tolerance factor (GTF), whose exact structure is unknown. GTF binds to insulin receptors on cell membranes and makes them much more responsive to insulin by activating a molecule called insulin receptor kinase.
GTF also increases insulin receptor numbers and helps insulin bond to the insulin receptor. Why is chromium so necessary in human nutrition? The minerals chromium, iodine and selenium are found only in volcanic or coastal soils. They are not found in other soils, such as the glacial till of the American heartland. The rift valley of East Africa, where our ancestors evolved, is a volcanically active area.
The soils there are rich in chromium, iodine and selenium. These minerals play an important role in human nutrition. Yet many of our plant foods do not depend on these minerals. A tomato grows perfectly well in the chromium-poor soil of the Mid-west. In the modern system of agriculture, we really have no way of knowing where our food was grown, or if it might be lacking chromium, iodine or selenium.
Of these three minerals, our bodies are most immediately sensitive to deficiency of iodine, which results in hypothyroid and goiter. Our government has recognized the need to supplement iodine in salt to prevent thyroid illness. It takes longer for chromium and selenium deficiency to manifest, and the changes are more subtle. Yet most Americans are deficient in chromium and selenium as well. The average estimated intake of chromium is 50mcg per day. Studies focused on diabetics have found that many are particularly deficient in chromium.
Several studies have shown improvement in blood sugar, triglycerides, glucose tolerance, and other markers of diabetes when diabetics take chromium supplements. A few smaller studies have failed to improve blood glucose, leading to some controversy. Adding to the confusion is that different studies used different forms of chromium. In reviewing all the research, the largest studies showed positive effects from chromium, therefore it does improve insulin action and lower blood sugars.
Some studies have shown that chromium has a limited effect on reducing body weight.
The form in which chromium is taken is very important. Organic chromium (chromium picolinate, chromium polynicotinate) can be from 10-25% absorbed. Inorganic chromium (chromium chloride) is about 1% absorbed by our bodies. Some studies of inorganic chloride found no effect on blood glucose. Brewer’s yeast is an excellent food source of high levels of organic chromium. Taking brewer’s yeast it is possible to reach levels of chromium intake otherwise attainable only through supplementation. Most of the successful studies used either chromium picolinate or brewer’s yeast.
Successful studies have used from 100-1000mcg chromium picolinate daily. A reasonable approach is to start with 200mcg/day for three months. Check HgA1c and fasting glucose records, then increase to 400mcg/day or 600mcg/day as needed.
Concerns – It is important to distinguish between trivalent and hexavalent chromium. Hexavalent chromium is used in industry and is very dangerous. It can cause neurological damage, immune system problems, and cancer (hexavalent chromium was the toxin in the water in the film Erin Brockovich). It would never be found in a supplement.
Trivalent chromium is essential for human nutrition. There have been limited case reports of chromium toxicity at very high levels of supplementation (she had ingested chromium picolinate 1200-2400 mcg/d for the previous 4-5 months to enhance weight loss). Rat studies have indicated that chromium may generate oxidative damage of DNA and lipids and is mutagenic, although the significance of these results on humans taking the supplement for prolonged periods of time is unknown. Extensive study of humans has not shown any toxicity or drug interactions from taking chromium supplements.
Magnesium has been found in some studies to be deficient in 80-85% of Americans. People who are overweight, particularly those with retinopathy or cardiac complications or poor glycemic control are even more likely to be deficient. This may be because diabetics have increased renal excretion of magnesium. In addition, maintenance of intracellular magnesium is dependant on abundant vitamin B6, which is low in many diabetics. Lack of magnesium is thought to play a role in insulin resistance.
Magnesium is a necessary co-factor in glucose transport. It regulates energy production in the liver, and is necessary for insulin production and release in the pancreas. Conversely, Insulin enhances magnesium uptake, so low insulin can result in low magnesium absorption. Cholesterol lowering drugs of the statin class, taken by many diabetics, may decrease magnesium levels.
Supplementation with magnesium may increase insulin action, lower blood pressure, lower cholesterol, and may reverse symptoms of hypoglycemia.
Diabetic Ketoacidosis can severely deplete magnesium, which occasionally may need to be restored by IV infusion.
Absorption of magnesium is quite variable, ranging from 25-85%. The most absorbable forms of magnesium are magnesium gluconate, magnesium citrate, magnesium malate, or a magnesium-aminoacid chelate.
Suggested Dosage – 200mg-2gm daily.
Concerns – Excessive doses of magnesium can cause loose stool. If this happens cut back your magnesium dose and work back up slowly.
Vanadate, an acidic form of vanadium, has an insulin-like action. In fact, before insulin was isolated, vanadium was used as a substitute in many type 1 diabetics. Vanadium may stimulate insulin secretion, and may play a role in insulin resistance. If you are diabetic and you want to lose weight then do not discard this nutrional component on your diet.
Vanadyl sulfate is the best form of vanadium; it is less likely to be toxic than other forms.
Suggested Dosage – 50-100mg vanadyl sulfate daily. Do not exceed the recommended dosage.
Concerns – Vanadium is potentially toxic at high doses. Do not exceed the recommended dosage. Vanadium, may aggravate bipolar disorder, and should therefore be used with caution and under the supervision of a physician by those with a history of mood disorder.