Glucose tolerance factor chromium, more commonly called chromium GTF, is a mineral that is frequently used in bodybuilding, athletic and weight-loss supplements.
Contents
Uses
- Chromium is a trace element which may work closely with insulin to help facilitate the uptake of glucose into cells. The National Research Council has established the need for chromium in human nutrition.
Benefits
- Hypoglycemia is a condition that mainly effects individuals who are diabetic and is defined as abnormally low blood sugar levels, which may lead to fatigue, muscle weakness, dizziness, confusion and, in severe cases, heart palpitations, coma and death. Yeast-Free GTF Chromium helps regulate blood sugar levels in diabetics, ensuring that normal, balanced amounts of glucose are present in your bloodstream to maintain normal blood sugar levels.
- GTF chromium may affect cholesterol metabolism, which may be beneficial to individuals suffering from high total cholesterol. However, chromium should not replace conventional treatment for high cholesterol. Consult your physician before beginning a GTF chromium supplement program.
- Chromium has been used as a performance-enhancing mineral by athletes to improve insulin sensitivity and carbohydrate metabolism during exercise.
Cautions
- Kidney disease: There are at least three reports of kidney damage in patients who took chromium picolinate. Do not take chromium supplements, if you already have kidney disease.
- Liver disease: Do not take chromium supplements, if you already have liver disease.
- Diabetes: Chromium might lower blood sugar levels too much if taken along with diabetes medications. If you have diabetes, use chromium products cautiously and monitor blood glucose levels closely. Dose adjustments to diabetes medications might be necessary.
- Chromate/leather contact allergy: Chromium supplements can cause allergic reactions in people with chromate or leather contact allergy. Symptoms include redness, swelling, and scaling of the skin.
- Behavioral or psychiatric conditions such as depression, anxiety, or schizophrenia: Chromium might affect brain chemistry and might make behavioral or psychiatric conditions worse. If you have one of these conditions, be careful when using chromium supplements. Pay attention to any changes in how you feel.
Interactions
Moderate Interaction Be cautious with this combination
- Insulin interacts with CHROMIUM
Chromium might decrease blood sugar. Insulin is also used to decrease blood sugar. Taking chromium along with insulin might cause your blood sugar to be too low. Monitor your blood sugar closely. The dose of your insulin might need to be changed. - Levothyroxine (Synthroid) interacts with CHROMIUM
Taking chromium with levothyroxine (Synthroid) might decrease how much levothyroxine (Synthroid) that the body absorbs. This might make levothyroxine (Synthroid) less effective.
Other Names
Brown Tea, Camélia Chinois, Camellia sinensis, Camellia thea, Camellia theifera, Dragon Noir, EGCG, Epigallo Catechin Gallate, Epigallocatechin Gallate, Épigallocatéchine Gallate, Té Oolong, Tea, Tea Oolong, Thé Oolong, Thea bohea, Thea sinensis, Thea viridis, Theaflavin, Théaflavine, Wu Long, Wulong, Wu Long Tea, Wu-Long Tea, Wu Yi, Wuyi, Wuyi Oolong, Wuyi Tea, Wu Yi Wulong Tea.
References
Source: Lucky Vitamin, http://www.luckyvitamin.com/p-484-now-foods-gtf-chromium-yeast-free-200-mcg-250-tablets
Live Strong, http://www.livestrong.com/article/312425-what-is-chromium-gtf/