Chromium is a mineral that is essential for the proper metabolism of sugar and fat. Chromium is essential in maintaining proper blood sugar levels within the body. Chromium is not easily absorbed by the human body so supplement makers have added picolinic acid to it to help the absorption.
Chromium is needed within the body to properly metabolize carbohydrates and fats. Chromium functions by regulating the amount of insulin that is secreted into the bloodstream. The regulating of insulin in the blood helps to maintain a steady level of insulin throughout the day. The steady level of insulin throughout the day helps keep blood sugar at a steady level. If your blood sugar levels are stable throughout the day you will not experience highs and lows in energy.
The recommended chromium intake per day is around 100 mcg. A deficiency in chromium can lead to anxiety fatigue, inadequate metabolism of amino acids and sugars as well as glucose intolerance. There is evidence to suggest that in North America the average person has some form of chromium deficiency, so it is a good idea to try and eat foods that are rich in chromium as well as maybe take a daily supplement of chromium.
The best way to get additional chromium is through your diet and below is a list of foods and how much chromium may contain.
Broccoli 1/2 cup = 11 mcg.
Grape juice 1 cup = 8 mcg
Potatoes 1 cup = 4 mcg
Garlic 1 teaspoon = 3 mcg
Orange Juice 1 cup = 2 mcg
Banana 1 medium = 1 mcg
These are just a few foods that contain decent amounts of chromium. But as you can see, even broccoli only contains 11 mcg per half cup. So more than likely, if you're an active adult you may need to supplement your chromium intake with a chromium supplement.
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