Research
Research suggests chromium is an essential trace element and chromium (III) is the form of chromium found in supplements and in food. Chromium has been shown to be useful in its ability to support insulin, thereby assisting in healthy glucose metabolism. It is thought that chromium potentiates the action of insulin by increasing receptor numbers and increasing insulin binding to cells.1 Chromium is widely used for weight loss, to increase muscle mass and fat-free mass, and decrease body fat. Results from scientific investigations have indicated that chromium supplementation increases muscle gain and fat loss associated with exercise and improves glucose metabolism and the serum lipid profile in patients with or without diabetes.2,3,4,5,6,7
Pantothenic acid is intermediately involved in the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins and lipids and is a component of coenzyme A, a molecule necessary for numerous vital chemical reactions to occur in cells.1,8
Magnesium is critical to normal human homeostasis playing many roles in energy metabolism: as an enzyme cofactor, in electrolyte balance, and in the maintenance of the properties of various cell membranes. As one of the four most abundant cations in the body, magnesium is present in more than 300 enzymatic systems.9,10 The range of pathologies associated with magnesium deficiency is staggering. Magnesium helps the body to metabolize carbohydrates, fats and proteins.13,9
Thiamine is a water soluble vitamin that is essential in metabolic energy production and the metabolism of fats, carbohydrates and proteins. Since humans are unable to synthesize thiamine, this vitamin must be obtained from exogenous sources. The body requires more thiamine in cases of increased metabolic demand such as weight loss. In such cases, the supply may be rapidly depleted so it is important to ensure frequent and adequate supply of this essential vitamin.11,12
Resources
1 Cefalu WT, Frank B. Role of Chromium in Human Health and in Diabetes. Diabetes Care. 2004;27(11):2741.
2 Potter JF, Levin P, Anderson RA, et al. Glucose metabolism in glucose-intolerant older people during chromium supplementation. Metabolism. 1985;34:199 –204.
3 Ghosh D, Bhattacharya B, Mukherjee B, et al. Role of chromium supplementation in Indians with type 2 diabetes mellitus. J Nutr Biochem. 2002;13:690–697.
4 Bahijri SM, Mufti AM. Beneficial effects of chromium in people with type 2 diabetes, and urinary chromium response to glucose load as a possible indicator of status. Biol Trace Elem Res. 2002;85:97–10.
5 Anderson R. Chromium as an essential nutrient for humans. Reg Toxicol Pharmacol. 1997;26:S35–S41.
6 Roeback JR Jr, Hla KM, Chambless LE, Fletcher RH. Effects of chromium supplementation on serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels in men taking beta-blockers a randomized, controlled trial. Ann Intern Med. 1991;115:917–924.
7 Crawford V, Scheckenbach R, Preuss HG. Effects of niacin-bound chromium supplementation on body composition in overweight African-American women. Diabetes Obes Metab. 1999;1:331–337
8 Health Canada. Natural Health Products Directorate. Product Monographs. Pantothenic Acid 2007. Available at: www.hc-sc.gc.ca Accessed Jan 4, 2011.
9 Health Canada. Natural Health Products Directorate. Product Monographs. Magnesium. 2007. Available at: www.hc-sc.gc.ca Accessed Jan 5, 2011.
10 Fox C, Ramsoomair D, Carter C. Magnesium: Its Proven and Potential Clinical Significance. South Med J. 2001;94(12).
11 Gagnolf M, Czerniecki J, Radermecker M. Thiamine Status in Humans and Content of Phosphorylated Thiamine Derivatives in Biopsies and Cultured Cells. PLoS ONE. 2010;5:10,e13616.
12 Singleton CK, Martin PR. Molecular mechanisms of thiamine utilization. Curr Mol Med. 2001 May;1(2):197-207.