Chromium Picolinate helps to preserve lean body mass
A new study published in the journal Nutrients last month suggests that the trace mineral chromium picolinate may pip other weight management ingredients to the post because of it's ability to help users preserve lean body mass.
Loss of lean body mass is linked to declines in neuromuscular function and increased risk of injury.
The authors wrote:
"Even more important than overall weight loss is sustainably losing fat mass while maintaining lean body mass."
"There are few dietary supplements that appear to help preserve lean body mass during weight loss, or to reduce the loss of lean body mass compared to diet alone."
The study looked at peer-reviewed published studies looking at how chromium picolinate supplementation may bring about changes in body composition and compared it with studies on other popular weight management ingredients: green tea catechin, soluble fibre complex, Garcinia cambogia and Irvingia gabonensis.
After analysis of all the ingredients, studies on chromium picolinate have resulted in participants losing the least amount of lean body mass, (in fact in some studies even resulted in an increase in lean body mass) while still significantly reducing fat mass.
Chromium Picolinate interacts with the body's insulin levels
The basis of the argument put forward by the researchers lies in how chromium picolinate interacts with the body's insulin levels.
Dr Susan Hewlings, one of the authors of the study says:
"Chromium is an essential trace mineral involved in carbohydrate, fat and protein metabolism and is combined with picolinic acid to enhance absorption."
"Chromium picolinate facilitates the action of insulin, has been shown to improve glycemic control in diabetes and has been shown to improve body composition by helping to maintain lean body mass."
"Moreover, enhanced insulin action increases the rate of glucose and amino acid uptake in muscle cells. Several studies support its role in maintaining lean body mass during weight loss."
Weight loss diets used by consumers can be effective initially, however the bigger issue is the maintenance of that weight loss - many fail to keep the weight from going back on. This is because of the significant loss in muscle or lean body mass and the resulting decrease in metabolism.
So if you're embarking on a new year diet at the moment and you're looking to keep a metabolically active lean body mass then it might be worth adding chromium picolinate to your reduced calorie plan.
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A healthy balanced diet is the best way to consume all the nutrients we need. Sometimes however this isn't possible and then supplements can help. This article isn't intended to replace medical advice. Please consult your healthcare professional before trying any supplements or herbal medicines.