Chromium
Type: Mineral
Chromium is a mineral that helps with blood sugar regulation. It makes up the molecule chromodulin, which helps insulin to function properly.
With an improved insulin function, chromium is effective in keeping blood sugar under control. In addition, it reduces excessive food and calorie intake by increasing one's satiety. As a result, it is beneficial for weight and/or blood sugar management.
Common food sources include broccoli, potatoes, meat, liver, and brewer's yeast. However, our intestines absorb this mineral poorly at about only 2.5%. Therefore, it is common to see chromium supplements in the form of chromium picolinate, whereby the attachment of picollinic acid with chromium aids better absorption.