Chromium Picolinate as a chromium supplement is especially appropriate in light of evidence that 9 out of 10 Americans get less than the 50 microgram daily intake established as the minimal "safe and adequate intake" by the National Academy of Sciences. The median intake is only 30 micrograms. Chromium is analogous to the essential minerals iodine and selenium in that it is not a nutritional requirement for plants. Thus, crops can grow perfectly well in soils that are chromium-depleted, yielding foods that are low in chromium, yielding foods that are low in chromium. In addition, food refining techniques often remove chromium. High sugar diets as well as exercise have been show to increase chromium exception and thus increase dietary requirements for this mineral.

Insulin is vital for regulating the metabolism of carbohydrates, protein and fat.

The use of metal picolinates as highly bioactive sources of essential minerals was developed and patented by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The originator of this concept, Dr. Gay Evans, -- now at Benidji State University, Minnesota -- has subsequently played a leading role in researching the physiological effects and benefits of chromium picolinate.

Chromium picolinate has proven to be an exceptionally affective nutritional source of chromium in clinical and expensive studies. Published controlled studies have demonstrated supplemental chromium picolinate provides benefits of reduced cholesterol levels, improved glucose control, and reduced body fat accompanied by an increase in lean mass.

Perhaps the most striking discovery is that chromium picolinate, fed to rats throughout life, increased their median lifespan by 36% and also extended maximum lifespan. This suggests that chromium picolinate -- in a manner analogous to calorie restriction -- may literally be slowing the aging process at a fundamental level.

Clinical studies that are ongoing or in planning will assess chromium picolinate's effects on essential calcium and bone metabolism, and in carcinogen treated rats, and will examine its value as an adjutant to exercise for weight loss.