Thoughts on chromium picolinate?

[Longhorn]

A friend at work said she takes it and, along with exercising, lost 20 pounds. She said it helped reduce her cravings for carbs. So I got some at the local pharmacy -- a bottle was about $4.69 -- and started taking it last Friday. It does seem to me that I've been less interested in snacking since I started taking it, with no noticeable side effects. And I wasn't really watching for changes, if you know what I mean. Each day, I'd pretty much forget that I had taken it and realize that I wasn't as "hungry" as I usually am.

So I did a google search and the first site I found pretty much said there's no proof that chromium picolinate has any effect on weight loss. :shrug:

Anyone have any knowledge or experience with it? Thanks!

[calico1]

1. I just posted on another thread about this.

I think it can help a lot. I have a very strong sweet tooth and love bread, rice, etc. The chromium, along with a magnesium supplement has helped me a lot. There are "experts" who say it does not work, but for me it has. For me what it most does is help with the sugar cravings which could really get out of control for me. I am taking both chromium and magnesium (which also helps with sugar cravings) so I am not sure if one or the other is working more or both are helping me but so far so good. I have been taking them for about 2 weeks now. Do a little more searching. There are also those who believe chromium (and magnesium) can help with sugar and carb cravings.

[wildeyed]

2. Try Glycemic Factors by Country Life.

http://www.country-life.com/moreinfo.cfm?Category=19&Product_ID=299

I wasn't using it to lose weight, per say. I have issues with hypoglycemia and this formula really made a difference. Seems like it would help with weight loss, too.

[eridani]

3. There is a problem with studies on the general population--

--testing the effects of things like chromium picolinate. They will obviously find no effects on people who are not insulin resistant and/or slightly deficient in chromium. Studies like this usually cannot detect effects on small vulnerable sub-populations. If you notice an effect, you are probably one of them. If you aren't no harm, no foul. Just give it up.

[Longhorn]

4. I never really noticed an effect

other than a possible placebo effect and gave up on it.

No magic pill for me. :)