Chromium Supplementation Reduces Hunger and Food Cravings

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Overeating is something that many of us will experience at one time or another. This phenomenon can, of course, be due to a plentiful supply of appetizing food, but it can also have a physiological or a biochemical root too.

One cause of overeating is hypoglycemia [low blood sugar]. When blood sugar levels drop to subnormal levels, this can compel the body to eat a lot of food (particularly carbohydrates) very quickly. This is one of the reasons I recommend to most individuals that they eat quite regularly, and that they keep the diet based on food that gives slow and sustained release of sugar into the bloodstream.

Another naturally oriented strategy for maintaining blood sugar levels and therefore helping to keep hunger at bay is supplementation with certain nutrients. One of the mainstay nutrients in this respect is chromium. I’m not aware of science that has specifically tested the effects of chromium on low blood sugar, but this nutrient is known to have an influence on blood sugar control, and my experience in practice is that supplementation with chromium generally leads to less carb-craving.

I was therefore interested to read of a recent study in which the effect of chromium was tested in a group of overweight women [1]. This double-blind, placebo-controlled study used 1,000 mcg of chromium picolinate each day for a two-month period. Compared to women taking placebo, those taking the chromium supplement saw significantly reduced cravings for fat, as well as reduced general hunger levels. Food intake was significantly lower too.

What is somewhat surprising is the finding that, compared to placebo, chromium supplementation led to a reduced craving for fat but not for carbohydrates. However, against this, we do need to put other evidence, which has found chromium can reduce carbohydrate cravings [2].

Despite the disparity in these results, though, this latest study shows that chromium supplementation seems to offer potential for those wanting to put a natural brake on their appetite.

References:
1. Anton SD, et al. Effects of chromium picolinate on food intake and satiety. Diabetes Technology and Therapeutics 2008; 10(5): 405-12.

2. Docherty JP, et al. A double-blind, placebo-controlled, exploratory trial of chromium picolinate in atypical depression: effect on carbohydrate craving, Journal of Psychiatric Practice 2005 Sep; 11(5): 302–14.

Dr. John Briffa is a London-based physician and author with an interest in nutrition and natural medicine.
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