(NaturalNews) Nicacin-bound chromium (Cr-N) provides significantly more heart health benefits than chromium picolinate (Cr-P), the form more commonly found in supplements, according to a study presented at the 68th Annual Scientific Session of the American Diabetes Association.
Researchers fed three groups of obese, diabetic rats the same diet, supplemented with Cr-N, Cr-P, or nothing at all for eight weeks. They rated the animals' cardiovascular health by measuring cholesterol and triglyceride levels, as well as the levels of certain markers of
inflammation, such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), monocyte chemoattractant
protein 1 (MCP-1) and C-reactive protein (CRP).
Inflammation is a normal immune reaction, but chronic inflammation has been linked to a variety of severe
health problems, including
cardiovascular disease. Because people with
diabetes are already predisposed to
cardiovascular disease, inflammation is a symptom of particular concern in diabetic patients.
The researchers found that both Cr-P and Cr-N significantly reduced the
cholesterol and triglyceride levels of the
rats when compared with the control group. Cr-N, however, caused greater overall reductions than Cr-P. In addition, rats supplemented with Cr-N had lower levels of both TNF-alpha and MCP-1, while control rats and rats given Cr-P did not exhibit any change in these inflammation biomarkers.
The chromium dose in the
supplements was 400 micrograms per kilogram of
body weight.
"Results of this study further confirm a comprehensive
body of evidence that demonstrates the cardiovascular
benefits of ChromeMate," said Paul Dijkstra, CEO of InterHealth. "ChromeMate is also highly effective in helping maintain healthy blood sugar levels and body
weight, which is important for people with diabetes. Given the close link between diabetes and cardiovascular
disease, ChromeMate represents a triple benefit in promoting good health."
ChromeMate is a brand name for the Cr-N
supplement used in the study.
The study was funded by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive Kidney Diseases, a division of the National Institutes of Health.
Sources for this story include:
www.foodnavigator-usa.com.
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