Mega Chromium is a trace mineral usually obtained from the diet. A trace mineral (also called trace element) is a substance that the human body requires in very small amounts. Although results from a number of small studies show that chromium supplements may help to control type 2 diabetes, evidence is not consistent.
A recent 6-month long study comparing chromium yeast to placebo found neither made a difference for individuals with type 2 diabetes. The study participants were taking an oral antidiabetes drug and eating a "western" diet. An analysis of 40 published studies, however, found some indication that chromium supplementation could help to reduce blood sugar levels for patients with type 2 diabetes, but not for individuals with normal blood sugar. For individuals with high blood sugar levels, chromium may enhance insulin utilization and increase the number and activity of insulin receptors in the body. Lowered blood sugar may not be seen until chromium has been taken for several weeks, however; and normal levels of blood sugar do not appear to be affected by supplemental chromium.
