I got a copy of my sleep stuy HELP!!!!

[StillAnotherGuest]

Isn't chromium interesting stuff...

The effect of chromium on some parameters related to iron metabolism was investigated. Preliminary experiments showed that this metal ion was taken up by serum proteins and was dependent on the amount of chromium present in the medium. It was also shown that the uptake of iron was reduced significantly in the presence of chromium. In vivo study showed that the serum levels of iron and total iron binding capacity (TIBC) were reduced by 28 and 11%, respectively, following daily administration of chromium (1 mg/kg) for 45 d. Serum ferritin was reduced by 22% under this condition. Hematocrit and hemoglobin levels were also affected in chromium-treated animals and were both reduced by 17%. Spectrophotometric titration of each individual amino acid located in the iron binding site of transferrin revealed that tyrosin might be the most suitable ligand for the binding of chromium to transferrin. These results suggest that chromium may compete with iron in binding to apo-transferrin, and influence iron metabolism and its related biochemical parameters.

Have to call up the Alternative Medicine babe...

SAG

[odawa]

I'm taking Chromium picolinate. Not Chromium. Are they the same?? This is to help my body process insulin as I am Diabetic. I can stop taking it and see if there is a change. Hey I'm game!!

Chromium picolinate can have many beneficial results when supplemented. It enhances insulin's effect in the body, improving the uptake of glucose, thereby causing better blood circulation and maintenance of blood sugar level. Evidence also supports chromium's ability as a cholesterol and atherosclerosis fighter. Gaining energy, burning fat, and building muscle with greater ease are attributed to chromium, to name a few. It assists the body in losing weight by helping it to build muscle to replace fat.

[socknitster]

I don't know much about what is going on with you, but I do know this--a lot of minerals can block the absorption of other minerals. Calcium and iron block each other for example. So it is entirely possible the chromium you are taking is inhibiting your iron absorption. I would talk to your doctor about it. If you are iron deficient, the need for iron may outweigh the need for chromium at this time.

Jen

[odawa]

Ok I'm not taking the chromium picolinate. How long do you think it will take to make a difference?

[StillAnotherGuest]

Did you read the post "Is What You're Fixing" on the previous page?

The Laundry List of Other Stuff

Ok I'm not taking the chromium picolinate. How long do you think it will take to make a difference?

That depends on the dosage. If by

I take lots of vitamins b complex, cinnamon, aspirin, chrominium(?) picolate, multi-vitamin,

you mean "lots of chromium picolinate", then probably about a week after you finish hemodialysis.

Chromium picolinate toxicity
J Cerulli, DW Grabe, I Gauthier, M Malone, and MD McGoldrick

OBJECTIVE: To describe a case of toxicity secondary to chronic ingestion of 6-12 times the recommended daily allowance of over-the-counter (OTC) chromium picolinate. CASE SUMMARY: A 33-year-old white woman presented with weight loss, anemia, thrombocytopenia, hemolysis, liver dysfunction (aminotransferase enzymes 15-20 times normal, total bilirubin 3 times normal), and renal failure (serum creatinine 5.3 mg/dL; blood urea nitrogen 152 mg/dL). She had ingested chromium picolinate 1200-2400 microg/d for the previous 4-5 months to enhance weight loss. The patient had chromium plasma concentrations 2-3 times normal. Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura and hemolytic uremic syndrome were ruled out by clinical findings, peripheral blood smears, and a bone marrow biopsy. The patient was managed with supportive measures and received blood product transfusions and hemodialysis. Hemolysis stabilized and liver function improved over 6 days. Liver function returned to normal prior to discharge. Renal function began to return on day 12 and her serum creatinine on discharge was 1.3 mg/dL. One year later, all laboratory values were within normal limits. DISCUSSION: Trivalent chromium is an essential trace element that is considered safe when ingested in normal quantities. Trivalent chromium compounds are used by patients to enhance weight loss, increase lean body mass, and/or improve glycemic control. Information regarding the toxicity of chromium picolinate is limited. CONCLUSIONS: Chromium supplements may cause serious renal impairment when ingested in excess. Medication histories should include attention to the use of OTC nutritional supplements often regarded as harmless by the public and lay media.

If you mean "lots of vitamins, but in therapeutic dosages", the reports are anectdotal:

American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (Vol. 63, No. 6) says men taking 200 micrograms (the recommended dosage ) were iron deficient in as little as two months.

A new, well-controlled study of 36 sedentary young men who volunteered for a weight training program found what other studies have been reporting: Those who took an extra 200 micrograms (mcg) of chromium daily gained no more strength or muscle bulk than those who got a placebo. And none of the men had a significant change in body fat, even after two months of working out five days per week.

One third of the men took chromium picolinate. Another third took chromium chloride--an inorganic form of the mineral--for comparison, while the rest got a look-alike placebo. Their overall strength increased from 28 to 36 percent, on average, depending on the group. Their scores, however, were not statistically different from one another because of the wide range of body types in each group. The researchers concluded in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (Vol. 63, No. 6) that the benefits of chromium supplements on body composition occur only in people with low intakes.

The study also found that the men taking chromium picolinate, but not chromium chloride, showed early signs of iron deficiency in three different assays of iron status. This suggests that extended use may be detrimental, especially in women before menopause, and needs further study.

And all this only applies if your low H&H is due to low ferritin. If you're bleeding somewhere, like a GSW, you'll get better results by plugging up the bullet hole with the chromium picolinate capsule.

This is to help my body process insulin as I am Diabetic.

Who said that?

Chromium Treatment Has No Effect in Patients With Poorly Controlled, Insulin-Treated Type 2 Diabetes in an Obese Western Population

What are the dosages of the supplements? If you're taking Ultra Mega Super B Complex right before bed, that's gonna be a problem. Are you getting any professional direction with all this "OTC" stuff?

SAG

[odawa]

My nutritionist recommended the chromium picolinate. I'm not taking mega doses. I have been taking 2 200mgs in the morning.
I'm suprised to have to say this, but I am not taking b complex before bed. That would make it hard to sleep. I don't have trouble going to sleep, I have trouble staying awake. I take 2 b complex tabs in the morning and my omega 3 vitamins, again not in mega doses.

[socknitster]

Odawa,

Sometimes you can just split up the doses with different meals to mitigate the effects of the minerals blocking each other.

I have heard of chromium for use with joint probs but never for diabetes. I doubt the body naturally needs a whole lot of chromium. It is only needed in trace amounts. There are other things that could be more benign to use for blood sugar like cinnamon.

Eating low glycemic foods would be the best way of course. That means no refined carbs--starting the day with oatmeal with a sugar substitute and maybe some jam sweetened with fruit juice and eating no refined white sugar or flour/bread. This is the perfect diet for a diabetic. My husband eats like this and is not diabetic. He lost 70lbs (and is at his goal weight). He rarely eats any refined sugars except on special occasions. If he gains 5 lbs over the holidays, he loses it quite quickly. He has been on the diet for two years. Really it is more of a lifestyle change than a diet. For suppers we rarely eat potatoes or bread. Mostly we just eat meat and veggies or salad.

The diet is from a book called the GI diet. I know for a fact that it isn't easy. I found it hard to follow this diet since I couldn't eat the yogurt that is recommended--I'm allergic to milk. If I had had the daily treat of yogurt, I think I would have been better able to follow it. Also, since I've known I was going to be preg again soon I didn't want artificial sweeteners in my diet. After this baby is weaned, that will no longer hold me back. I have no intention of having another at this point.

So, I follow the GI diet as best as I can, myself, but not everything and I have lost weight on it too, though not as dramatic as my husband. I should exercise too and that would make a big difference. Some days I feel like oatmeal, but sometimes I just want my frosted mini wheats! My mom is diabetic (and I'm still a little overweight), so I'm very concious of not eating much refined sugar. I do have a small piece of chocolate a few days a week though!

Jen

[odawa]

I eat very little bread, flour or sugar. My doc has me on a modified version of the GI diet. My biggest downfall is pizza. I've learned to make it w/ wheat flour,so its not as bad. I like making the wraps, those are really good and high in fiber.
Breakfast I usually have oat bran and soy milk. I'm allergic to milk also. Soy is my friend and it has alot of protein.
I havent taken the chorumium piclinate this week, I am not as tired. I have so much going on right now health wise, it could be anything!!!! I just keep getting tested for something else and do as I'm told.
The iron tabs are making a huge difference. I've had to cut back on the chicken and eat more red meat. Have you tried buffalo? They sell it at the neighborhood store. It's quite delicious!!! I made tacos with it. It was $6.99 lb. I wanted to see about getting a split or side of buffalo. That is so much better for me, then I wont have to worry as much about the cloned meat. Now that terrifies me!!!!

[socknitster]

Sounds like you are on the right track! Maybe the chromium was even preventing you from getting any iron from your food--I was always told that if you eat meat, you shouldn't be deficient in iron. I guess I am remembering this from when Harry was first starting to eat--they test for iron early on, but if you tell them the kid is eating meat (many kids that age won't eat it!) then they aren't worried about it and don't test again.

I didn't know you are allergic to milk too! Be careful with the soy--a lot of people allergic to milk also become allergic to soy--it is a very allergenic protein (which scares me because it is in everything now!). I'm allergic to it too. It happened during my last pregnancy about 5 years ago. I had been drinking it as a replacement for milk.

Jen

[boynedoc]

An excellent change from Soy, is Rice Milk - I use RiceDream and love it!


Something you may wish to consider.

[odawa]

does the rice dream come in flavors? What is the nutritional info on it?

[odawa]

I'm feeling good again. FINALLY!!! I took the Mirapex for about 3 days, it made me more drowsy. I went back to the vitamins. except the chromium. I've been exercising a couple times a week.

[boynedoc]

does the rice dream come in flavors? What is the nutritional info on it?

Yes the Rice Dream comes in 3 flavor varieties - Original, Vanilla, and Chocolate - and 2 variations - plain and vit enriched.

My favorite is the Vanilla Vit Enriched. It takes the most like milk to me but with a "nutty" sort of taste to it.

Sorry I missed this question until today.......I blame sleep debt!

[DreamStalker]

does the rice dream come in flavors? What is the nutritional info on it?

Yes the Rice Dream comes in 3 flavor varieties - Original, Vanilla, and Chocolate - and 2 variations - plain and vit enriched.

My favorite is the Vanilla Vit Enriched. It takes the most like milk to me but with a "nutty" sort of taste to it.

Sorry I missed this question until today.......I blame sleep debt!

Rice Dream also has a Horchatta (sweet cinnamon) flavor ... the best tasting IMO but I'm currently attempting to reduce my glycemic load so I’m now substituting w/ almond milk.

[odawa]

ahh yes. I looked up the nutrition facts on the Rice Dream for 8oz. vanilla it is 130 cals, 26g carbs, 12g sugars, 1g protein thats almost a meals worth for me

for the silk light vanilla - 80 cals, 10g carbs, 1 dietary fiber, 7 g sugars, 6g protein. I like te vanilla flavor. much better than the taste of cow.

I couldnt find the almond milk.