Q: Is chromium picolinate the same as GTF chromium? Can I take the picolinate instead?


A: It is important to know that chromiums are not created equal. Chromium picolinate is not GTF chromium. There have been some concerns regarding the picolinate part of chromium picolinate and until that issue is clarified, we would not recommend taking chromium picolinate.

To our knowledge, however, there has never been any question regarding the safety of GTF chromium. If GTF chromium supplementation is selected (as always after consultation with a doctor), it is important that it contain no other additives, such as niacin. The label should state that the product has "biological activity".

Be aware that taking a vitamin pill that contains chromium is not the same as taking GTF chromium; most vitamin pills do not contain biologically active chromium.

What you take with your GTF chromium is important. Zinc competes with chromium for absorption and therefore it is generally recommended that GTF be taken with no food or other supplementations.

The daily recommended supplementation of GTF is 200 micrograms. GTF usually comes as a 100 microgram tablet or as a 200 microgram tablet. Toxic levels are 10,000 times that found in a 200 microgram tablet and therefore is considered safe.

More information on GTF can be found in our most recent books for adults, The Carbohydrate Addict's LifeSpan Program and Healthy For Life .