A few months ago, my hubby mistakenly purchased chromium polynicotinate when he meant to buy chromium picolinate. I began using polynicotinate instead of picolinate. I rarely experience cravings since I switched supplements. I am curious if anyone else use polynicotinate?

I've heard rumours that Chromium Picolinate is dangerous(something about chromosome damage), but am not sure about the validity of these claims. It has been suggested that polynicolates, citrates or nitrates be used instead. If you do a search for chromium +dangers on an engine like google you should get some info.

I've read that chromium piconilate is a patented substanced owned by a guy who was touting it as a miracle weight-loss aid. I hadn't read it was dangerous, tho! Could be.

The other form (sometimes sold as GTF) that you have is fine.

Most of the studies of chromium have been done using the picolinate form of the mineral. In Protein Power LifePlan, the Eades recommend chromium picolinate form. However, as noted above, there have been inconclusive reports of a link between the picolinate chromium and cancer in rats (who were given massive dosese BTW).

Chromium polynicotinate is chromium bound to nicotinic acid ... which is a form of niacin Recent studies show that this form is more readily absorbed in the body. And as razzle pointed out, it's usually sold as GTF (glucose tolerance factor), and is the only type recommended by the Drs Heller in Carbohydrate Addicts. You can read more about this from the Carb Addicts' FAQ's: GTF chromium.

hth,

Doreen

Hi All and thanks for these replies. Doreen, the link to FAQ page was very helpful. I had done a little research of my own regarding the two chromiums, but that page explains it all nice and simply...in plain language.

I am still using GTF, aka, polynicotinate, and I continue to be craving free.