Chromium Picolinate May Reduce Atypical Depression-associatedCarbohydrate Cravings

Chromium Picolinate May Reduce Atypical Depression-associatedCarbohydrate Cravings

PHOENIXChromium picolinate mayreduce carbohydrate cravings associated with atypical depression, according toresults from a double blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial presented at the44th annual conference of the National Institutes of Mental Health (NIMH) NewClinical Drug Evaluation Unit (NCDEU), held here June 1 to 4. Nutrition 21s(www.nutrition21.com) Chromax chromium picolinate was used in the study.

During the multi-center study, 113 subjects received 600 mcg/dof chromium picolinate or placebo. Subjects receiving chromium who reported highlevels of carbohydrate cravings experienced significant decreases in bothcarbohydrate cravings and symptoms associated with depression, including moodswings, fatigue and weight gain perception. People with the highest levels ofcarbohydrate cravings had the most significant reduction in depressive symptoms.According to Nutrition 21, the researchers hypothesized that chromiumsessential role in insulin function may be the link between chromium,carbohydrate cravings and atypical depression, as insulin has effects onmetabolic function that may impact serotonin levels in the brain.

This is the first indication that chromium picolinate mayplay an important role in the reduction of carbohydrate cravings in people withatypical depression, said John Docherty, M.D., lead investigator of thestudy. It also may offer a new treatment option for atypical depressedpatients with carbohydrate cravings who find it difficult to stay on currentprescription medication because of the common side effects of sexual dysfunctionand weight gain. ... The study suggests that carbohydrate cravings may be a keyand independent marker of atypical depression and might predict how patientswill respond to chromium picolinate therapy.