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Chromium glucose tolerance factor (GTF) is a trace mineral found in certain foods that helps regulate blood sugar levels and digest carbohydrates. It is also sold as a nutritional supplement and weight loss aid. Foods such as meat, whole grains, and fruits and vegetables contain small amounts of chromium. GTF chromium supplementation may be necessary for those with diets high in processed foods and simple sugars. Limited clinical research has been done on potential side effects, but interactions with certain medications and allergic reactions are possible.
Chromium glucose tolerance factor (GTF) is a trace mineral found in certain foods that works with insulin to regulate blood sugar levels and digest carbohydrates. Found naturally in the body, chromium helps the liver produce cholesterol, lipoproteins, fatty acids, and lecithin. When the glucose tolerance factor isn’t working properly, the body’s cells don’t properly digest the glucose needed for energy. Chromium GTF is marketed as a nutritional supplement that helps lower cholesterol and improve the body’s regulation of blood glucose levels through the glucose tolerance factor. Chromium GTF is also sold as a weight loss supplement that reduces fat and increases lean muscle mass.
Foods such as meat, whole grain products, and poultry contain small amounts of chromium. Brewer’s yeast and some fruits and vegetables, such as broccoli, apples, and bananas, also contain small amounts of chromium. The body requires only a small amount of chromium, so it shouldn’t be difficult to get enough without supplementation when eating a balanced diet. However, the manufacturing process of food can reduce the amount of chromium and other minerals, so diets high in processed foods and simple sugars may be low in chromium. In these cases, GTF chromium supplementation might be necessary.
Active clinical trials have begun testing the link between GTF chromium and a variety of health conditions. The greatest interest lies in the use of GTF chromium in supplement form as a treatment for diabetes, as well as its role in promoting weight loss, improving body composition, preventing heart disease, and improving mood. . Research has also begun testing the effect of GTF chromium on increasing strength and lean muscle mass. Clinical studies suggest that GTF chromium supplementation might be beneficial for these conditions, but as of October 2010, it had not been approved by regulatory agencies for the treatment or prevention of any health conditions.
There has been limited clinical research on the potential side effects of GTF chromium, because few incidents of adverse effects have been reported. However, interactions and allergic reactions are possible with any medication or herbal supplement. An allergic reaction may be indicated by hives; swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat; or difficulty breathing.
Chromium is also known to interact with specific medications such as antacids, corticosteroids, and proton pump inhibitors. These drugs alter the digestive properties of the stomach, preventing the proper absorption of chromium. Diets high in sugar also interfere with the effectiveness of this supplement. Chromium increases the effects of other medications such as beta-blockers, insulin, nicotinic acid, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and prostaglandin inhibitors.
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