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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Is GTF Chromium Supplement Advisable For A Hypoglycemic Person?

hi, my name is sandy (male) 63 years old. I m working on loosing weight and doing ok but wanted to add GTF Chromium to my supplements to help metabolism and help my body use insulin more efficiently. I take simvastatin for cholesterol and a daily aspirin as recommended by my DR. I m not pre diabetic but may be hypoglycemic. Should I be concerned about any side affects?
Wed, 1 Jun 2016
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Dietitian & Nutritionist 's  Response
Welcome. Yes, you should be concerned about side-effects, but they can be managed. First, everyone is different. I have seen my tube feeding patients with diabetes on a regular no sugar formula run their sugars up to 300. I switch them to a chromium, water soluble containing supplement and overnight the patient drops to a hypoglycemic range. Others, no effect.

Research on the effectiveness of chromium in increasing insulin sensitivity is contradictory but it is known to cause hypoglycemia which you already have.

In my opinion, the risk benefit ratio is not in your favor for taking chromium due to the hypoglycemia risk and lack of evidence that it will do what you want it to do.

Healthy Regards, Kathryn Shattler, MS,RDN
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Is GTF Chromium Supplement Advisable For A Hypoglycemic Person?

Welcome. Yes, you should be concerned about side-effects, but they can be managed. First, everyone is different. I have seen my tube feeding patients with diabetes on a regular no sugar formula run their sugars up to 300. I switch them to a chromium, water soluble containing supplement and overnight the patient drops to a hypoglycemic range. Others, no effect. Research on the effectiveness of chromium in increasing insulin sensitivity is contradictory but it is known to cause hypoglycemia which you already have. In my opinion, the risk benefit ratio is not in your favor for taking chromium due to the hypoglycemia risk and lack of evidence that it will do what you want it to do. Healthy Regards, Kathryn Shattler, MS,RDN