Chromium helps concentration

Dr. McLeod:

First off, thank you for bringing the chromium connection to the
world. Keep up the good work!

Two weeks ago I began supplementing chromium picolinate, 500 mcg. I
weigh ~140 lbs. Depending on the therapist I am various diagnosed as
bipolar 2, cyclothymia, or major depressive disorder. Let’s just sum
it up as having a mood disorder including mood swings of various
lengths. I have had a sugar addiction/compulsion/cravings for most of
my life as well.

Having little success with meds (SSRIs, lithium), I attempted a more
“natural” path and made great inroads in treating this by aiming at a
generally primal, low-carb diet, and supplementing with fish oil, vit
D, iodine, magnesium, NAC, etc. etc. This was a *lot* of help,
amazingly so. Chromium though is the most recent addition and has made
a remarkable difference. It is absolutely shocking to me how improved
I feel in as little as 4 days. I have never felt more focused.

I am emailing you though because of this: since taking chromium my
compulsion to eat lots of sugars and sweets has plummeted. But now I
endlessly crave produce (as in eating upwards of 10-12 servings a
day). I dont really understand why. It feels very odd to crave
lettuce, celery, carrots, onions. These are not very fulfilling
either, I should add, though I just want more and more all the same.
And while I eat fruit, the idea of eating junk food/sweets is almost
nauseating now. But the desire for produce is unending. Why might this
be?

I understand that certain nutrients require a balance with one
another. Examples: omega-3 and omega-6 EFAs, zinc and copper,
magnesium and calcium. You get the idea. Does chromium have a
metabolic “partner” like this?

Thank you for the advice.

Sincerely,
 R.J.

Dear R.J.

Thank you for contacting me.  I know that chromium craves carb cravings in some people, but I’ve never heard anyone report an increase in craving for other foods.  Regarding your second question regarding “nutrient balance”, I don’t know of another trace mineral that is required for chromium to act maximally.

Keep me posted on what you discover.

Malcolm McLeod Md

Can I take Chromax Plus with Sertraline

Dear Dr. McLeod

i take 50 mg of generic zoloft (sertraline) for anxiety. is it safe to
take the chromax plus? Read more

Chromium and Prozac

QUESTION

Is it OK to take chromium while on Prozac? Also should I start with
one pill and increae to two slowly?

Thanks
FD

ANSWER

FD

Yes. It is safe to take chromium with Prozac.  I favor beginning with a small “test” dose of chromium, and increasing the dosage gradually if you don’t experience side effects.  Good luck and thank you for contacting me.

Malcolm McLeod, MD

Can Chromium Curb SSRI-Induced Weight Gain?

Hi Dr. McLeod,
I have read a lot of information regarding weight gain with long term
use of ssri’s. Do you believe that taking chromium with an
antidrepessant, such as prozac or zolft,helps with such weight gain?
Thank you
M.G. Read more

Must I Be Overweight to Have Atypical Depression?

Dr. McLeod

I have many of the symptoms of atypical depression you describe, but I am not overweight. Does that mena I can’t be considered to have atypical depressio.

C.P.

Dear C.P.

Many underweight people, especially when young, are underweight and yet have atypcial depression.  They do have excessive appetites and tend to gain weight as they age.

Please let me know of your experience.

Malcolm McLeod MD

Can an Underweight Person Have Atypical Depression?

Dear Dr. McLeod

Is it possible to be both underweight and have the atypical depression
that you describe that would be helped by chromium supplements? I know
that I have erratic blood sugar problems (glucose testing), depression
beginning in childhood, severe social sensitivity and anxiety, and
issues with being underweight. Would chromium be worth a try?

Thanks,
JJ

ANSWER

Yes indeed, JJ.  In many people atypical depression begins when they are young and trim.  They do have excessive appetites and tend to gain weight over the years.

Malcolm McLeod, MD

Difference Between Chromium and Chromium Picolinate

Hi Dr Mcleod,
Loved your book. I’m a bit confused with aussi doses tho. Read more

Are SAD and Atypical Depression the Same?

Dr. McLeod,

Are Seasonal Affective Disorder and Atypical Depression the same disorder?  My psychologist tells me I suffer from SAD, but as I was reading your book, it sounds like I have Atypical Depression.  Confused. Help. Thanks.

CR

ANSWER

Dear CR,

Seasonal Affective Disorder (also known as SAD and winter blues) and Atypical Depression (AD) share many of the same symptoms.   These include depression, cravings for carbohydrates, a tendency to gain weight,  loss of energy, oversleeping, heightened sensitivity to rejection, social isolaltion, and difficulty concentrating.  SAD and Atypical Depression are different, however.  In SAD depression usually begins in the the late fall or early winter months, and lifts when spring arrives, whereas AD can occur at any time during the year. People with AD often complain of a heavingess of their arms and legs, referred to as leaden paralysis. AD often starts in the teenage years.

What causes these disorders? An imbalalce of chemical messengers (neurotransmitters) are thought to play a role in causing AD. If you have a biological family member with AD or alcoholism, you may be more suspectible to AD. Childhood physical and/or sexual abuse. and loss of a parent may predispose a person to AD.

The causes of SAD are not known for certain, but SAD is thought to be caused by a reduced amount of light which changes

• your biological clock (circadian rhythm) and lowers mood
•  serotonin levels, and  
• melatonin levels, which play a role in sleep regulation and mood.

What is the treatment for these conditions?

Phototherapy (light therapy) and medications (including melatonin) are often used to treat SAD. Psychotherapy and medications are used to treat AD. 

Based on a small amount of data, I think that chromium, as chromium picolinate, might be helpful in these disorders.  The FDA has not reviewed this claim.

I would be pleased to receive a followup from  you.

Malcolm McLeod, MD

Chromium’s Help with Mood and Concentration

Hi Dr. Mcleod,

This is a comment and a question. But first, I want to say I’m very
happy you have done this research on chromium. I have known about the
benifits of this mineral for years. Read more

Chromium Plus Prozac: Serotonin Syndrome?

Dear Dr. McLeod,

I am taking 40mg of prozac a day. Can this safely be combined with
Chromium Pico without inducing seretonin syndrome. I worry about this?
Thanks I suffer from atypical depression and panic disorder.

Thank you.

KK

ANSWER:

Dear K

Some of my patients take chromium with Porzac. They report that chromium boosts the efficacy of Porzac.  Infrequently, however,  antidepressant medications can cause serotonin syndrome, and the addition of chromium may increase this possible adverse event.

 If you believe you are developing serotonin syndrome, immediately contact your primary physician or go the the emergency room.

Please write to me with a follow-up report.

Maalcolm McLeod, MD

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