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

How Might Chromium Help Memory and Concentration?

Dr. McLeod,

I have followed your research and that of others that links chromium deficiency with impairment of memory and concentration.  I tried chromium, and like George in your book (Lifting Your Depression), it helped me focus and think clearly.  How does chromium help memory and concentration?

J.B.  

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