Swanson Ultra Chromax 1000 Chromium Picolinate 1000mcg 120 Veggie Capsules Swanson

Chromium Picolinate is well recognized as an aid for healthy insulin function, physical fitness support and general metabolic wellness. But did you know that chromium’s metabolic benefits extend to the brain? Thanks to advances in medical imaging, scientists have now demonstrated that chromium supplementation may help activate specific regions of the brain involved in memory when subjects engaged in activities designed to measure cognitive function.

Lead researcher Dr. Robert Krikorian of the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine designed the trial based on his knowledge of insulin’s role in brain function. Dr. Krikorian and his team gave 1,000 mcg of Chromax Chromium Picolinate or a placebo to 21 elderly men and women for a period of 12 weeks, taking assessments prior to and at the end of the research period. All participants were assessed for fine motor control and speed, and verbal memory was evaluated by asking subjects to learn and remember a list of words. A subgroup was also selected to undergo functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) while performing a memory test.

A press release issued by the University shares these results: “Scans of participants receiving chromium picolinate supplementation showed greater activation of the left frontal and left parietal cortices of the brain during the memory test” says Krikorian. “We did not see the same level of increased activity in the placebo group.” While further study is needed, Dr. Krikorian believes the study supports the potential for chromium picolinate to be a cost-effective option for older individuals concerned with maintaining healthy cognitive function.