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Published on: 2/28/2005
Last Visited: 6/28/2006
The good news for these people is that John P. Docherty, MD, CEO of Comprehensive NeuroScience Inc., and adjunct professor of psychiatry at Weill Medical College, Cornell University in New York City, headed a recent study that looked at the role of chromium salts in helping to control blood sugar, and in turn, cravings.I spoke with Dr. Docherty who says that the carbohydrates that patients overindulge in the most are not surprising -- baked goods and pasta, both ranking high as comfort foods.But the resulting weight gain adds to patients' depression, and can be a sort of double-whammy since a common side effect of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) -- antidepressant medications, such as fluoxetine (Prozac) and sertraline (Zoloft) -- is weight gain, as well.
The 113 participants in the eight-week study, all people with atypical depression and a mean body mass index (BMI) that was borderline obese, were randomized into a group taking up to 600 mg of chromium picolinate a day or a placebo group.The findings showed that the chromium picolinate group had a significant improvement -- 65% versus 33% in the placebo group -- in terms of decreased appetite and lowered carbohydrate craving.
Dr. Docherty says we don't know exactly why chromium picolinate works to decrease carb cravings, but it probably has to do with the fact that it seems to enhance insulin regulation. (Many people with diabetes type 2 take it for this reason.) Daily Health News contributing editor Andrew L. Rubman, ND, however, adds that chromium seems to increase the sensitivity of chromium receptors, which in turn increases its effect on insulin regulation.