Introduction
A dietary supplement is a product that is made to provide necessities that may not be available in the provided diet. Though the use of these supplements may hold some benefits, most of them are identified to have several side effects. This paper seeks to discuss the supplement chromium. The paper will look into the benefits, possible side effects, restrictions as well as the possible dangers that can be experienced when the supplement is taken together with other medications.
Benefits of Chromium Supplement
Chromium is one of the most commonly used supplements in the market. The extent to which it has covered the market among individuals who consume nutritional supplements is an indication of the level of benefits derived from the mineral. One of its particular benefits has been its identified capacity to burn fats and lipids from the body. This makes it a source of relief for those individuals who have excess body fats. By reducing the body fat level of a person, the mineral supplement shall have played a very important role in reducing the susceptibility of the particular individual to diseases such as cardiovascular complications that have been associated with excess body fats. Another benefit of the chromium mineral is its capacity to enhance developments in body muscles. This is particularly important in men whose bodies are more expected to be muscular. The mineral will thus help individuals who are interested in increasing their muscles to attain their dream. Muscle development can also help an individual to get into those employment opportunities that require muscles such as working in security departments or even in sports such as rugby. The benefits also extend to health factors in which chromium is used to control ailments such as diabetes and heart complications (Herbalicious, 2010).
Possible side effects of chromium supplement
There have not been significant cases of reported side effects of the mineral supplements. This is concerning the number of reported cases as well as the level of severity of the side effects that have been reported over chromium. Only a few side effects that are at the same time mild have been reported concerning chromium. The major reported cases have been related to “slight rashes or dizziness” as well as increased experiencing dreaming when an individual starts the use of the chromium supplement (Challem, 2003).
Restrictions
The use of chromium does not have significant legal restrictions. It is however restricted in the recommended level of consumption that depends on factors such as “age, overall health, and diet and stress level” (Challem, 2003, p. 148).
The toxic effect when taken with other medications
The use of the mineral supplement together with other medication has been identified with some effects especially in the stomach when such uses are prolonged over a long period. Such combinatory use has the effect of increasing the acidity level of the stomach as well as altering the absorption of the mineral. This leads to destabilized concentration of minerals in the stomach (National, n.d.).
Conclusion
Like other consumable goods, chromium has benefits as well as side effects. Chromium has been shown to burn body fats which are known to cause a heart attack. The mineral has also been associated with the development of muscles and this is an advantage for those interested in developing their muscles. Though some harmful effects have been associated with chromium, it can be argued that the benefits accrued from the mineral seem to be more than the identified mild side effects.
References
Challem, J. (2003). User’s Guide to Nutritional Supplements. North Bergen, NJ: Basic Health Publications, Inc.
Herbalicious. (2010). Mineral- chromium. Web.
National. (n.d.).Chromium.