Wholefood GTF Chromium

Formerly known as Phytofood Chromium - our Wholefood Chromium is made from a species of broccoli that has been hydroponically-grown in a chromium-rich environment. As such, it is a wholefood form of the mineral, with high bio-availability.

We believe this is the only wholefood GTF Chromium product available on the market.

What is Chromium and what does it do?
Organic chromium is an active ingredient of a substance called GTF (Glucose Tolerance Factor); niacin and the amino acids cysteine, glutamic acid and glycine complete the complex. The body contains about 6mg of chromium in total. GTF chromium is now being recognised as important in carbohydrate metabolism. It stimulates the activity of enzymes involved in the metabolism of glucose for energy and the synthesis of fatty acids and cholesterol. It appears to increase the effectiveness of insulin and its ability to handle glucose. When chromium levels are low, GTF levels are low too and the activity of insulin is blocked; blood glucose levels therefore remain elevated. Also, diets high in carbohydrates soon begin to exhaust the normal control mechanisms. The end result is hypoglycaemia, insulin resistance, obesity and diabetes. Obesity is strongly linked to blood sugar disturbances because of the increasing sensitivity to insulin.

Best Natural Sources
Whole grains, eggs and meat are the best sources of chromium. Most fruit and vegetables are low in chromium, except for broccoli, which has a naturally high level.

Absorption and Storage
Chromium is difficult to absorb. Only about 3% of chromium from food is retained in the body. The mineral is stored primarily in the spleen, kidneys and testes, and small amounts are also stored in the heart, pancreas, lungs and brain. It has been found in some enzymes and in RNA. Excretion occurs mainly through urination. The amount stored in the body decreases with age.

Research and Studies
Wholefood GTF chromium is better absorbed and longer retained than isolated chromium, and is also significantly less toxic. See references on page 290 - Chromium.

RDA
There is now an RDA for chromium, set at 40μg. The Council for Responsible Nutrition tells us that the average daily intake in the Western world is 30μg, and the upper safe limit for supplementation is 200μg. The dietary (natural) form of chromium is trivalent chromium. This has very low toxicity. Wholefood Chromium is trivalent.

Suggested Intake: 1-2 capsules daily, or take as directed by a practitioner.
Suitable for: Vegetarians, vegans and for people with Candida and yeast sensitivities.
Contraindications: None, although insulin dependant diabetics are advised to seek medical advice before supplementing with GTF chromium, as the supplement might alter their insulin requirements.
Non-Active Ingredients: Dicalcium phosphate, microcrystalline cellulose, hydroxypropylmethyl-cellulose, vegetable magnesium stearate, silicon dioxide.
Non GM & Free From: Wheat; starch, gluten; lactose; added colourings, sweeteners & preservatives.
Storage: Keep cool, dry & out of direct sunlight.