Chromium’s Value for the Rest of Us
Mineral MVP
If you’re a longtime Nutrition & Healing reader, you know how important chromium is for diabetics, since a deficiency of this mineral can lead to blood sugar problems. Now research has uncovered chromium’s value for the rest of us, too.
Simply put: Too little chromium and you raise your risk of heart attack. The study found that those with the highest levels of the mineral were 35 percent less likely to have a heart attack than those with the lowest levels.
In the study, investigators at the Welch Center for Prevention, Epidemiology, and Clinical Research in Baltimore measured the chromium levels in the toenail clippings of 684 men who survived a heart attack and of a similar number of men who had no such history. (The clippings provide a better indication of long-term mineral levels than a blood test.) Results showed that chromium levels were 13 percent lower in those who had experienced a heart attack than for those who had not.
Chromium is found abundantly in broccoli, turkey, liver and other organ meats, seafood, whole grains, oysters, eggs, and cheese. But the study noted that a large percentage of the general population in the United States probably does not get an adequate supply of the mineral from their diet. The researchers found that chromium levels fell by about nine percentage points with each decade of age, and levels were also low for those with high blood pressure.
The recommended daily allowance of chromium is 25 micrograms (mcg) for women and 35 mcg for men. But most people can safely take up to 600 mcg. Talk over these results with your doctor to determine a course of action that is right for you.
****************************************************
Sticky business
Q: Do you know of any natural alternatives to Coumadin that are as effective, but with less side effects? My 72-year-old wife was just put on this medication for atrial fibrillation and the dietary restrictions are driving her a bit crazy.
JVW: Warfarin, which is sold under the brand name Coumadin, is a powerful patent medication that is intended to prevent dangerous blood clots from forming. Unfortunately, in the process, it also robs your body of vitamin K. Eventually, this lack of vitamin K can lead to osteoporosis, arterial calcification, cognitive problems, and a host of other unpleasant side effects. And as your wife has learned, you must watch your diet closely when taking this medication, since certain foods can heighten the blood-thinning effect.
There is a terrific alternative to Coumadin, one that I have been advising my patients to use in my practice for more than 30 years — cod liver oil (or any other fish oil). It works by making blood platelets so slippery that they can’t stick together to form a clot.
Any time I recommend fish oil, I also recommend extra vitamin E (as mixed tocopherols), to prevent the oils from oxidizing too rapidly in the body. Take 800-1,000 IU of vitamin E along with 2 to 3 tablespoons of cod liver oil or any other fish oil each day. The total daily amount can be split up into two or three doses, since, admittedly, it is not the best-tasting stuff and can bring on gastrointestinal upset if taken all at once.
As a bonus, the fish oil also helps build bone, prevent osteoporosis, prevent atherosclerotic plaque from building up, and improve cognitive function.
But before switching over to cod liver oil, have your wife consult a physician skilled and knowledgeable in nutritional and natural medicine to develop a plan that is best for her.
****************************************************
What is….atrial fibrillation?
In atrial fibrillation, the heart’s two upper chambers do not beat effectively, allowing blood to pool and clot, which puts patients at risk for stroke. Symptoms include an extremely fast, disordered heartbeat.
Yours in good health,
Amanda Ross
Editorial Director
Nutrition & Healing
Sources:
Guallar E, et al. “Low toenail chromium concentration and increased risk of nonfatal myocardial infarction,” American Journal of Epidemiology 2005; 162(2): 157-164
