In the earlier study, chromium nicotinate lowered blood pressure in the rats after researchers exaggerated hypertension by adding table sugar to their drinking water. Chromium is essential for insulin to operate efficiently and has been shown to reduce diabetic symptoms and restore glucose tolerance in studies of humans and animals. Two of the chromium formulations, picolinate and nicotinate, reduced blood sugar. What's more, both compounds reduced the formation of free radicals in the animals' livers, based on measurements of highly reactive free radicals. The nicotinate formulation was also protective in their kidneys.
Free radicals form naturally in cells and are counteracted by antioxidants.
Results from a recent ARS study indicate that increasing fiber intake decreases digestion and absorption of both fat and protein. Based on actual measurements from the study, the scientists say that American men who double their daily fiber intake from an average 18 grams to 36 grams would absorb about 130 fewer calories per day. Women who increase fiber intake from 12 to 24 grams a day would absorb about 90 fewer calories. The researchers tested nine diets on 17 volunteers for 2 weeks at a time. The diets were combinations of low, medium, and high fat with low, medium, and high fiber.