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Science and Supplement News: Chromium Supplements May Ease Carb Cravings Linked to Depression Taking chromium picolinate supplements may reduce the carbohydrate cravings observed among some patients with atypical depression. In a study published in the September 2005 issue of the Journal of Psychiatric Practice, researchers from the Weill Medical College of Cornell University found that some patients treated with chromium supplements for eight weeks had reduced hunger, fewer carbohydrate cravings, were less likely to overeat and also showed improvements in their mood. The 113 patients who took part in the study were randomly assigned to take chromium picolinate daily or a placebo. The only improvement in depressive symptoms occurred among patients who reported having "irrepressible cravings" for sweets and starches. More study is needed to confirm these results and to determine whether higher doses of chromium, which is found naturally in meat, whole grains, broccoli, potatoes, and apples, might further reduce overall symptoms of depression among patients who crave carbohydrates. Source: Medline Plus online, Oct. 12, 2005 Posted October 20, 2005 |