Thursday, October 21, 2010

Avoid Chromium Picolinate During Pregnancy







Chromium picolinate is a trace mineral. Our bodies need only a small amount of chromium picolinate to stabilize blood sugar levels. Having a deficiency of this element is rare. If you're pregnant, you only need about 30 micrograms a day. You can likely get that amount when you take prenatal vitamins. Studies done on mice show that taking too much chromium picolinate during pregnancy may endanger the fetus, possibly causing birth defects. To avoid taking too much chromium picolinate during pregnancy, follow these steps.


Instructions


1. Stop taking chromium picolinate supplements as soon as you find out you're pregnant. Talk to your doctor about taking prenatal vitamins. You'll likely get enough chromium picolinate by taking them.


2. Read the labels on all the other supplements and multi-vitamins you take. Make sure none of them contain chromium picolinate.








3. Write up a list of foods that are high in chromium picolinate. The list will help you remember what foods to avoid or limit. Sources high in the mineral include whole-grain breads and cereals, asparagus, spinach, some mushrooms, oysters, meat, cheeses and peanut butter. One tablespoon of peanut butter contains 41 micrograms of chromium picolinate.

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