Chromium May Play Role in Easing Depression, PMS

PURCHASE, N.Y.--As of May 24, Nutrition 21 Inc. acquired the exclusive rights to two patents for all forms of chromium that may ease the symptoms of depression (Patent No. 6,034,125) and premenstrual syndrome (PMS) (Patent No. 5,972,390). The technology was licensed from Malcolm McLeod, clinical professor of psychiatry at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill.

"When chromium picolinate came out 20 years ago, it was relegated to weight loss products," said James Komorowski, director of technical services and business development at Nutrition 21. Chromium works on a cellular level to make insulin work more effectively in metabolizing carbohydrates and burn away excess insulin. This is especially effective in diabetics, who have a hard time using insulin. Komorowski added that research has also shown diabetics have a high incidence of depression.

Nutrition 21 commissioned Jonathan Davidson from Duke University Medical Center to begin a double blind, placebo-controlled trial within the next few months to study chromium's effects on depression. The company believes that chromium consumption will help most with atypical depression, which is characterized by overeating and oversleeping.

In regard to PMS, future studies will look at how chromium affects women who suffer a severe form of PMS, known as premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), characterized by monthly symptoms such as sadness, tension and mood swings. For more information on either patent, visit www.nutrition21.com.