Chromium Propionate vs. Chromium Picolinate

Did you know that different forms of chromium have different modes of action, and varying levels of efficacy? Are you utilizng the right chromium for your operation?

Chromium propionate, the active molecule in KemTRACE^® Chromium, results in superior dissolution in the digestive tract when compared to chromium picolinate. This superior dissolution leads to substantially more chromium available for absorption in the small intestine, which is key for greater efficacy. Improved absorption of chromium enhances the metabolic benefits of chromium, such as increasing glucose clearance from the blood to various tissues and organs, including muscles. Increased glucose clearance amplifies energy available for the pig to utilize and may optimize overall performance, based on the animal's hierarchy of needs.

Ready to see the data?

In an insulin challenge study, pigs were given 0.1 IU porcine insulin/kg of body weight to determine the bioavailability and resulting insulin sensitivity (Figure 1). Pigs fed chromium propionate showed a 45% increase of glucose clearance compared to the control and an 18% increase compared to chromium propionate — providing more glucose for the pig to use.

Figure 1. Effect of dietary chromium source on glucose kinetics during an intravenous insulin challenge test (IVICT) in growing barrows (0.1 IU porcine insulin/kg BW)³

Resources

References

¹Unpublished data on file at Kemin Industries, 2007.
²Matthews, J. O., et al. (2001). Effect of chromium picolinate and chromium propionate on glucose and insulin kinetics of growing barrows and on growth and carcass traits of growing-finishing barrows. Journal of Animal Science. 79.
³Matthews, J.O., L. L. Southern, J. M. Fernandez, J. E. Pontif, T. D. Bidner, and R. L. Odgaard. (2001). Effect of chromium picolinate and chromium propionate on glucose and insulin kinetics of growing barrows and on growth and carcass traits of growing-finishing barrows. Journal of Animal Science. 79:2172-2178.

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