Main Difference – Chromium Picolinate vs Chromium Polynicotinate
Chromium Picolinate and Chromium Polynicotinate are two types of chromium supplements. Both are coordination complexes of chromium. Chromium is an essential element the body requires in trace amounts. It helps the activity of insulin by increasing the sensitivity of insulin receptors. The main difference between Chromium Picolinate and Chromium Polynicotinate is that Chromium Picolinate is made of chromium and picolinic acid whereas Chromium Polynicotinate is made of chromium and niacin.
Key Areas Covered
1. What is Chromium Picolinate
– Definition, Chemical Structure, and Properties
2. What is Chromium Polynicotinate
– Definition, Chemical Structure, and Properties
3. What are the Similarities Between Chromium Picolinate and Chromium Polynicotinate
– Outline of Common Features
4. What is the Difference Between Chromium Picolinate and Chromium Polynicotinate
– Comparison of Key Differences
Key Terms: Chromium, Chromium Picolinate, Chromium Polynicotinate, Coordinate Covalent Bonds, Coordination Compound, Diabetes, Insulin, Niacin, Picolinic Acid
What is Chromium Picolinate
Chromium Picolinate is a chemical compound that is used as a chromium supplement. The chemical formula of this compound is Cr(C6H4NO2)3. The molar mass is 418.33 g/mol. Chromium Picolinate is composed of Cr(III) oxidation state. The IUPAC name is Tris(picolinate)chromium(III).
This compound is a coordination compound. Here, the Cr(III) metal ion is surrounded by three C6H4NO2 ligands. There are six coordinate covalent bonds around the Cr3+ ion. One O atom (of the carboxylic group at position 2 of aromatic ring) and one N atom per ligand is bonded to the central metal ion via coordinate covalent bonds. Hence, the ligands are bidentate ligands.
Figure 1: Chemical Structure of Chromium Picolinate
Chromium Picolinate is made from chromium(III) and picolinic acid. Chromium Picolinate is used as an alternative therapy or as a nutritional supplement. It can aid in controlling blood sugar, weight loss, lower cholesterol, etc. It works with insulin in metabolizing carbohydrate. (In normal health conditions, a small amount of chromium is required for glucose utilization by insulin. Chromium does this by increasing the sensitivity of insulin receptors.). Therefore, this compound can be used to treat diabetic (type 2) patients.
Chromium Picolinate is a pinkish-red compound. It is poorly soluble in water and is relatively inert. Therefore, it is very stable at room temperature and pressure. At lower pH conditions, the compound releases Cr3+ and picolinic acid.
What is Chromium Polynicotinate
Chromium Polynicotinate is commonly known as Chromium nicotinate and is a chromium supplement. The chemical formula of this compound is C18H12CrN3O6. The molar mass of this compound is 418.30 g/mol. The IUPAC name is chromium(+3) tri(pyridine-3-carboxylate).
This compound is composed of three ligands bonded to the central metal ion Cr3+ via six coordinate covalent bonds. One O atom (of the carboxylic group at position 3 of aromatic ring) and N atom per ligand is bonded to the central ion. The chromium is in the Cr(III) oxidation state.
Figure 2: Chemical Structure of Chromium Polynicotinate
Since the absorption of minerals in the intestine is hard, only a small amount is absorbed. So these minerals are combined with other substances in order to enhance the absorption. Likewise, Niacin can boost the absorption of chromium. When chromium and niacin are combined together, chromium nicotinate or chromium Polynicotinate supplement is formed.
Niacin can cause side effects at higher dosages, but chromium Polynicotinate contains a very little amount of niacin. However, chromium Polynicotinate is considered better than Chromium Picolinate to treat type 2 diabetes due to several reasons.
- Chromium Polynicotinate has an enhanced absorption of chromium due to the presence of niacin.
- Chromium Polynicotinate has no recorded carcinogenic properties.
- Chromium Polynicotinate helps to lose weight.
Similarities Between Chromium Picolinate and Chromium Polynicotinate
- Both have the same chemical formula.
- Both have the same molar mass value.
- Both are composed of a central chromium ion bonded to three ligands.
- Both are chromium supplements.
Difference Between Chromium Picolinate and Chromium Polynicotinate
Definition
Chromium Picolinate: Chromium Picolinate is a chemical compound that is used as a supplement.
Chromium Polynicotinate: Chromium Polynicotinate, commonly known as Chromium nicotinate, is a chromium supplement.
IUPAC Name
Chromium Picolinate: The IUPAC name of Chromium Picolinate is Tris(picolinate)chromium(III).
Chromium Polynicotinate: The IUPAC name of Chromium Polynicotinate is chromium(+3) tri(pyridine-3-carboxylate).
Components
Chromium Picolinate: Chromium Picolinate is made by combining chromium with picolinic acid.
Chromium Polynicotinate: Chromium Polynicotinate is made by combining chromium with niacin acid.
Absorption
Chromium Picolinate: Chromium Picolinate shows a lower absorption of chromium to blood.
Chromium Polynicotinate: Chromium Polynicotinate shows an increased absorption of chromium to blood due to the presence of niacin.
Side Effects
Chromium Picolinate: Chromium Picolinate can cause more side effects.
Chromium Polynicotinate: Chromium Polynicotinate cause few side effects.
Conclusion
Chromium Picolinate and Chromium Polynicotinate are nutritional supplements. These are used to fulfill chromium needs. These are also used as a treatment for type 2 diabetes. The main difference between Chromium Picolinate and Chromium Polynicotinate is that Chromium Picolinate is made from chromium and picolinic acid whereas Chromium Polynicotinate is made from chromium and niacin acid.
References:
1. “Chromium Picolinate – Side Effects, Dosage, Interactions – Drugs.” EverydayHealth.com, 9 May 2016, Available here.
2. Joy, Traci. “Benefits of Chromium Picolinate.” LIVESTRONG.COM, Leaf Group, 3 Oct. 2017, Available here.
3. Busch, Sandi. “Chromium Polynicotinate Dangers.” LIVESTRONG.COM, Leaf Group, 3 Oct. 2017, Available here.
Image Courtesy:
1. “Chromium picolinate” By Edgar181 – Own work (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “Chromium(III) nicotinate skeletal” By Anypodetos – Own work (CC0) via Commons Wikimedia
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