Researchers have found that supplements of chromium could help to improve cognitive function in elderly people.
A clinical study by researchers at the University of Cincinnati gave daily 1000mcg doses of chromium in the form of chromium picolinate to 21 adults aged 65 years and older with early memory decline.
After 12 weeks, the researchers found that participants had improved cognitive function, possibly due to the chromium picolinate enabling glucose to be processed more efficiently.
Dr Robert Krikorian, lead investigator and associate professor in the university's department of psychiatry, said: "Impaired glucose metabolism and insulin resistance have been linked to age-related cognitive decline, dementia and Alzheimer's disease.
"These findings suggest that improving glucose metabolism with chromium picolinate supplementation may enhance cognition."
James Komorowski, vice-president of scientific affairs at supplement developer Nutrition 21, added: "The results of this clinical study support emerging research that shows chromium has direct effects on cognitive function."
Researchers have found that supplements of chromium could help to improve cognitive function in elderly people.
