According to promoters of weight loss supplements, chromium picolinate both lowers cholesterol and increases “fat-burning” metabolism. Neither of these claims has withstood scientific study comparing the substance with a placebo (dummy - or non weight loss pill).

Chromium picolinate is a synthetic form of chromium, an essential trace mineral abundantly available in most foods. Chromium plays a role in fat metabolism, but no one needs extra amounts by way of weight loss supplements

Excess chromium picolinate can cause flushing, nervousness, and palpitations. It can also cause iron deficiency.

Ephedra is a herbal extract also called Ma huang. It may be a “natural” substance, but its active ingredients, ephedrine and pseudoephedrine, are chemicals that have a strong effect on the body.

They suppress appetite by stimulating both the nervous system and the thyroid gland. They also cause your air passages to widen, which is why ephedra is promoted as a “natural” decongestant. Among the side effects of ephedra are numbness in the hands and feet due to constriction of blood vessels, elevation of blood pressure, nervousness, and palpitations.

But the problems with ephedra and other thyroid stimulators and similar weight loss supplements go beyond their side effects. If you have a healthy thyroid, it doesn’t need stimulating. If you have an under active thyroid, you should see a doctor. It’s as simple as that.

Also, don’t be swayed by claims that these weight loss products is “natural” or “herbal”.

Regardless of its source or how it is made, once a substance has been metabolized by the body, it acts like the chemical it is.

“Natural” herbs and medicines are no safer than those made by pharmaceutical companies, and in many cases then are less safe.

If you are buying weight loss supplements, always read labels carefully and avoid all weight loss products that contain chromium picolinate or ephedra.