Chromium is an essential nutrient and is widely and naturally distributed in small quantities in food; however, the refining of flour and sugar has depleted the natural chromium content in many foods. At the same time, metabolic stress, strenuous exercise, and pregnancy increase the body's need for chromium.* Studies suggest that an adequate intake of chromium can support already normal blood glucose levels, promote insulin sensitivity, and enhance sperm count.* UltraChrome-500 is Thorne's exclusive chromium product, consisting of two forms of chromium: chromium arginate and chromium 4-oxopyridine,2,6-dicarboxylate (also called chelidamate.

In an in vitro study that tested the uptake of glucose by adipocytes, chromium chelidamate was shown to have the highest tissue levels and highest functional capacity.* Chromium arginate was the most effective form of chromium for enhancing the action of insulin at the cellular level.* UltraChrome-500 is a combination of these two chromium forms.