By Charles E. Buban
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 20:23:00 03/07/2008
MANILA, Philippines—Supplements are increasingly becoming recognized as having a place in the management and treatment of diabetes.
Aside from the already popular ampalaya (bitter melon) supplement, another product that is believed to have similar if not better effect is chromium, particularly the type called trivalent chromium.
Chromium is an essential trace mineral that the body needs to grow properly and remain healthy. It is required during several biochemical reactions within the cells including the burning of carbohydrates and fats in the body.
Control of blood sugar
Experimenting on different forms of chromium began almost half a century ago and most of them showed that giving chromium supplements to diabetic people or other animals could restore control of blood sugar.
Among these researches are the one done by Taiwanese dairy specialist and endocrinologist Dr. Frank Mao Chia Hung of Maxluck Biotechnology Corp. and the Taiwan Chung Hsing University that worked on the theory that most forms of diabetes are due to a deficiency in the body of a naturally occurring substance called GTF.
“The GTF’s most important component is trivalent chromium and Mao found that when its levels are low, human cells are unable to absorb glucose properly, resulting to hyperglycemia or high blood sugar,” explained Khoo Boo Boon, president and CEO of GTF Worldwide Philippines that distributes a dietary supplement called GT&F Milk powder and capsule form that contains trivalent chromium.
Diabetes occurs when there is too much blood sugar in the blood.
Essential
Khoo explained that the supplement is essential since one cannot just get trivalent chromium from natural foods as the substance on its own is not easily absorbed by the body.
“Mao found a way to improve absorption by using lactoferrin, a kind of protein found in milk, as the carrier of trivalent chromium,” said Khoo who added that by utilizing biotechnology, he was able to combine trivalent chromium with colostrum (the important first milk) extract.
Several researchers were able to verify Mao findings, most important of which is the clinical trial done simultaneously in four Taiwan hospitals: the National Cheng-Kung University Hospital, National Taiwan University Hospital, Tri-Service General Hospital and the Taichung Veterans General Hospital.
The trial used a double-blind approach, meaning, both the doctors and participants do not know the nature and procedure of the experiment as well as the drugs being administered and taken, showed that members of the control group with diabetes that regularly drank GT&F Milk powder experienced a decrease in their fasting plasma glucose and reduced their need for insulin shots and intake of other diabetic medications.
“Personally, I don’t need to be convinced of these trials since I personally experienced improvements on my condition—I was able to keep by diabetes at bay, as what my doctors has verified,” Khoo reported.
Certified
Because of these positive results, the GT&F Milk powder and capsule products were certified by the Taiwanese government as the only health food supplements effective in blood sugar regulation and received three biotechnology awards as a result.
“With these approvals and recognition, the manufacturer was able to easily secure certifications and endorsements from more than 20 countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Japan, Korea, Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, Taiwan and the Philippines.
Since these products are not available in drugstores and supermarkets, Khoo explained that the GTF Worldwide Philippines is delivering door-to-door (638-3887, 638-7890, 0918-8182823 or 0917-8490599).
“The reason behind this is that while we would like to sell our products to diabetic individuals out there, we would also like to teach them how to change their lifestyle. It is irresponsible to assume that only drugs or supplement for that matter could provide the total solution. Patient cooperation is also needed as they need to practice proper diet and regular exercise,” Khoo reminded.
Copyright 2008 Philippine Daily Inquirer. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
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