While the underlying causes of aging are not fully understood, the aging process is associated with a higher production of free radicals and the accumulated damage to proteins, fats and DNA that results. Insulin resistance is a relatively common condition whereby insulin becomes less efficient at transporting glucose into cells where it is used for energy. This condition leads to elevated insulin levels, and is thought to play an important role in the aging process through increased formation of free radicals and the glycosylation of proteins and DNA. Insulin resistance is the central symptom of Metabolic Syndrome (also known as Syndrome X), which is known to raise the risk of age-related disorders such as type-2 diabetes, obesity and heart disease. This overview discusses the insulin resistance-aging hypothesis, and reviews recent investigations into the effects of ChromeMate® (niacin-bound chromium) and grape seed extract on oxidative stress, disturbances in the insulin-glucose system, and other age-related risk factors. Acute studies have shown that ChromeMate® , alone or combined with grape seed extract (GSE), reduces biomarkers of oxidative stress by reducing free radical damage, lowers blood pressure in normal and hypertensive rats, and enhances insulin action in rats with normal blood pressure. The results of chronic studies suggest that both NBC and GSE lower oxidative stress and systolic blood pressure in normotensive rats. In clinical studies, NBC supplementation reduced body fat and spared lean muscle mass in overweight African-American women, and was shown to decrease LDL cholesterol levels in double-blind, placebo control trial of subjects with elevated cholesterol. The authors conclude that ChromeMate® and grape seed extract can favorably alter risk factors associated with the Metabolic Syndrome and aging.

Source: Preuss HG, Bagchi D, Bagchi M, Protective Effects of a Novel Niacin-Bound Chromium Complex and a Grape Seed Proanthocyanidin Extract on Advancing Age and Various Aspects of Syndrome X, Annals of the NY Academy of Sciences, 957:250-259, 2002.