Follow us
Meet Choline and Chromium—Our Two Newest Essentials Nutrients
Our nutrition scientists and registered dietitians have been busy behind the scenes scouring through the most recent research and working with our laboratory partner to expand our Nutrient Test panel, update our optimal ranges, and enhance our dosing protocols. Read below to find out exactly what we’ve been up to and why this is important for your personalized nutrition plan!
Introducing choline and chromium to our Nutrient Test Kit
We’ve expanded our blood Nutrient Test to include two new biomarkers for the essential nutrients chromium and choline. For those who are counting, we now measure 10 essential nutrients (choline, chromium, copper, magnesium, omega-3, selenium, vitamin B12, vitamin D, vitamin E, and zinc – phew!)
This gives you even more insight, knowledge, and control over your health and allows us to further personalize and customize your supplement plan.
While these nutrients may not be as well known, they are just as important. Here’s why.
Choline
This water-soluble vitamin supports healthy brain and nervous system function*, normal cellular function*, and mood regulation*.
While overt deficiency is rare, it’s true that most Americans probably don’t get enough choline. Data from the 2009-2012 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) revealed that only 10-11% of individuals consumed an adequate intake.
Baze measures your serum choline levels to determine your optimal state, and the supplements you need if you’re not there yet.
We use two forms of choline supplements: choline bitartrate and alpha-GPC (L-Alpha glycerylphosphorylcholine). Both forms are equally successful in helping the body reach optimal blood levels.
Chromium
Classified as a metal on the periodic table, chromium was not considered an essential trace mineral until 1959. Chromium’s key roles in human health include supporting and enhancing insulin action*, macronutrient metabolism*, and possible effects on reducing carbohydrate cravings*.
Unfortunately, only about 2% of dietary chromium is absorbed. Chromium deficiency in humans is rare but is suspected to be more common among older adults and those with certain health conditions.
Baze measures your serum chromium levels to determine exactly how much you need. We use chromium picolinate, which is the most bioavailable form of chromium. Other chromium supplements, such as chromium chloride and chromium polynicotinate, have been shown to have poor bioavailability.
The next time you re-test your nutrient levels, check out how choline and chromium contribute to your overall wellness as reflected in your enhanced Baze score.
Optimal ranges & dosing protocols
Magnesium
Based on new scientific evidence, we have further refined the optimal range for magnesium. This means that we are getting even more targeted with how we’re determining the blood levels that have the greatest long-term impacts on your health.
The new range will not be reflected until you take your next Nutrient Test, however, you may notice changes in your next month of supplementation recommendations depending on where your levels fall within the revised ranges.
Vitamin D
You may notice a smaller dose of vitamin D in your next supplement box. This is because our research has indicated that vitamin D in supplemental form is more bioavailable than previously thought. This means you need to take less to get to the optimal range (and stay there). Fewer pills, more impact!
Omega-3
During our recent review of the evidence on the overall health impacts of Omega-3, we have concluded that there is not sufficient evidence to establish an “excessive” level of Omega-3. The available evidence indicates that there is no negative health impact as the percentage of omega-3 levels increases in the blood. We will continue to recommend maintenance dosing for this essential nutrient to keep you within the optimal range for maximum health impact.
And we’re not stopping
Our Science Team meets weekly to discuss new biomarker research and development, the latest scientific studies, and how to deliver the greatest health impacts to our customers.
