Saffron in Supplements: The World's Most Expensive Spice, Chromium and Molybdenum
Saffron is the world's most expensive spice, and it has found its way from the kitchen into modern wellness routines. It is often combined with trace minerals like chromium and molybdenum. This guide explains what saffron is, why it is so precious, and what the two minerals do.
What Is Saffron?
Saffron comes from the flower of Crocus sativus, a purple crocus. Each flower produces only three red stigmas, the thin threads that are picked by hand and dried. It takes around 150,000 flowers to produce one kilogram of saffron. That is why saffron is the most expensive spice in the world.
Most saffron comes from Iran, with smaller amounts from Spain, India (Kashmir), Greece and Morocco. It has been used for thousands of years in cooking, as a dye and in traditional practices in Persia, the Mediterranean and India.
Saffron in Modern Wellness
Saffron gives dishes like paella, risotto and Persian rice their golden color and unique aroma. Its main compounds are called crocin (color), picrocrocin (taste) and safranal (aroma). In supplements, saffron is used in small amounts, typically measured in milligrams, as a traditional botanical in daily wellness and mood routines.
Quality tip: because saffron is so expensive, it is one of the most commonly faked spices. Reputable brands work with tested, traceable saffron.
Chromium
Chromium is an essential trace mineral the body needs in tiny amounts. It is found in broccoli, whole grains, potatoes and meat. Chromium contributes to normal macronutrient metabolism. Common forms on labels are chromium picolinate and chelated chromium. Read more in our chromium and cinnamon guide.
Molybdenum
Molybdenum is a trace mineral most people have never heard of, but it is essential. It is found in legumes, grains, nuts and leafy vegetables. Molybdenum contributes to normal sulphur amino acid metabolism.
Why Strips?
Saffron, chromium and molybdenum all work in very small amounts, measured in milligrams and micrograms. That makes them ideal for an oral strip: a thin film that dissolves on the tongue, with no water or pills. Read Oral Strips Explained.
Who Should Be Careful?
Saffron in food amounts is very common, but supplements should be used as directed. Talk to your doctor before use if you are pregnant or nursing (saffron in high amounts is not recommended during pregnancy), under 18, have a medical condition, or take medication, especially for mood, blood pressure, blood sugar or blood thinning.
Checklist Before You Buy
- How many mg of saffron per serving?
- Which form of chromium is used?
- Is it sugar-free?
- Is it gluten-free?
- Is it made in a GMP-certified facility?
Our Saffron Strips
SUPPLI-X Daily Berry Wellness Strips contain 10 mg saffron (Crocus sativus), 75 mcg chromium as chromium picolinate and 10 mcg molybdenum as molybdenum glycinate per strip. Mixed berry flavor, gluten-free and alcohol-free, 30 strips per tin, made in a GMP-certified, NSF-registered facility. One strip a day.
See Daily Berry Wellness Strips →
FAQ
Why is saffron so expensive?
Each crocus flower has only three stigmas, picked by hand. About 150,000 flowers make one kilogram of saffron.
Where does saffron come from?
Mostly from Iran, with smaller amounts from Spain, India, Greece and Morocco.
What does molybdenum do?
It is a trace mineral that contributes to normal sulphur amino acid metabolism.
Can I take saffron during pregnancy?
Saffron supplements are not recommended during pregnancy without talking to your doctor.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. If you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication or have a medical condition, talk to your healthcare provider before use.
