Introduction

Chromium has long been of interest for its possible connection to various health conditions. Among the most active areas of chromium research are its use in supplement form to treat diabetes, lower blood lipid levels, promote weight loss, and improve body composition.

Type 2 Diabetes and Glucose Intolerance

In type 2 diabetes, the pancreas is usually producing enough insulin but, for unknown reasons, the body cannot use the insulin effectively. The disease typically occurs, in part, because the cells comprising muscle and other tissues become resistant to insulin's action, especially among the obese. Insulin permits the entry of glucose into most cells, where this sugar is used for energy, stored in the liver and muscles (as glycogen), and converted to fat when present in excess. Insulin resistance leads to higher than normal levels of glucose in the blood (hyperglycemia).

Chromium deficiency impairs the body's ability to use glucose to meet its energy needs and raises insulin requirements. It has therefore been suggested that chromium supplements might help to control type 2 diabetes or the glucose and insulin responses in persons at high risk of developing the disease. A review of randomized controlled clinical trials evaluated this hypothesis.1 This meta-analysis assessed the effects of chromium supplements on three markers of diabetes in the blood: glucose, insulin, and glycated hemoglobin (which provides a measure of long-term glucose levels; also known as hemoglobin A1C). It summarized data from 15 trials on 618 participants, of which 425 were in good health or had impaired glucose tolerance and 193 had type 2 diabetes. Chromium supplementation had no effect on glucose or insulin concentrations in the non-diabetic subjects nor did it reduce these levels in subjects with diabetes, except in one study. However, that study, conducted in China (in which 155 diabetics were given either 200 or 1,000 mcg/day of chromium or a placebo) might simply show the benefits of supplementation in a chromium-deficient population.

Overall, the value of chromium supplements for diabetics is inconclusive and controversial.2 Randomized controlled clinical trials in well-defined, at-risk populations where dietary intakes are known are necessary to determine the effects of chromium on markers of diabetes.3

Lipid Metabolism

The effects of chromium supplementation on blood lipid levels in humans are also inconclusive.456 In some studies, 150 to 1,000 mcg/day has decreased total and low-density-lipoprotein (LDL or "bad") cholesterol and triglyceride levels and increased concentrations of apolipoprotein A (a component of high-density-lipoprotein cholesterol known as HDL or "good" cholesterol) in subjects with atherosclerosis or elevated cholesterol or among those taking a beta-blocker drug.789 These findings are consistent with the results of earlier studies.10111213

However, chromium supplements have shown no favorable effects on blood lipids in other studies.1415161718 (Uusitupa MI, Mykkanen L, Siitonen O, Laakso M, Sarlund H, Kolehmainen P, Rasanen T, Kumpulainen J, Pyorala K. Chromium supplementation in impaired glucose tolerance of elderly: effects on blood glucose, plasma insulin, C-peptide and lipid levels. Br J Nutr 1992;68:209-16.)) The mixed research findings may be due to difficulties in determining the chromium status of subjects at the start of the trials and the researchers' failure to control for dietary factors that influence blood lipid levels.1920

Body Weight and Composition

Chromium supplements are sometimes claimed to reduce body fat and increase lean (muscle) mass. Yet a recent review of 24 studies that examined the effects of 200 to 1,000 mcg/day of chromium (in the form of chromium picolinate) on body mass or composition found no significant benefits.21 Another recent review of randomized, controlled clinical trials did find supplements of chromium picolinate to help with weight loss when compared to placebos, but the differences were small and of debatable clinical relevance.22 In several studies, chromium's effects on body weight and composition may be called into question because the researchers failed to adequately control for the participants' food intakes. Furthermore, most studies included only a small number of subjects and were of short duration.23

Related Links: What is chromium? | What foods provide chromium? | How much chromium do I need? | What happens if I do not get enough chromium? | Do I need extra chromium? | Can chromium be harmful? | What are some current issues and controversies about chromium? | Does chromium interact with any medicines or supplements? |

LipoTrim with L-Carnitine & Chromium Veggie 60ct by NOW Foods LipoTrim with L-Carnitine & Chromium Veggie 60ct by NOW FoodsLipo Trim Vegetarian from NOW Foods and Supplementstogo.com contains a synergistic blend of vitamins, chromium and amino acids to aid in normal fat metabolism, thereby promoting higher energy levels. Serving Size: 3 tablets. Servings per container: 20 Suggested Use: As a dietary supplement, take 3 tablets daily, with one or several meals. Free of: yeast, wheat, corn, soy, milk, and egg. Other Ingredients: dicalcium phosphate, cellulose, stearic acid, magnesium stearate, and silica. Warnings: None. Disclaimers: None

Disclaimer

Reasonable care has been taken in preparing this document and the information provided herein is believed to be accurate. However, this information is not intended to constitute an "authoritative statement" under Food and Drug Administration rules and regulations.

About Source: ODS

The mission of the Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS) is to strengthen knowledge and understanding of dietary supplements by evaluating scientific information, stimulating and supporting research, disseminating research results, and educating the public to foster an enhanced quality of life and health for the U.S. population.

General Safety Advisory

Health professionals and consumers need credible information to make thoughtful decisions about eating a healthful diet and using vitamin and mineral supplements. These Fact Sheets provide responsible information about the role of vitamins and minerals in health and disease. Each Fact Sheet in this series received extensive review by recognized experts from the academic and research communities.

The information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. It is important to seek the advice of a physician about any medical condition or symptom. It is also important to seek the advice of a physician, registered dietitian, pharmacist, or other qualified health professional about the appropriateness of taking dietary supplements and their potential interactions with medications.

Print This Page Print This Page Email This Page Email This Page

Footnotes

  1. Althuis MD, Jordan NE, Ludington EA, Wittes JT. Glucose and insulin responses to dietary chromium supplements: a meta-analysis. Am J Clin Nutr 2002;76:148-55. [↩]
  2. Cefalu WT, Hu FB. Role of chromium in human health and in diabetes. Diabetes Care 2004;27:2741-51. [↩]
  3. Althuis MD, Jordan NE, Ludington EA, Wittes JT. Glucose and insulin responses to dietary chromium supplements: a meta-analysis. Am J Clin Nutr 2002;76:148-55. [↩]
  4. Mertz W. Chromium occurrence and function in biological systems. Physiol Rev 1969;49:163-239. [↩]
  5. Anderson R. Chromium. In: Trace Elements in Human and Animal Nutrition (edited by Mertz M). Academic Press, San Diego, CA, 1987, pp. 225-244. [↩]
  6. Offenbacher E, Pi-Sunyer F. Chromium. In: Handbook of Nutritionally Essential Mineral Elements (edited by O'Dell B, Sunde R). Marcel Dekker, New York, 1997, pp. 389-411. [↩]
  7. Roeback Jr. JR, Hla KM, Chambless LE, Fletcher RH. Effects of chromium supplementation on serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels in men taking beta-blockers. A randomized, controlled trial. Ann Intern Med 1991;115:917-24. [↩]
  8. Abraham AS, Brooks BA, Eylath U. The effects of chromium supplementation on serum glucose and lipids in patients with and without non-insulin-dependent diabetes. Metabolism 1992;41:768-71. [↩]
  9. Hermann J, Arquitt A. Effect of chromium supplementation on plasma lipids, apolipoproteins, and glucose in elderly subjects. Nutr Res 1994;14: 671-4. [↩]
  10. Doisy RJ, Streeten DHP, Freiberg JM, Schneider AJ. Chromium metabolism in man and biochemical effects. In: Trace Elements in Human Health and Disease, Volume 2: Essential and Toxic Elements (edited by Prasad A, Oberleas D). Academic Press, New York, 1976, pp. 79-104. [↩]
  11. Lifschitz ML, Wallach S, Peabody RA, Verch RL, Agrawal R. Radiochromium distribution in thyroid and parathyroid deficiency. Am J Clin Nutr 1980:33:57-62. [↩]
  12. Riales R, Albrink MJ. Effect of chromium chloride supplementation on glucose tolerance and serum lipids including high-density lipoprotein of adult men. Am J Clin Nutr 1981;34:2670-8. [↩]
  13. Mossop RT. Effects of chromium III on fasting blood glucose, cholesterol and cholesterol HDL levels in diabetics. Cent Afr J Med 1983;29:80-2. [↩]
  14. Anderson RA, Polansky MM, Bryden NA, Roginski EE, Mertz W, Glinsmann W. Chromium supplementation of human subjects: effects on glucose, insulin, and lipid variables. Metabolism 1983;32:894-9. [↩]
  15. Rabinowitz MB, Gonick HC, Levin SR, Davidson MB. Effects of chromium and yeast supplements on carbohydrate and lipid metabolism in diabetic men. Diabetes Care 1983;6:319-27. [↩]
  16. Uusitupa MI, Kumpulainen JT, Voutilainen E, Hersio K, Sarlund H, Pyorala KP, Koivistoinen PE, Lehto JT. Effect of inorganic chromium supplementation on glucose tolerance, insulin response, and serum lipids in noninsulin-dependent diabetics. Am J Clin Nutr 1983;38:404-10. [↩]
  17. Offenbacher EG, Rinko CJ, Pi-Sunyer FX. The effects of inorganic chromium and brewer's yeast on glucose tolerance, plasma lipids, and plasma chromium in elderly subjects. Am J Clin Nutr 1985;42:454-61. [↩]
  18. Potter JF, Levin P, Anderson RA, Freiberg JM, Andres R, Elahi D. Glucose metabolism in glucose-intolerant older people during chromium supplementation. Metabolism 1985;34:199-204. [↩]
  19. Lukaski HC. Chromium as a supplement. Annu Rev Nutr 1999;19:279-302. [↩]
  20. Stoecker BJ. Chromium. In: Present Knowledge in Nutrition, 8th Edition (edited by Bowman B, Russell R). ILSI Press, Washington, DC, 2001, pp. 366-372. [↩]
  21. Vincent JB. The potential value and toxicity of chromium picolinate as a nutritional supplement, weight loss agent and muscle development agent. Sports Med 2003;33:213-30. [↩]
  22. Nutrition Business Journal. NBJ's Supplement Business Report 2003. Penton Media Inc., San Diego, CA, 2003. [↩]
  23. Cefalu WT, Hu FB. Role of chromium in human health and in diabetes. Diabetes Care 2004;27:2741-51. [↩]

Comments are closed, but trackbacks and pingbacks are open.