From the Guidelines
A positive Chrom Biorplex test indicates chromium deficiency or insufficiency, which is associated with hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, high inflammatory status, and increased cardiovascular risk, and supplementation with chromium may be beneficial in improving glucose and lipid control, particularly in elderly diabetic patients 1. The implications of a positive test are significant, as chromium deficiency has been reported in adults with chronic intestinal failure after massive bowel resection receiving long-term parenteral nutrition without chromium, leading to glucose intolerance, weight loss, elevated plasma free fatty acids, and neuropathy 1. Key points to consider include:
- Chromium insufficiency has been hypothesized to be a contributing factor to the development of type 2 diabetes, and some studies have revealed a negative relationship between serum chromium and HbA1C levels 1.
- A meta-analysis of 41 RCTs found that chromium supplementation in patients with type 2 diabetes may have a modest beneficial effect on glycemia and dyslipidemia, but there was no beneficial effect of chromium supplementation in those without diabetes 1.
- The elderly may be more vulnerable to chromium depletion than younger people, and improved glucose and lipid control with chromium supplementation in elderly diabetic patients has been described 1.
- Parenteral chromium may have a higher potential toxicity, and the accumulated scientific data points to a need to lower the recommended amount of parenteral chromium 1. It is essential to note that chromium toxicity may be more of a concern in pediatric patients, and an inverse correlation between serum chromium levels and glomerular filtration rates in parenteral nutrition-dependent children was found 1. Therefore, chromium supplementation should be considered on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the individual's medical history, age, and other factors, and the dosage should be carefully monitored to avoid potential toxicity 1.
From the Research
Implications of a Positive Chrom Biorplex Test
- A positive Chrom Biorplex test may indicate exposure to chromium, which can have adverse health effects, including liver, lung, and kidney damage, as well as an increased risk of cancer and cardiovascular disease 2.
- The test may also be used to diagnose systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and other autoimmune diseases, as it can detect anti-chromatin antibodies (ACAs) which are often present in these conditions 3.
- Occupational exposure to chromium can cause asthma and other respiratory problems, and a positive Chrom Biorplex test may be used to diagnose chromium-induced occupational asthma 4.
- The BioPlex 2200 ANA screen, which includes the Chrom Biorplex test, has been shown to be a sensitive and specific method for detecting antinuclear antibodies, including anti-chromatin antibodies 5, 6.
- The test may also be used to monitor the levels of anti-chromatin antibodies in patients with autoimmune diseases, and to assess the effectiveness of treatment 3, 6.
- It is worth noting that a positive Chrom Biorplex test may not always be specific for a particular disease or condition, and may require further testing and evaluation to determine the underlying cause 3, 5, 6.