From the Guidelines
Chromium deficiency can lead to glucose intolerance, weight loss, elevated plasma free fatty acids, and neuropathy, while toxicity may cause kidney damage and cardiovascular risk 1.
Health Effects of Chromium Deficiency
The clinical manifestations of chromium deficiency include:
- Glucose intolerance
- Weight loss
- Elevated plasma free fatty acids
- Neuropathy These symptoms can be reversed by daily chromium supplementation in patients receiving long-term parenteral nutrition (PN) 1.
Health Effects of Chromium Toxicity
Chromium toxicity may be more of a concern in pediatric patients, and an inverse correlation between serum chromium levels and glomerular filtration rates in PN-dependent children was found 1.
Recommended Chromium Supplementation
In patients on parenteral nutrition suspected to be deficient in chromium, a dose of 200-250 mg/day for 2 weeks can be given parenterally, with reassessment of insulin-resistance after 2 weeks 1.
Importance of Balanced Diet
It is essential to note that nutrition counseling and a balanced diet are crucial in acquiring daily vitamin and mineral requirements, rather than relying on micronutrient supplementation 1.
Special Considerations
In select groups, such as the elderly, pregnant or lactating women, strict vegetarians, or those on calorie-restricted diets, a multivitamin supplement may be needed 1.
Chromium Supplementation in Diabetes
While some studies suggest that chromium supplementation may have a modest beneficial effect on glycemia and dyslipidemia in patients with type 2 diabetes, the evidence is not consistent, and more research is needed to assess its safety and potential benefits 1.
From the Research
Health Effects of Chromium Deficiency or Toxicity
- Chromium deficiency has been linked to impaired glucose metabolism and increased risk of cardiovascular disease 2, 3, 4, 5
- Chromium supplementation has been shown to improve glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes, reducing fasting plasma glucose, insulin levels, and hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C) 3, 4, 5
- Chromium picolinate, a form of chromium supplementation, has been found to be safe and effective in improving insulin sensitivity and reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease 2, 3, 4
- Elevated intakes of supplemental chromium have been shown to improve glucose and insulin variables in individuals with type 2 diabetes 5
- However, chromium supplementation may not have significant effects on insulin sensitivity, serum lipids, or body composition in healthy, nonobese, older men and women 6
Chromium Supplementation and Glycemic Control
- Chromium supplementation has been found to reduce HbA1C values, fasting glucose, and insulin levels in patients with type 2 diabetes 3, 4, 5
- The beneficial effects of chromium supplementation on glycemic control have been observed at doses ranging from 200-1,000 mcg per day 2, 3, 5
- Chromium picolinate has been found to be the most efficacious form of chromium supplementation for improving glycemic control 2
Potential Risks and Limitations
- Chromium deficiency or toxicity can have significant health effects, and supplementation should be approached with caution 2, 3, 4, 5
- More research is needed to fully understand the effects of chromium supplementation on human health, particularly in healthy individuals and those with certain medical conditions 6