From the Guidelines
Chromium supplementation is recommended for individuals with chromium deficiency or those at risk of developing insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.
Key Points
- The suggested dose is 200-1000 mcg per day, taken orally for a duration of 3-6 months 1, 2.
- Chromium polynicotinate, another form of chromium, may also be used at a dose of 200-600 mcg per day, with a treatment duration of 2-12 months.
- Patients with renal impairment should start with a low dose of 100 mcg per day and gradually increase as needed and tolerated.
- Chromium supplementation may have a modest beneficial effect on glycemia and dyslipidemia in patients with type 2 diabetes, but the evidence is not consistent across all studies 3, 4, 5.
- Chromium deficiency can be treated by oral or iv supplementation, with iv chromium given at doses ranging from 3 to 20 mg/h for 10 h up to 4 days 2.
- The elderly may be more vulnerable to chromium depletion and may benefit from chromium supplementation to improve glucose and lipid control 1.
- Chromium toxicity is a concern, particularly in pediatric patients, and parenteral chromium should be used with caution 1, 2.
Important Considerations
- The evidence for chromium supplementation is not strong, and more research is needed to fully understand its effects 6, 7, 8.
- Chromium supplementation should be individualized and monitored by a healthcare provider, especially in patients with renal impairment or other underlying health conditions.
From the FDA Drug Label
Chromium may enhance insulin sensitivity and affect glucose levels, diabetics and hypoglycemics should consult their healthcare provider before using this product. The effects of Chromium supplementation include:
- Enhanced insulin sensitivity
- Affecting glucose levels Diabetics and hypoglycemics should consult their healthcare provider before using this product 9.
From the Research
Effects of Chromium Supplementation
- Chromium supplementation has been shown to have a beneficial effect on insulin resistance in patients with type II diabetes mellitus 10, 11, 12.
- Studies have demonstrated that chromium supplements can enhance the metabolic action of insulin and lower some of the risk factors for cardiovascular disease, particularly in overweight individuals 11, 13, 12.
- Chromium picolinate, a stable and highly bioavailable form of chromium, has been shown to reduce insulin resistance and help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes 11, 12.
Mechanism of Action
- Chromium is thought to facilitate insulin signaling, leading to improved systemic insulin sensitivity 11, 12.
- The mechanism of action of chromium involves the up-regulation of the insulin effect through a low molecular weight chromium binding substance (LMWCr) 13.
Dosage and Efficacy
- Studies have used various doses of chromium, ranging from 30 microg to 1,000 microg per day, with beneficial effects observed at higher doses 10, 11, 13, 14.
- The efficacy of chromium supplementation has been demonstrated in both healthy individuals and those with type 2 diabetes, with improvements in glucose and insulin variables observed 11, 13, 14.