Chromium—a cheap element that is supposed to lower blood sugar?

Aim of the study: We aimed to investigate the effect of chromium supplementation on glycemic control indices in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM).

Results: Twenty-eight studies reported fasting plasma glucose (FPG), insulin, hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C), and homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) as outcome measures. Results revealed significant reductions in FPG (weighted mean difference (WMD): -19.00 mg/dl, 95% CI: -36.15, -1.85, P = 0.030; I2: 99.8%, p < 0.001), insulin level (WMD: -12.35 pmol/l, 95% CI: -17.86, -6.83, P < 0.001), HbA1C (WMD: -0.71 %, 95% CI: -1.19, -0.23, P = 0.004), and HOMA-IR (WMD: -1.53, 95% CI: -2.35, -0.72, P < 0.001; I2: 89.9%, p < 0.001) after chromium supplementation. The results of this meta-analysis may support the use of chromium supplements to improve glycemic control indices in patients with T2DM.

Aim of the study: In recent years, the prevalence and incidence of diabetes mellitus (DM) have increased sharply worldwide. In order to evaluate the effect of chromium supplementation on patients with type 2 diabetes, a meta-analysis was conducted by searching the relevant literature.

Results: A total of 10 randomized controlled trials involving 509 patients were included, with 269 cases in the experimental group and 240 cases in the placebo control group. Statistical analysis was conducted on glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) to evaluate blood glucose and lipid levels. Meta-analysis results showed that the difference between the experimental and control groups was statistically significant for only one measure, HbA1c, while there were no statistically significant differences in the other measures. Chromium supplements can reduce glycosylated hemoglobin in people with type 2 diabetes to some extent, but cannot effectively improve their fasting blood glucose or blood lipid levels.

Aim of the study: Medical nutrition treatment can manage diabetes and slow or prevent its complications. The comparative effects of micronutrient supplements, however, have not yet been well established.

Results: Niacin supplements ranked best for reducing triglycerides and increasing high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, with low to very low certainty of evidence (SUCRAs: 93.7% and 94.6%, respectively). Vitamin E supplements ranked best for reducing low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, with very low certainty of evidence (SUCRAs: 80.0%). Our analyses indicated that micronutrient supplements, especially chromium, vitamin E, vitamin K, vanadium, and niacin, may be more effective in managing T2DM than other micronutrients. Given the clinical importance of these findings, new research is needed to gain a better understanding of this issue.

Aim of the study: A systematic review of the effect of chromium supplementation on glucose metabolism and lipid levels.

Results: Forty-one studies met the criteria, almost half of which were of poor quality. Among participants with type 2 diabetes, chromium supplementation improved glycosylated hemoglobin levels by -0.6% (95% CI -0.9 to -0.2) and fasting glucose by -1.0 mmol/l (-1.4 to -0.5), but did not improve lipids. There was no benefit in individuals without diabetes. There were some indications of dose effects and differences among chromium formulations. Larger effects were more commonly observed in poor-quality studies. The evidence was limited by poor study quality, methodological and results heterogeneity, and a lack of consensus on how to assess chromium status. No significant effect of chromium on lipid or glucose metabolism was found in people without diabetes. Chromium supplementation significantly improved glycemia among patients with diabetes. However, future studies addressing the limitations of the current evidence are needed before definitive claims can be made about the effects of chromium supplementation.

Aim of the study: Diabetes is a global public health concern with increasing prevalence worldwide. Chromium (Cr), a trace element found in soil, water, and food, has been proposed to have a possible positive effect on glucose metabolism and the prevention of diabetes mellitus.

Results: Glycemic control markers, including FPG, insulin, HbA1C, and HOMA-IR levels, significantly decrease following chromium supplementation, mainly in studies with a longer intervention period. Chromium (Cr) supplementation may significantly improve lipid profiles by raising high-density lipoprotein and lowering triglyceride and total cholesterol levels, while having little effect on low-density lipoprotein. However, most research findings have significant limitations, such as inconsistent chromium doses and types, supplement formulations, and study durations. Further well-designed, high-quality research is needed to fully understand the role of chromium supplements in the diet and the potential risks related to their mechanisms of action, type, and dose in the prevention and treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Aim of the study: Chromium (Cr) is a trace element involved in glucose homeostasis. We aim to evaluate and quantify the effects of Cr supplementation on A1C and FPG in patients with T2DM.

Results: A total of 14 RCTs (n=875 participants, mean age range: 30 to 83 years, 8 to 24 weeks of follow-up) were identified (Cr chloride: n=3 studies, Cr picolinate: n=5 studies, brewer’s yeast: n=4 studies, and Cr yeast: n=3 studies). Compared with placebo, Cr yeast, brewer’s yeast, and Cr picolinate did not have statistically significant effects on A1C. Furthermore, compared with control, Cr chloride, Cr yeast, and Cr picolinate had no effect on FPG, while brewer’s yeast showed a statistically significant decrease in FPG of -19.23 mg/dL (95% CI=-35.30 to -3.16, I(2)=21%, n=137). Cr supplementation with brewer’s yeast may provide marginal benefits in lowering FPG in patients with T2DM compared with placebo, but it did not have any effect on A1C.

Aim of the study: Diabetes mellitus is a prevalent endocrine disorder characterized by elevated blood glucose levels, often resulting in complications affecting multiple organs, such as retinopathy, nephropathy, and neuropathy. Among potential interventions, certain micronutrients, like chromium, have the potential to improve glycemic management.

Results: The initial HbA1c level at the start of the study for individuals receiving chromium was 10.4±2.4. Following the follow-up period, the average HbA1c level decreased significantly to 7.2±1.7, showing a statistically significant difference. Furthermore, there was a significant reduction in mean fasting blood sugar levels, which approached normal levels. These results suggest a beneficial role for chromium supplementation in managing type 2 diabetes mellitus and improving glycemic control.

Aim of the study: To evaluate the effects of chromium (Cr) and magnesium (Mg) ions on metabolic profiles, inflammation, and oxidative stress in people with impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) and insulin resistance (IR).

Results: Comparison among groups showed that fasting plasma glucose (FPG), 2 h post glucose (2hPPG), fasting insulin (FINS), and homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) in the Cr + Mg group were significantly lower than in the other three groups (p < .05), and high-density lipoprotein (HDL-c) levels were higher. 8-iso prostaglandin F2 alpha (8-iso-PGF2a) decreased in the Cr, Mg, and Cr + Mg groups compared with placebo (p < .05), and 8-iso-PGF2a decreased in the Cr + Mg groups compared with the Cr and Mg groups (p > .05). Within-group comparison showed that FPG, 2hPPG, and FINS levels in the Cr + Mg group decreased significantly after the intervention (p < .05), and FINS in the Mg group decreased significantly (p < .01). HDL-c and triacylglycerol (TG) levels in the Cr + Mg group improved significantly (p < .05). HDL-c levels in the Mg group improved significantly compared with baseline (p < .05).

Aim of the study: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a complex interplay of interrelated metabolic derangements, including insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, central adiposity, and hypertension, thereby markedly amplifying the predisposition to type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and cardiovascular morbidities.

Results: This comprehensive review examines the implications of chromium supplementation, particularly chromodulin, in the context of MetS and its associated pathological consequences. In conclusion, chromium (Cr) enhances insulin sensitivity by directly activating the insulin receptor kinase, which lowers the insulin concentration needed for a maximal cellular response and improves glucose uptake and storage. A synthesis of the evidence shows that chromium (Cr) supplementation significantly benefits individuals with chromium deficiency or diabetes by improving glucose homeostasis and insulin sensitivity. This highlights the importance of baseline metabolic status in the effectiveness of Cr as a treatment and indicates that targeted interventions may be needed for optimal results in people with metabolic disturbances.