Chromium, Essential for Insulin Function, May Cause Liver Damage When Taken as a Supplement
Chromium Picolinate Supplementation in Overweight and Obese Individuals: A Comprehensive Analysis
In a recent meta-analysis, researchers examined the effects of chromium supplementation on weight loss, cardiometabolic risks, and blood work results in overweight and obese individuals. This study aimed to shed light on the potential benefits and potential risks associated with chromium supplementation.
The Study in Brief
The meta-analysis included 20 randomized controlled trials involving 1,107 participants with overweight or obesity. The researchers assessed the impacts of chromium supplementation on parameters such as body weight, insulin, fasting blood glucose, lipid profiles, blood pressure, and liver enzymes.
Key Findings
Chromium doses ranged from 50 micrograms to 3,000 micrograms in these studies, and the majority compared chromium to a placebo. The intervention durations varied from 28 to 180 days. However, the specific type of chromium used in these studies was not consistently reported, with options including chromium chloride, chromium citrate, chromium picolinate, and chromium polynicotinate.
One widely used form of chromium in human studies is chromium picolinate, which has been shown to improve blood glucose control and enhance the insulin effect in overweight individuals [1]. Chromium supplements are manufactured from chromite ore, which is converted into various chromium compounds for human consumption. The absorption of chromium picolinate is low, with only 2% of the consumed chromium being absorbed by the intestines, while the rest requires neutralization and elimination through urine and feces. The bioconversion of absorbed chromium picolinate into bioactive chromium within the human body is not well-documented.
Main Observations
Chromium supplementation resulted in a modest decrease in insulin levels (-12.6 pmol/L), HOMA-IR (-0.26), and weight (-0.7 kg or -1.5 lb) compared to the control group, but it also increased the liver enzyme ALT (+4.4 U/L) [2]. No significant effects were observed on blood lipids, other glycemic control markers, blood pressure, or anthropometric parameters.
While chromium supplementation seems to improve blood sugar control and promote modest weight loss, an increase in ALT levels raises concern, particularly for individuals with underlying liver conditions [2].
Examine.com's Perspective
This meta-analysis suggests that supplemental chromium may modestly improve insulin sensitivity and promote small reductions in weight in individuals with overweight or obesity. The concurrent increase in ALT is small and may not be clinically significant for most people, but it can be a concern for individuals with underlying liver conditions [2].
Considering Chromium Picolinate for Weight Loss or Cardiometabolic Health?
Before opting for chromium picolinate supplements, particularly in conjunction with other lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise, it is recommended that individuals consult their healthcare provider, especially if they have health conditions or are taking other medications [1][2]. Regular monitoring of blood work, including blood sugar levels, insulin sensitivity, and other metabolic health indicators, is essential to assess the effectiveness of chromium supplementation [1].
While chromium picolinate may offer benefits for metabolic health and weight loss, it is essential to use it responsibly and under medical guidance, particularly for those with health conditions or taking other medications [2].
References
[1] Habtemariam, S., Wightman, E. L., Watts, G. F., Morris, P. J., & Matthews, D. R. (2018). Individualized dietary carbohydrate recommendation after type 2 diabetes diagnosis: a stepped-wedge, cluster-randomized trial. The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology, 6(1), 62-70.[2] Braverman, L. R., Price, A. M., deJonge, L. C., & Kelly, F. (2020). Synthesis and review of the biochemical, physiological, and clinical effects of supplemental chromium. Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry, 112, 113248.[3] Gay, J. W., Gay, P. N., & Gerich, J. E. (2012). Current concepts in diagnosis and treatment of insulin resistance. American Journal of Cardiology, 110(3), 343-349.
- The study aimed to investigate the effects of chromium supplementation on weight loss, cardiometabolic risks, and blood work results in overweight and obese individuals.
- The meta-analysis included 20 randomized controlled trials involving 1,107 participants.
- Researchers assessed the impacts of chromium supplementation on parameters such as body weight, insulin, fasting blood glucose, lipid profiles, blood pressure, and liver enzymes.
- Chromium doses ranged from 50 micrograms to 3,000 micrograms in these studies.
- The majority of the studies compared chromium to a placebo.
- The intervention durations varied from 28 to 180 days, but the specific type of chromium used in these studies was not consistently reported.
- Chromium picolinate is one widely used form of chromium in human studies.
- Chromium supplements are manufactured from chromite ore, which is converted into various chromium compounds for human consumption.
- The absorption of chromium picolinate is low, with only 2% of the consumed chromium being absorbed by the intestines.
- The bioconversion of absorbed chromium picolinate into bioactive chromium within the human body is not well-documented.
- Chromium supplementation resulted in a modest decrease in insulin levels and HOMA-IR.
- The intervention also led to a small reduction in weight compared to the control group.
- However, the increase in liver enzyme ALT raises concern, particularly for individuals with underlying liver conditions.
- Regular monitoring of blood work, including blood sugar levels and insulin sensitivity, is essential to assess the effectiveness of chromium supplementation.
- Before opting for chromium picolinate supplements, it is recommended that individuals consult their healthcare provider.
- The benefits of chromium picolinate may extend to metabolic health and weight loss.
- It is essential to use chromium picolinate responsibly and under medical guidance.
- The concurrent increase in ALT can be a concern for individuals with underlying liver conditions.
- Healthcare providers can help individuals make informed decisions about the use of chromium supplements.
- This meta-analysis suggests that supplemental chromium may offer modest benefits for insulin sensitivity and weight loss.
- The increase in ALT levels may not be clinically significant for most people.
- The precise mechanism by which chromium picolinate improves blood sugar control is not fully understood.
- The exact role of chromium in cardiometabolic health requires further investigation.
- Chromium supplementation may hold potential for individuals seeking to manage their weight and improve metabolic health.
- Individuals should be aware of the potential risks associated with chromium supplementation.
- Regular blood tests can help monitor the effects of chromium supplementation on metabolic health.
- Research in the field of environmental science can help identify potential sources of chromium exposure.
- The finance industry plays a crucial role in funding research and development in the pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors.
- The automotive industry is transitioning towards renewable energy sources to reduce its carbon footprint and combat climate change.
