Aging is also associated with reduced protein synthesis, decreased lean body mass and bone mass, and increased body fat ( 22). Insulin resistance, in turn, has been associated with a variety of pathological processes including diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia ( 21). It is well documented that insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance decline as a function of age ( 20). Most of these studies were nonrandomized, used varying doses and formulations of chromium, and involved small numbers of heterogeneous subjects. In addition, some studies have demonstrated a tendency toward increased lean mass and a reduction in body fat in subjects taking supplemental chromium picolinate ( 15) ( 16) whereas others have failed to support this claim ( 17) ( 18) ( 19). Some of these studies have demonstrated beneficial effects on insulin sensitivity, glucose tolerance, and/or serum lipid profiles ( 4) ( 5) ( 6) ( 7) ( 8) ( 9) ( 10) whereas others have shown no effect ( 12) ( 13) ( 14). Several studies have examined the effect of chromium supplementation on insulin sensitivity and serum lipids with inconsistent results.

The most stable form available of supplementation appears to be chromium picolinate, which is least affected by nutritional and environmental factors.Ī role for chromium in glucose metabolism has been inferred from the observation that patients on long-term total parenteral nutrition develop impaired glucose tolerance, which is reversed by chromium supplementation ( 3). A variety of chromium supplements are available, with chromium picolinate being the most common. Dietary intake of chromium in the United States is below the recommended daily allowance and particulary low in elderly individuals ( 2). The estimated safe and adequate daily dietary intake (ESADDI) for chromium is 50–200 μg/d ( 1). Chromium picolinate supplementation alone does not appear to improve insulin sensitivity, serum lipids, or change body composition in nonobese, healthy men and women of advanced age.ĬHROMIUM is an essential nutrient required for carbohydrate and lipid metabolism ( 1).

No significant change in serum lipids, insulin sensitivity, or body composition was observed in the chromium group compared with the placebo group.Ĭonclusions. Insulin sensitivity and body composition were measured with the minimal-model intravenous glucose tolerance test and dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry scan, respectively, at baseline and after 8 weeks of chromium or placebo supplementation. Serum lipids were measured at baseline and 8 weeks. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study with 19 subjects (9 men and 10 women), aged 63–77, were given either chromium picolinate, 1000 μg/d, or a placebo for 8 weeks. The purpose of the study was to examine the effects of chromium supplementation on insulin sensitivity, serum lipids, and body composition in nonobese, healthy men and women of advanced age. As a result, chromium picolinate has been widely promoted as a health aid for the general population. Chromium supplementation in humans has been reported to improve glucose metabolism and improve serum lipid parameters and to reduce body fat parameters that worsen with aging. Chromium is an essential nutrient required for carbohydrate and lipid metabolism.

Chromium health benefits