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ARS Home » Plains Area » Grand Forks, North Dakota » Grand Forks Human Nutrition Research Center » Healthy Body Weight Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #187095
Title: NO EFFECT OF CHROMIUM PICOLINATE SUPPLEMENTATION ON BODY WEIGHT/COMPOSITION OF WOMEN FED CONTROLLED DIETS

Author
item Lukaski, Henry
item Penland, James

Submitted to: American College of Sports Medicine
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 2/13/2006
Publication Date: 6/3/2006
Citation: Lukaski, H.C., Penland, J.G. 2006. No effect of chromium picolinate supplementation on body weight/composition of women fed controlled diets [abstract]. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise. 38(5):S126.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Supplementation of chromium (+3) as chromium picolinate (CrPic) in amounts of 200 µg Cr/d is purported to promote weight loss and propitiously affect body composition. Different study designs and lack of control of energy intake prompt questions about the validity of these claims. PURPOSE: To test the hypothesis that supplementation of CrPic, compared to an amount of picolinic acid (Pic) equivalent to that in CrPic or placebo (P), decreases body weight and alters body composition of women consuming diets of constant energy and nutrient intakes. METHODS: Eighty six healthy women (19-50 y) received nutritionally balanced diets, three meals and a snack daily, composed of western foods for 14 wk. The diets, presented in a 7-d menu rotation, contained 25-30 µg Cr/d by analysis. During an initial 2-wk acclimation period, food intake was adjusted to establish individual energy needs to maintain body weight. The women then were matched by body mass index and randomized to receive supplements containing 200 µg of Cr+3 as CrPic, 1420 µg of Pic, or P for 12 wk. They resided in their homes and maintained their usual activity levels. Body weight was measured each morning before breakfast. If a change in weight exceeded 2% of baseline, food intake was altered to resume individual baseline body weight. Body composition was estimated using dual x-ray absorptiometry before randomization and every 28 d of the trial. Venous blood was obtained after an over-night fast and analyzed for Cr and biomarkers of health and nutritional status on the day that body composition was assessed. Timed 24-hr urine samples were collected during the last menu rotation of each treatment period and analyzed for Cr and other minerals. RESULTS: CrPic supplementation resulted in greater (p<0.01) serum Cr concentration (0.24±0.05 vs 0.15±0.04 and 0.15±0.04 ng/ml) and urinary Cr excretion (1.43±0.06 vs 0.28±0.06 and 0.26±0.06 µg/24 h) as compared to Pic and P. It did not affect body weight, although a slight decrease (1%) occurred in all treatment groups (p<0.05). Cr supplementation, compared to Pic and P, did not affect changes in body fat (-2.1±0.8 vs -2.0±0.8 and -2.0±0.9 %) or fat-free mass (1.1±0.9 vs 1.2±0.8 and 1.2±0.8 %). CONCLUSION: Under conditions of controlled energy intake, supplementation of women with CrPic did not selectively influence body weight or composition. Thus, claims that supplementation of 200 µg Cr as CrPic promotes weight loss and body composition change are not supported.