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ARS Home » Northeast Area » Boston, Massachusetts » Jean Mayer Human Nutrition Research Center On Aging » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #205328

Title: Effect of Chromium Supplementation on Glucose Metabolism and Lipids: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Author
item BALK, ETHAN - TUFTS-NEMC
item TATSIONI, ATHINA - TUFTS-NEMC
item LICHTENSTEIN, ALICE
item LAU, JOSEPH - TUFTS-NEMC
item PITTAS, ANASTASSIOS - TUFTS-NEMC

Submitted to: Diabetes Care
Publication Type: Review Article
Publication Acceptance Date: 5/15/2006
Publication Date: 8/28/2007
Citation: Balk, E.M., Tatsioni, A., Lichtenstein, A.H., Lau, J., Pittas, A.G. 2007. Effect of Chromium Supplementation on Glucose Metabolism and Lipids: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Diabetes Care. 30(8):2154-2163.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Objective. A systematic review of the effect of chromium supplementation on glucose metabolism and lipid levels. Research Design and Methods. Literature search conducted in MEDLINE and Commonwealth Agricultural Bureau. Eligible studies were English language randomized controlled trials of chromium supplement intake >/-3 weeks, with >/-10 participants receiving chromium. All trials with glucose metabolism outcomes and trials of individuals with diabetes or glucose intolerance for lipid outcomes. Meta-analyses were performed as appropriate. Results. Thirty-six studies met criteria, half of which were of poor quality. Among participants with type 2 diabetes chromium supplementation improved Hb A1c levels by -0.8% (95% CI -1.4%, -0.3%), fasting glucose by -0.7 (95% CI -1.1, -0.4) mmol/L, HDL by +0.10 (95% CI +0.05, +0.13) mmol/L, and triglycerides by -0.18 (95% CI -0.35, -0.01) mmol/L, but not LDL (-0.13, [95% CI -0.41, +0.13] mmol/L). There was no benefit in individuals without diabetes. There may be evidence of dose effect and differences among chromium formulations. Larger effects were more commonly observed in poor quality and industry-funded studies. The evidence was limited by poor study quality, heterogeneity in methodology and outcomes, and a lack of consensus on assessment of chromium status. Conclusions. No significant effect of chromium on lipid or glucose metabolism in people without diabetes. Chromium supplementation significantly improved glycemia and dyslipidemia among patients with diabetes. However, the evidence had major limitations.