Chromium Confusion :: Diabetes Self-Management

Get tips and insights from health-care professionals and people with diabetes, share your thoughts, and ask questions on our blog.

Go to Blog Archives

Links to help you learn more about diabetes.

Ask a diabetes expert
Other diabetes resources
Browse article topics

Nov 20, 2006

Chromium Confusion

Amy Campbell

Who would have thought that a trace mineral could cause so much confusion? As a dietitian, I remember many of my patients asking me if they should take chromium supplements. It was always a gray area for me, based on the ever-changing research.

Chromium is called a trace mineral and is essential to the human body. It's needed to help process carbohydrate, protein, and fat, and it enhances the action of insulin. Chromium is found primarily in two different forms: trivalent chromium, the kind found in food, and hexavalent chromium, a toxic form found in some chemical substances. Food sources of chromium include meat, chicken, eggs, liver, some fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and brewer's yeast. However, the amount of chromium in food can vary depending on agricultural and manufacturing processes. According to the Institute of Medicine, a component of the National Academy of Sciences, adequate daily intakes of chromium for adult women and men range from 24–35 micrograms (mcg) per day, with men needing more than women.

The link between chromium and diabetes originated in the 1950s, when researchers were able to prevent diabetes in rats by feeding them brewer's yeast. Chromium was deemed to be the magic ingredient and was thereafter called a "glucose tolerance factor," or GTF for short. Since then, quite a bit of research has been done to study the effect of chromium on various health conditions, primarily in the areas of diabetes, lipid control (including cholesterol and triglyceride levels), and weight loss.

Back in 2004, interest was sparked when researchers reported a link between chromium picolinate supplements and improved insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance in people with diabetes. But, after more scrutiny, the conclusion was that most of the previous chromium studies had been flawed and that more research was needed.

A more recent, 6-month study published in 2005 showed improved insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance in people with Type 2 diabetes taking a sulfonylurea drug and 1,000 mcg of chromium (in the form of chromium picolinate) compared to a placebo group that didn't take chromium. Those taking chromium also gained less weight than the placebo group. However, this study involved only 37 subjects. And another 6-month study, also published in 2005, looked at chromium doses of either 500 or 1,000 mcg in 46 obese subjects with poorly controlled Type 2 diabetes and found no effect on HbA1c levels (a measure of blood glucose control over time), weight, or lipid levels compared to placebo.

Fortunately, another, larger study is underway which will look at the effects of 1,000 mcg of chromium picolinate in lean and obese people with Type 2 diabetes. This four-year study is sponsored by the National Institutes of Health and will hopefully clear up some of the confusion.

In the meantime, should you take a chromium supplement on the off chance it might help control your blood glucose levels? That's something to discuss with your health-care team. At this time, there's no compelling evidence that chromium has any beneficial effects on HbA1c, body weight, or lipid levels. If you already take chromium, don't exceed doses of 400–800 mcg per day, and make sure you're checking your blood glucose levels regularly. Report any possible side effects to your doctor. It's also important to let your doctor know if you do take chromium (or any kind of supplement), as it can interact with some medicines, including beta-blockers, insulin, nicotinic acid (niacin), corticosteroids, ibuprofen, and aspirin.

POST A COMMENT E-MAIL A FRIEND

After checking with my doctor, I had started taking a "Diabetic Nutrition" supplement by Spring Valley I found at WalMart. This had Chronim as well as Selinum. The pharmacist forewarned me that there are many reports that Chronim will raise bloodsugar and may cause other problems. I took her advise and checked my bloodsugar more frequently as well as not changing my diet and found that my blood sugar raised from 103 two hours after lunch (1:30) to 175-180 before dinner (5:00) and did not lower till the next morning where waking BS were 145-150 which normally is 125. I used this supplement for 3 days then stopped after it became apparent this was not helping me and I was starting to get headaches. Everything went back to "my normal". I wouldn't suggest anyone take Chronim supplement.

Posted by: Stardust_Blue | Jan 31, 2007 07:28 PM

Chromium Supplementation has helped me reduce my weight by over 40 pounds and significantly lower my insulin levels to a healthy amount. You must take a high quality version of the supplement to receive these benefits. You cannot simply pick one off the shelf at a Walmart. I would suggest a natural or vitamin store and a trusted brand.

Posted by: Christine | Feb 23, 2008 09:14 PM

Some people may benefit from chromium supplementation, while others may not. If you're thinking about taking any kind of dietary supplement, read up on the pros and cons and talk it over with your provider. And remember that any supplement has the potential for side effects, so if you experience anything while taking a supplement, it's probably wise to discontinue it and inform your provider.

Posted by: acampbell | Feb 25, 2008 01:59 PM

While in my 30s I took chromium picolinate in a tablet with cider vinegar, lecithin and kelp to help me lose weight. This was combined with a reduction of fat intake, a lot of chicken breasts pan fried in orange or lemon juice and a small amount of exercise. It lasted 6 months and I lost 50 pounds in those 6 months.

Now in my late 40s, after 20 years of sleep apnea, high ldl/triglycerides, low hdl and the doctor telling me I was "turning the corner" on the family history of diabetes I've returned to chromium picolinate supplements after reading "Chromium Picolinate Everything You Need to Know" by Dr. Gary Evans (who did a lot of research on the subject). He says when you become insulin resistant your insulin molecules become ovoid and chromium picolinate helps them return to round so they fit in the receptors. All I know is that after 6 months of taking 600mcg with every meal my blood pressure is so low I have them do it twice just to check accuracy (like 10 points lower over 6 points lower), my ldl is in line for the first time in 20 years, my triglycerides came down and my A1c is back in line. There are only three other changes I've made in my mostly sedentary life: I eat all the MUFAs I can, the inclusion of 25-35 grams of daily fiber by way of a powder I can mix with water and I learned to drive an 18 wheeler. I spend most of the day sitting while driving, but getting in and out is the best step class you can get! After the first 50 pounds losing weight was hard, but with the MUFAs, fiber and chromium I've managed another 10 in the last 6 months - only 40 more to go.

Posted by: velvetglass | May 17, 2008 11:06 AM

Disclaimer of Medical Advice: You understand that the blog posts and comments to such blog posts (whether posted by us, our agents or bloggers, or by users) do not constitute medical advice or recommendation of any kind, and you should not rely on any information contained in such posts or comments to replace consultations with your qualified health care professionals to meet your individual needs. The opinions and other information contained in the blog posts and comments do not reflect the opinions or positions of the Site Proprietor.