Beneficial effect of chromium supplementation on serum triglyceride levels in NIDDM.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

To investigate the effect of chromium picolinate supplementation on the lipid profile of the predominantly Hispanic population of non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) patients in San Antonio, Texas.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS:

A prospective, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study was performed on 14 men and 16 women. Initially, each patient was randomly assigned to receive either chromium picolinate or placebo for 2 months. This initial treatment phase was followed by a 2-month washout period. Subjects were then crossed-over and received the alternate capsule for an additional 2 months. Fasting blood glucose, HbA1c, and serum lipids were compared at the end of each treatment phase.

RESULTS:

Twenty-eight of the originally enrolled 30 patients completed the study. There were no adverse reactions to chromium reported. There were no differences noted between the control and chromium-treated subjects in glucose control, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, or low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. Triglyceride (TG) levels were reduced significantly (17.4%; P < 0.05) during the 2 months of chromium supplementation.

CONCLUSIONS:

Ours is the first report of a significant reduction in serum TGs in a group of NIDDM patients treated with chromium. The low cost and excellent safety profile of chromium make it an attractive lipid-lowering agent for this population. Long-term studies are needed to determine if the short-term changes in plasma lipids can be sustained.

• Authors: N A Lee, C A Reasner
• Journal: Diabetes care (Diabetes Care) Vol. 17 Issue 12 Pg. 1449-52 (Dec 1994) ISSN: 0149-5992 [Print] United States
• PMID: 7882815 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Comparative Study, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial, Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.)

Chemical References

• Blood Glucose
• Lipids
• Picolinic Acids
• Triglycerides
• picolinic acid

Topics

• Administration, Oral
• Adult
• Aged
• Blood Glucose (analysis)
• Cross-Over Studies
• Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 (blood)
• Diet
• Double-Blind Method
• Female
• Humans
• Lipids (blood)
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Picolinic Acids (therapeutic use)
• Prospective Studies
• Triglycerides (blood)