What is Chromium?
This post was written with Consensus AI Academic Search Engine – please read our Disclaimer at the end of this article. Chromium is a trace element that plays a crucial role in the metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins. It exists in several oxidation states, but the most stable and biologically significant forms are trivalent chromium (Cr(III)) and hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)). While Cr(III) is essential for human health, Cr(VI) is toxic and poses significant health risks. Other names include: Acétate de Chrome, Atomic Number 24, Chélate de Chrome, Chelated Chromium, Chlorure Chromique, Chlorure de Chrome, Chrome, Chrome III, Chrome 3+, Chrome Chélaté, Chrome FTG, Chrome Facteur de Tolérance au Glucose, Chrome Trivalent, Chromic Chloride, Chromium Acetate, Chromium Ascorbate, Chromium Chelate, Chromium Chloride, Chromium Nicotinate, Chromium Picolinate, Chromium Polynicotinate, Chromium Proteinate, Chromium Trichloride, Chromium Tripicolinate, Chromium III, Chromium III Picolinate, Chromium 3+, Cr III, Cr3+, Cr, Cromo, Cromo Quelado, Glucose Tolerance Factor-Cr, GTF, GTF Chromium, GTF-Cr, Kali Bichromicum, Nicotinate de Chrome, Numéro Atomique 24, Picolinate de Chrome, Picolinate de Chrome III, Polynicotinate de Chrome, Potassium Bichromate, Protéinate de Chrome, Quelato de Cromo, Trichlorure de Chrome, Tripicolinate de Chrome, Trivalent Chromium, Cr.
Biological Role of Chromium
Trivalent chromium is an essential nutrient that enhances the action of insulin, a hormone critical for the metabolism and storage of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins in the body. Chromium’s role in insulin signaling and glucose metabolism has been widely studied, particularly in the context of diabetes and insulin resistance.
Insulin Sensitivity and Glucose Metabolism
Chromium supplementation has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism in various populations. For instance, a study demonstrated that chromium picolinate supplementation improved glucose disposal rates and insulin signaling in obese, insulin-resistant rats4. Another study found that elevated intakes of supplemental chromium significantly improved HbA1c, fasting glucose, and insulin levels in individuals with type 2 diabetes3. Similarly, chromium supplementation was shown to enhance insulin-stimulated Akt phosphorylation and glucose transporter-4 membrane translocation in insulin-resistant mice9.
Lipid Metabolism
Chromium also plays a role in lipid metabolism. Some studies have reported improvements in serum lipid profiles with chromium supplementation. For example, a study on newly onset type-2 diabetics showed significant reductions in total cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL levels with chromium supplementation10. However, other studies have found no significant changes in lipid parameters with chromium supplementation in healthy, non-obese individuals1 7.
Chromium Supplementation
Chromium supplements are widely used, particularly in the form of chromium picolinate, which is believed to be more bioavailable. Despite its popularity, the efficacy of chromium supplementation remains controversial. Some studies have shown beneficial effects on glucose and lipid metabolism, while others have reported no significant benefits.
Controversial Findings
A randomized, placebo-controlled trial found no significant improvements in glucose tolerance, insulin sensitivity, or lipid profile with chromium supplementation in subjects with impaired glucose tolerance2. Similarly, a study on healthy, non-obese older adults found no significant changes in insulin sensitivity, serum lipids, or body composition with chromium picolinate supplementation7. These mixed results suggest that the benefits of chromium supplementation may depend on the population studied and the specific health conditions of the subjects.
Toxicity of Hexavalent Chromium
While trivalent chromium is essential for health, hexavalent chromium is highly toxic and can cause severe health issues, including liver damage. A study on broilers exposed to hexavalent chromium showed significant hepatic injury and alterations in various metabolic pathways6. This highlights the importance of distinguishing between the different forms of chromium and their respective health impacts.
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Adverse Effects of Chromium
Brain and Lung Injuries
Intranasal exposure to chromium can lead to significant brain and lung injuries, with increased oxidative stress and inflammatory markers in these tissues1.
Reproductive Toxicity
Chromium exposure negatively impacts reproductive tissues in fish, causing substantial alterations in the ovary and testes2.
In rats, chromium disrupts placental function, reduces reproductive success, and induces apoptosis in placental cells5.
Seed Germination and Plant Growth
Chromium inhibits seed germination and seedling growth in various crops, with the degree of inhibition directly proportional to the concentration of chromium3 4.
Cardiotoxicity
Acute exposure to hexavalent chromium compounds can cause cardiotoxicity, characterized by increased oxidative stress and altered lipid profiles10.
Iron Metabolism
High-dose chromium supplementation does not significantly affect iron status or hematologic indexes in older men, although it may influence iron transport mechanisms6 7.
Lipid and Carbohydrate Metabolism
Chromium supplementation can affect lipid and carbohydrate metabolism, as seen in lambs where it reduced subcutaneous fat and altered glucose and triglyceride levels9.
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How has Chromium Improved Patient Outcomes?
Improvement in Glycemic Control and Insulin Sensitivity
Chromium supplementation significantly reduced fasting glucose, insulin levels, and insulin resistance, while increasing insulin sensitivity in diabetic patients with coronary heart disease and HIV-positive patients1 4 6 7.
In patients with type 2 diabetes, chromium picolinate supplementation led to significant reductions in fasting glucose and HbA1c levels, indicating better glycemic control6 7.
Reduction in Body Weight and Fat Mass
Chromium supplementation resulted in significant reductions in body weight, BMI, total body fat mass, and trunk fat mass in diabetic and HIV-positive patients1 4.
Lipid Profile Improvements
Chromium supplementation was associated with lower serum triglycerides and increased HDL cholesterol in patients with atherosclerotic disease2.
In newly onset type-2 diabetes patients, chromium supplementation significantly reduced total cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL levels7.
Anti-inflammatory and Antioxidant Effects
Chromium supplementation led to a significant reduction in serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, while increasing total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in diabetic patients with coronary heart disease1.
Blood Pressure Reduction
A significant reduction in diastolic blood pressure was observed in diabetic patients with coronary heart disease who received chromium supplementation1.
No Significant Effects in Certain Populations
Chromium supplementation did not show significant improvements in glycemic control, insulin sensitivity, or lipid profiles in obese Western patients with poorly controlled, insulin-treated type 2 diabetes, and in patients at high risk for type 2 diabetes3 5.
Potential Benefits in Psychiatric Conditions
Chromium supplementation showed promising results in reducing symptoms of atypical depression and binge eating disorder, with improvements in mood, appetite, and fasting glucose levels9 10.
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Chromium Mechanisms of Action
Enhancement of Insulin Sensitivity and Signaling
Chromium supplementation improves insulin sensitivity by enhancing insulin receptor signaling and increasing insulin-stimulated phosphorylation of insulin receptor substrate (IRS)-1 and phosphatidylinositol (PI)-3 kinase activity in skeletal muscle2 4 6 9.
Chromium reduces protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) levels, which may contribute to improved insulin signaling2.
Reduction of Myocellular Lipids
Chromium may reduce myocellular lipids, which is associated with enhanced insulin sensitivity in subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus1.
Improvement in Glucose and Lipid Metabolism
Chromium supplementation has been shown to significantly reduce fasting blood glucose, HbA1c, and lipid levels (total cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL) in individuals with newly onset type-2 diabetes7 8 10.
Chromium improves glucose disposal rates and glucose tolerance in insulin-resistant models4 10.
Potential Antioxidant and Detoxifying Effects
Chromium exposure activates the glutathione metabolic pathway, which helps in detoxifying and maintaining body function in response to heavy metal toxicity7.
Role in Protein Synthesis and Carbohydrate Metabolism
Chromium plays an important role in protein synthesis and carbohydrate metabolism, influencing various metabolic pathways in the liver3.
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Common Complaints Associated with Chromium Use
Lack of Efficacy in Glucose and Lipid Metabolism
Chromium supplementation does not consistently improve glucose tolerance, insulin sensitivity, or lipid profiles in individuals with impaired glucose tolerance1.
Potential for Brain and Lung Injury
Exposure to chromium, particularly through inhalation, can lead to significant brain and lung injuries. This includes increased oxidative stress, inflammation, and histopathological changes in these tissues2.
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Disclaimer
The content presented in this blog is generated by Consensus, an AI-powered academic search engine, and is based on publicly available scientific literature. While every effort is made to provide accurate, up-to-date, and well-researched information, the content is intended for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any decisions regarding medical conditions, treatments, or medications. The AI system’s analysis may not cover all perspectives, emerging research, or individual cases, and it is not a substitute for professional expertise. Neither the blog publisher nor the developers of the AI-powered search engine are responsible for any actions taken based on the information provided in this content. Use of this information is at your own risk. Citations to the original scientific studies are included for reference, but these studies should be reviewed in full and interpreted with the guidance of a healthcare or research professional.
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