Chromimum picolinate
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers for "chromimum picolinate"
Chromium Picolinate: Benefits and Efficacy in Health Management
Chromium Picolinate and Diabetes Management
Glycemic Control and Insulin Sensitivity
Chromium picolinate (CrPic) has been extensively studied for its role in managing diabetes mellitus. Clinical trials have consistently shown that CrPic supplementation significantly improves glycemic control in diabetic patients. Out of 15 clinical studies involving 1,690 subjects, 13 reported significant improvements in at least one glycemic control parameter, such as reduced blood glucose and insulin levels1. The superior bioavailability of CrPic compared to other chromium forms may explain its enhanced efficacy in managing hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia, thereby reducing the risk of diabetes-related complications1.
Mechanisms of Action
In animal models, CrPic has been shown to enhance insulin sensitivity and glucose disposal. For instance, in obese, hyperinsulinemic rats, CrPic supplementation significantly lowered fasting insulin levels and improved glucose disappearance rates2. Additionally, CrPic enhanced the translocation of glucose transporter 4 (Glut-4) to the cell membrane in skeletal muscle, which is crucial for glucose uptake2. This suggests that CrPic may improve insulin receptor signaling, a hypothesis supported by increased insulin-stimulated phosphorylation of insulin receptor substrate-1 and phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase activity in skeletal muscle6.
Chromium Picolinate and Lipid Metabolism
Lipid Profile Improvements
CrPic supplementation has also been associated with improvements in lipid profiles. In diabetic patients, CrPic has been shown to reduce cholesterol and triglyceride levels1. Similarly, in obese rats, CrPic treatment resulted in lower plasma total cholesterol and higher HDL cholesterol levels2. In patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), CrPic significantly reduced triglycerides, very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), and several inflammatory markers, while increasing insulin sensitivity7.
Chromium Picolinate and Weight Management
Weight Loss Efficacy
The efficacy of CrPic in promoting weight loss has been debated. A meta-analysis of randomized trials found a small but statistically significant reduction in body weight with CrPic supplementation compared to placebo (weighted mean difference: -1.1 kg)4. However, the clinical relevance of this effect is questionable due to its dependency on a single trial's results4. Additionally, a pilot study in overweight adults found no significant changes in body mass index (BMI) or central adiposity with CrPic supplementation3. Another study in women also reported no significant effects on body weight or composition5.
Chromium Picolinate in Animal Models
Performance and Stress Response in Poultry
CrPic has shown positive effects on growth performance and stress response in poultry. In laying hens under cold stress, CrPic supplementation improved live weight change, egg production, and feed efficiency, while increasing plasma insulin and decreasing corticosterone levels9. A meta-analysis on broilers confirmed that CrPic supplementation significantly enhances growth performance, with optimal results observed at a chromium addition of 1810 µg/kg10.
Conclusion
Chromium picolinate appears to offer significant benefits in managing diabetes and improving lipid profiles, particularly in individuals with insulin resistance or hyperinsulinemia. However, its efficacy in promoting weight loss remains inconclusive, with mixed results from various studies. In animal models, CrPic has demonstrated potential in enhancing growth performance and stress response. Overall, while CrPic shows promise in certain health aspects, further research is needed to fully understand its mechanisms and optimize its use in clinical and nutritional settings.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Clinical studies on chromium picolinate supplementation in diabetes mellitus--a review.
Chromium picolinate supplementation effectively improves glycemic control, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels in diabetes patients, reducing the need for hypoglycemic medication.
Systematic Review
Highly CitedOral chromium picolinate improves carbohydrate and lipid metabolism and enhances skeletal muscle Glut-4 translocation in obese, hyperinsulinemic (JCR-LA corpulent) rats.
CrPic supplementation improves insulin sensitivity, glucose disposal, and lipids in obese hyperinsulinemic rats, but does not affect lean rats.
RCT
Animal StudyHighly CitedA pilot study of chromium picolinate for weight loss.
Chromium picolinate supplementation alone and combined with nutritional education did not affect weight loss in overweight adults, with no significant difference in response based on central adiposity.
RCTChromium picolinate for reducing body weight: Meta-analysis of randomized trials
Chromium picolinate shows a small but significant effect compared to placebo in reducing body weight, but its clinical relevance and robustness are in question.
Meta-AnalysisHighly CitedChromium picolinate supplementation in women: effects on body weight, composition, and iron status.
Chromium picolinate supplementation in women does not independently influence body weight, composition, or iron status under controlled energy intake conditions.
RCTHighly CitedChromium picolinate enhances skeletal muscle cellular insulin signaling in vivo in obese, insulin-resistant JCR:LA-cp rats.
Chromium supplementation in obese, insulin-resistant rats may improve insulin action by enhancing intracellular signaling.
RCTHighly CitedA pilot study of the effects of chromium picolinate supplementation on serum fetuin-A, metabolic and inflammatory factors in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.
Chromium picolinate supplementation significantly reduces triglyceride levels, insulin resistance, and inflammation in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease without affecting cholesterol levels or liver steatosis intensity.
RCTEffects of chromium picolinate supplementation on insulin sensitivity, serum lipids, and body composition in healthy, nonobese, older men and women.
Chromium picolinate supplementation alone does not improve insulin sensitivity, serum lipids, or change body composition in nonobese, healthy men and women of advanced age.
RCTEffects of dietary chromium picolinate supplementation on performance and plasma concentrations of insulin and corticosterone in laying hens under low ambient temperature.
Supplemental dietary chromium, 200 ppb, positively affects performance and increases plasma insulin concentration in laying hens under cold stress conditions.
RCTAnimal StudyHighly CitedEffects of dietary chromium picolinate supplementation on broiler growth performance: A meta-analysis
Dietary chromium picolinate supplementation significantly improves broiler growth performance, with optimal growth performance achieved at 1810 g/kg chromium addition.
Meta-Analysis
Rigorous Journal