Chromium as chromium polynicotinate
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Chromium Polynicotinate: Benefits and Risks
Chromium Polynicotinate in Antidepressant Therapy
Potentiation of Antidepressant Pharmacotherapy
Chromium polynicotinate has shown potential in enhancing the effects of antidepressant medications for dysthymic disorder. In a small study involving five patients, the addition of chromium polynicotinate to sertraline therapy led to the remission of dysthymic symptoms. This suggests that chromium supplementation could be a valuable strategy for patients who do not respond adequately to antidepressants alone.
Chromium Polynicotinate and Metabolic Health
Effects on Type 2 Diabetes
Chromium polynicotinate, along with other chromium(III) supplements, has been noted for its beneficial effects on type 2 diabetes. These supplements can lower serum glucose, insulin, and cholesterol levels in diabetic subjects. The benefits are likely due to the chromium content rather than the specific compound itself.
Impact on Cholesterol Levels
In hypercholesterolemic children, low-dose chromium polynicotinate combined with glucomannan significantly reduced total and LDL cholesterol levels without affecting HDL cholesterol, triglycerides, or fasting blood glucose. This combination was more effective than chromium polynicotinate alone, highlighting the potential for synergistic effects with other dietary components.
Chromium Polynicotinate in Animal Studies
Growth Performance in Broiler Chickens
Supplementation with chromium polynicotinate in broiler chickens improved feed intake and body weight gain during the grower phase. Additionally, it decreased the feed conversion ratio in the finisher phase and lowered plasma cholesterol concentrations, indicating improved growth performance and metabolic health.
Benefits in Aquaculture
In juvenile large yellow croaker and golden pompano, dietary chromium polynicotinate enhanced growth performance, feed utilization, and resistance to infections. Optimal supplementation levels varied, but significant improvements in survival rates, specific growth rates, and protein efficiency ratios were observed, suggesting that chromium polynicotinate can be beneficial in aquaculture .
Safety and Toxicity Concerns
Toxic Hepatitis
Despite its benefits, chromium polynicotinate can pose health risks. A case of acute toxic hepatitis was reported in a patient who ingested chromium polynicotinate as part of a weight-reduction regimen. The condition improved after discontinuing the supplement, indicating a direct link between chromium polynicotinate and liver toxicity.
Oxidative Stress and DNA Damage
While chromium(III) compounds like chromium polynicotinate are generally considered safe, hexavalent chromium (chromium VI) is highly toxic. Chromium VI induces oxidative stress, DNA damage, and apoptotic cell death, highlighting the importance of distinguishing between different oxidation states of chromium in health assessments.
Conclusion
Chromium polynicotinate offers several health benefits, particularly in enhancing antidepressant therapy and improving metabolic health in diabetic and hypercholesterolemic individuals. It also shows promise in improving growth performance in poultry and aquaculture. However, potential risks such as toxic hepatitis and the need to differentiate between chromium compounds underscore the importance of cautious use and further research.
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