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Chromium

Chromium is a trace mineral that helps insulin do its job, supporting how cells pick up sugar from the blood. People mostly look at it for blood sugar balance, and in metabolic syndrome, six small studies found blood glucose improved, though the evidence is limited. In type 2 diabetes, trials found no clear difference in antioxidant enzymes or adiponectin, and the evidence there is very limited.

Sources: PMID 33783683; PMID 15310739

Best evidence
Grade B
Conditions studied
31
Outcomes
300
Graded outcomes
031412

Evidence by condition

  • Strong
  • Moderate
  • Limited
  • Very limited

31 conditions

General Cardiovascular Health

General Cardiovascular Health: outcomes studied for Chromium
GradeOutcomeEffectSizeStudiesPeopleStudies list
Blood glucose

Small Improvement

Improves (the measure goes down)Small effect6 studies73 people
WeightImproves (the measure goes down)12 studies50 people

Studies that measured weight

and 2 more in the citations list

Glycemic ControlImproves (the measure goes up)9 studies23 people

Studies that measured glycemic control

HbA1cImproves (the measure goes down)4 studies50 people
Blood PressureImproves (the measure goes down)1 study50 people
InsulinChanges; see studies1 study73 people
Heart RateImproves (the measure goes down)50 people
QTc IntervalsImproves (the measure goes up)50 people

Muscle Size Strength

Muscle Size Strength: outcomes studied for Chromium
GradeOutcomeEffectSizeStudiesPeopleStudies list
Body Fat

Small Decrease

Improves (the measure goes down)Small effect103 people
WeightImproves (the measure goes down)12 studies103 people

Studies that measured weight

and 2 more in the citations list

Muscle MassImproves (the measure goes up)5 studies103 people
InsulinChanges; see studies1 study35 people

Studies that measured insulin

Muscular EnduranceImproves (the measure goes up)20 people
Power OutputImproves (the measure goes up)52 people

Muscle Size & Strength

  • Body Fat: improves
  • Weight: changes; see studies
  • Muscle Mass: improves
Muscle Size & Strength: outcomes studied for Chromium
GradeOutcomeEffectSizeStudiesPeopleStudies list
Body Fat

Small Decrease

Improves (the measure goes down)Small effect103 people
WeightChanges; see studies12 studies103 people

Studies that measured weight

and 2 more in the citations list

Muscle MassImproves (the measure goes up)5 studies103 people
InsulinChanges; see studies1 study35 people

Studies that measured insulin

Muscular EnduranceImproves (the measure goes up)20 people
Power OutputImproves (the measure goes up)52 people

Body Composition

  • Blood glucose: improves
  • Weight: improves
  • Glycemic Control: improves
Body Composition: outcomes studied for Chromium
GradeOutcomeEffectSizeStudiesPeopleStudies list
Blood glucose

Small Improvement

Improves (the measure goes down)Small effect6 studies46 people
WeightImproves (the measure goes down)12 studies180 people

Studies that measured weight

and 2 more in the citations list

Glycemic ControlImproves (the measure goes up)9 studies46 people

Studies that measured glycemic control

Muscle MassImproves (the measure goes up)5 studies134 people
HbA1cImproves (the measure goes down)4 studies46 people
InsulinChanges; see studies1 study46 people
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)

No effect

1 study46 people
Body FatImproves (the measure goes down)180 people
C-PeptideImproves (the measure goes up)46 people
Muscular EnduranceImproves (the measure goes up)20 people
Power OutputImproves (the measure goes up)35 people

Metabolic Syndrome

  • Blood glucose: improves
  • Weight: improves
  • Glycemic Control: improves
Metabolic Syndrome: outcomes studied for Chromium
GradeOutcomeEffectSizeStudiesPeopleStudies list
Blood glucose

Small Improvement

Improves (the measure goes down)Small effect6 studies60 people
WeightImproves (the measure goes down)12 studies60 people

Studies that measured weight

and 2 more in the citations list

Glycemic ControlImproves (the measure goes up)9 studies60 people

Studies that measured glycemic control

HbA1cImproves (the measure goes down)4 studies60 people
Oxidative Stress BiomarkersImproves (the measure goes down)2 studies550 people
C-Reactive Protein (CRP)Improves (the measure goes down)1 study399 people
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)Improves (the measure goes up)1 study60 people
InsulinChanges; see studies1 study60 people
Total cholesterolImproves (the measure goes down)1 study60 people
vLDL-CImproves (the measure goes down)1 study60 people
Food IntakeChanges; see studies60 people
Glutathione (GSH)Improves (the measure goes up)550 people
Interleukin 6Improves (the measure goes down)399 people
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)
Superoxide Dismutase ActivityImproves (the measure goes up)550 people
TNF-AlphaImproves (the measure goes down)399 people
Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC)Improves (the measure goes up)550 people
TriglyceridesImproves (the measure goes down)60 people

Healthy Muscle Aging

  • Blood glucose: improves
  • Weight: changes; see studies
  • Muscle Mass: improves
Healthy Muscle Aging: outcomes studied for Chromium
GradeOutcomeEffectSizeStudiesPeopleStudies list
Blood glucose

Small Improvement

Improves (the measure goes down)Small effect6 studies35 people
WeightChanges; see studies12 studies70 people

Studies that measured weight

and 2 more in the citations list

Muscle MassImproves (the measure goes up)5 studies70 people
InsulinChanges; see studies1 study35 people

Studies that measured insulin

Body FatImproves (the measure goes down)70 people
Power OutputImproves (the measure goes up)35 people

Dyslipidemia

  • Blood glucose: improves
  • Weight: improves
  • Glycemic Control: improves
Dyslipidemia: outcomes studied for Chromium
GradeOutcomeEffectSizeStudiesPeopleStudies list
Blood glucose

Small Improvement

Improves (the measure goes down)Small effect6 studies20 people
WeightImproves (the measure goes down)12 studies20 people

Studies that measured weight

and 2 more in the citations list

Glycemic ControlImproves (the measure goes up)9 studies20 people

Studies that measured glycemic control

HbA1cImproves (the measure goes down)4 studies20 people
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)Improves (the measure goes up)1 study7,302 people

Studies that measured high-density lipoprotein (hdl)

InsulinChanges; see studies1 study20 people
Total cholesterolImproves (the measure goes down)1 study7,302 people
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)
ResistinImproves (the measure goes up)20 people
TriglyceridesImproves (the measure goes down)7,302 people

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)

  • Blood glucose: improves
  • Weight: improves
  • Glycemic Control: improves
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV): outcomes studied for Chromium
GradeOutcomeEffectSizeStudiesPeopleStudies list
Blood glucose

Small Improvement

Improves (the measure goes down)Small effect6 studies46 people
WeightImproves (the measure goes down)12 studies46 people

Studies that measured weight

and 2 more in the citations list

Glycemic ControlImproves (the measure goes up)9 studies54 people

Studies that measured glycemic control

HbA1cImproves (the measure goes down)4 studies46 people
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)Improves (the measure goes up)1 study46 people

Studies that measured high-density lipoprotein (hdl)

Total cholesterolImproves (the measure goes down)1 study46 people
Body FatImproves (the measure goes down)46 people
CD4 LymphocytesImproves (the measure goes up)8 people
HIV Viral LoadImproves (the measure goes up)8 people
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)
TriglyceridesImproves (the measure goes down)46 people

Type 1 Diabetes

  • Blood glucose: improves
  • Weight: improves
  • Glycemic Control: improves
Type 1 Diabetes: outcomes studied for Chromium
GradeOutcomeEffectSizeStudiesPeopleStudies list
Blood glucose

Small Improvement

Improves (the measure goes down)Small effect6 studies40 people
WeightImproves (the measure goes down)12 studies40 people

Studies that measured weight

and 2 more in the citations list

Glycemic ControlImproves (the measure goes up)9 studies40 people

Studies that measured glycemic control

InsulinChanges; see studies1 study40 people

Studies that measured insulin

Total cholesterolImproves (the measure goes down)1 study40 people
TriglyceridesImproves (the measure goes down)40 people

Gestational Diabetes

  • Blood glucose: improves
  • Weight: improves
  • Glycemic Control: improves
Gestational Diabetes: outcomes studied for Chromium
GradeOutcomeEffectSizeStudiesPeopleStudies list
Blood glucose

Small Improvement

Improves (the measure goes down)Small effect6 studies40 people
WeightImproves (the measure goes down)12 studies40 people

Studies that measured weight

and 2 more in the citations list

Glycemic ControlImproves (the measure goes up)9 studies40 people

Studies that measured glycemic control

InsulinChanges; see studies1 study40 people

Studies that measured insulin

Total cholesterolImproves (the measure goes down)1 study40 people
TriglyceridesImproves (the measure goes down)40 people

Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI)

  • Blood glucose: improves
  • Glycemic Control: improves
  • Depression Symptoms: improves
Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI): outcomes studied for Chromium
GradeOutcomeEffectSizeStudiesPeopleStudies list
Blood glucose

Small Improvement

Improves (the measure goes down)Small effect6 studies36 people
Glycemic ControlImproves (the measure goes up)9 studies36 people

Studies that measured glycemic control

Depression SymptomsImproves (the measure goes down)4 studies36 people
InsulinChanges; see studies1 study36 people

Studies that measured insulin

MemoryImproves (the measure goes up)36 people

Schizophrenia

  • HbA1c: improves
  • Weight: improves
  • Schizophrenia symptoms: improves
Schizophrenia: outcomes studied for Chromium
GradeOutcomeEffectSizeStudiesPeopleStudies list
HbA1c

Moderate Improvement

Improves (the measure goes down)Moderate effect4 studies20 people
WeightImproves (the measure goes down)12 studies20 people

Studies that measured weight

and 2 more in the citations list

Schizophrenia symptomsImproves (the measure goes down)20 people

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

  • Acne Symptoms: improves
  • Weight: improves
  • Glycemic Control: improves
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): outcomes studied for Chromium
GradeOutcomeEffectSizeStudiesPeopleStudies list
Acne Symptoms

Small Improvement

Improves (the measure goes down)Small effect60 people
WeightImproves (the measure goes down)12 studies5 people
Glycemic ControlImproves (the measure goes up)9 studies69 people
Blood glucoseImproves (the measure goes down)6 studies351 people
Follicle-Stimulating HormoneImproves (the measure goes up)3 studies351 people
Oxidative Stress BiomarkersImproves (the measure goes down)2 studies550 people
C-Reactive Protein (CRP)Improves (the measure goes down)1 study399 people
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)Improves (the measure goes up)1 study64 people
InsulinChanges; see studies1 study351 people
Total cholesterolImproves (the measure goes down)1 study64 people
vLDL-CImproves (the measure goes down)1 study64 people
Body Mass Index (BMI)Improves (the measure goes down)351 people
Excessive Hair GrowthImproves (the measure goes up)351 people
Free TestosteroneImproves (the measure goes up)351 people
Glutathione (GSH)Improves (the measure goes up)550 people
Interleukin 6Improves (the measure goes down)399 people
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)
Luteinizing HormoneImproves (the measure goes up)351 people
ProgesteroneImproves (the measure goes up)60 people
ProlactinImproves (the measure goes up)60 people
Serum DHEAImproves (the measure goes up)351 people
Sex Hormone Binding GlobulinImproves (the measure goes up)5 people
Superoxide Dismutase ActivityImproves (the measure goes up)550 people
TestosteroneImproves (the measure goes up)5 people
TNF-AlphaImproves (the measure goes down)399 people
Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC)Improves (the measure goes up)550 people
TriglyceridesImproves (the measure goes down)64 people

Depression

  • Appetite: improves
  • Depression Symptoms: improves
  • Libido: improves
Depression: outcomes studied for Chromium
GradeOutcomeEffectSizeStudiesPeopleStudies list
Appetite

Small Decrease

Improves (the measure goes down)Small effect75 people
Depression SymptomsImproves (the measure goes down)4 studies90 people
LibidoImproves (the measure goes up)75 people

Binge Eating Disorder

  • Binge-eating: improves
  • Weight: improves
  • Blood glucose: improves
Binge Eating Disorder: outcomes studied for Chromium
GradeOutcomeEffectSizeStudiesPeopleStudies list
Binge-eating

Small Improvement

Improves (the measure goes up)Small effect24 people
WeightImproves (the measure goes down)12 studies24 people
Blood glucoseImproves (the measure goes down)6 studies24 people
HbA1cImproves (the measure goes down)4 studies24 people

Bipolar Disorder

  • Bipolar Disorder Symptoms: improves
  • Depression Symptoms: improves
Bipolar Disorder: outcomes studied for Chromium
GradeOutcomeEffectSizeStudiesPeopleStudies list
Bipolar Disorder Symptoms

Small Improvement

Improves (the measure goes down)Small effect30 people
Depression SymptomsImproves (the measure goes down)4 studies30 people

Wrestling Performance

  • Body Fat: improves
  • Weight: improves
  • Muscle Mass: improves
Wrestling Performance: outcomes studied for Chromium
GradeOutcomeEffectSizeStudiesPeopleStudies list
Body Fat

Small Decrease

Improves (the measure goes down)Small effect20 people
WeightImproves (the measure goes down)12 studies20 people
Muscle MassImproves (the measure goes up)5 studies20 people
Muscular EnduranceImproves (the measure goes up)20 people
Power OutputImproves (the measure goes up)20 people

General Liver Health

  • Kidney Function
  • Weight: improves
  • Liver Enzymes: changes; see studies
General Liver Health: outcomes studied for Chromium
GradeOutcomeEffectSizeStudiesPeopleStudies list
Kidney Function

No effect

NoneNo effect1 study32 people
WeightImproves (the measure goes down)12 studies32 people
Liver EnzymesChanges; see studies32 people

Kidney Health

  • Kidney Function
  • Weight: improves
  • Liver Enzymes: changes; see studies
Kidney Health: outcomes studied for Chromium
GradeOutcomeEffectSizeStudiesPeopleStudies list
Kidney Function

No effect

NoneNo effect1 study32 people
WeightImproves (the measure goes down)12 studies32 people
Liver EnzymesChanges; see studies32 people

Type 2 Diabetes

  • Adiponectin
  • Anti-Oxidant Enzyme Profile
  • Weight: improves
Type 2 Diabetes: outcomes studied for Chromium
GradeOutcomeEffectSizeStudiesPeopleStudies list
Adiponectin

No effect

NoneNo effect25 people
Anti-Oxidant Enzyme Profile

No effect

NoneNo effect240 people
WeightImproves (the measure goes down)12 studies807 people
Glycemic ControlImproves (the measure goes up)9 studies369 people
Blood glucoseImproves (the measure goes down)6 studies509 people
HbA1cImproves (the measure goes down)4 studies468 people
Oxidative Stress BiomarkersImproves (the measure goes down)2 studies550 people
Blood PressureImproves (the measure goes down)1 study286 people
C-Reactive Protein (CRP)Improves (the measure goes down)1 study399 people
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)Improves (the measure goes up)1 study340 people
InsulinChanges; see studies1 study569 people
Total cholesterolImproves (the measure goes down)1 study340 people
vLDL-CImproves (the measure goes down)1 study40 people
Apolipoprotein AImproves (the measure goes up)36 people
Apolipoprotein BImproves (the measure goes down)36 people
AppetiteChanges; see studies137 people
Body FatImproves (the measure goes down)57 people
Fat OxidationImproves (the measure goes up)25 people
Food IntakeChanges; see studies167 people
FructosamineChanges; see studies114 people
Glutathione (GSH)Improves (the measure goes up)550 people
Heart RateImproves (the measure goes down)50 people
Hepatic Glucose ProductionChanges; see studies137 people
Interleukin 6Improves (the measure goes down)399 people
Kidney Function
Liver EnzymesChanges; see studies30 people
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)
Metabolic RateImproves (the measure goes up)25 people
QTc IntervalsImproves (the measure goes up)50 people
ResistinImproves (the measure goes up)20 people
Superoxide Dismutase ActivityImproves (the measure goes up)550 people
TNF-AlphaImproves (the measure goes down)399 people
Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC)Improves (the measure goes up)550 people
TriglyceridesImproves (the measure goes down)336 people
UreaImproves (the measure goes up)30 people

High Cholesterol

  • Anti-Oxidant Enzyme Profile
  • Weight: improves
  • Glycemic Control: improves
High Cholesterol: outcomes studied for Chromium
GradeOutcomeEffectSizeStudiesPeopleStudies list
Anti-Oxidant Enzyme Profile

No effect

NoneNo effect36 people
WeightImproves (the measure goes down)12 studies416 people
Glycemic ControlImproves (the measure goes up)9 studies60 people
Blood glucoseImproves (the measure goes down)6 studies447 people
HbA1cImproves (the measure goes down)4 studies369 people
Oxidative Stress BiomarkersImproves (the measure goes down)2 studies36 people
Blood PressureImproves (the measure goes down)1 study93 people
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)Improves (the measure goes up)1 study447 people
InsulinChanges; see studies1 study429 people
Total cholesterolImproves (the measure goes down)1 study409 people
Apolipoprotein AImproves (the measure goes up)36 people
Apolipoprotein BImproves (the measure goes down)36 people
Eosinophil countChanges; see studies29 people
ImmunityImproves (the measure goes up)29 people
LDL OxidationImproves (the measure goes down)40 people
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)
Lymphocyte CountImproves (the measure goes up)29 people
Neutrophil CountImproves (the measure goes up)29 people
TriglyceridesImproves (the measure goes down)447 people

Metabolic Health

  • Adiponectin
  • Weight: improves
  • Glycemic Control: improves
Metabolic Health: outcomes studied for Chromium
GradeOutcomeEffectSizeStudiesPeopleStudies list
Adiponectin

No effect

NoneNo effect25 people
WeightImproves (the measure goes down)12 studies159 people
Glycemic ControlImproves (the measure goes up)9 studies48 people
Blood glucoseImproves (the measure goes down)6 studies112 people
Muscle MassImproves (the measure goes up)5 studies143 people
Blood Lactate (Exercise)Changes; see studies2 studies16 people
Blood PressureImproves (the measure goes down)1 study25 people
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)Improves (the measure goes up)1 study25 people
InsulinChanges; see studies1 study87 people
Total cholesterolImproves (the measure goes down)1 study25 people
Body FatImproves (the measure goes down)143 people
GlycogenImproves (the measure goes up)16 people
Glycogen ResynthesisImproves (the measure goes up)16 people
TriglyceridesImproves (the measure goes down)25 people

Obesity

  • Bilirubin
  • Weight: improves
  • Glycemic Control: improves
Obesity: outcomes studied for Chromium
GradeOutcomeEffectSizeStudiesPeopleStudies list
Bilirubin

No effect

NoneNo effect58 people
WeightImproves (the measure goes down)12 studies392 people
Glycemic ControlImproves (the measure goes up)9 studies5 people
Blood glucoseImproves (the measure goes down)6 studies69 people
HbA1cImproves (the measure goes down)4 studies46 people
Follicle-Stimulating HormoneImproves (the measure goes up)3 studies5 people
Blood PressureImproves (the measure goes down)1 study104 people
C-Reactive Protein (CRP)Improves (the measure goes down)1 study58 people
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)Improves (the measure goes up)1 study115 people
InsulinChanges; see studies1 study63 people
Total cholesterolImproves (the measure goes down)1 study115 people
Body FatImproves (the measure goes down)58 people
Cell Adhesion FactorsImproves (the measure goes down)58 people
DNA DamageChanges; see studies11 people
Free TestosteroneImproves (the measure goes up)5 people
Kidney Function
Liver EnzymesChanges; see studies58 people
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)
Luteinizing HormoneImproves (the measure goes up)5 people
Serum DHEAImproves (the measure goes up)5 people
Sex Hormone Binding GlobulinImproves (the measure goes up)5 people
TestosteroneImproves (the measure goes up)5 people
TriglyceridesImproves (the measure goes down)104 people

Weight Loss & Maintenance

  • Adiponectin
  • Weight: improves
  • Glycemic Control: improves
Weight Loss & Maintenance: outcomes studied for Chromium
GradeOutcomeEffectSizeStudiesPeopleStudies list
Adiponectin

No effect

NoneNo effect25 people
WeightImproves (the measure goes down)12 studies174 people
Glycemic ControlImproves (the measure goes up)9 studies133 people
Blood glucoseImproves (the measure goes down)6 studies133 people
Muscle MassImproves (the measure goes up)5 studies108 people
HbA1cImproves (the measure goes down)4 studies66 people
Blood PressureImproves (the measure goes down)1 study25 people
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)Improves (the measure goes up)1 study91 people
InsulinChanges; see studies1 study108 people
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)

No effect

1 study66 people
Total cholesterolImproves (the measure goes down)1 study91 people
AppetiteChanges; see studies42 people
Body FatImproves (the measure goes down)154 people
C-PeptideImproves (the measure goes up)46 people
Food IntakeChanges; see studies42 people
ResistinImproves (the measure goes up)20 people
TriglyceridesImproves (the measure goes down)91 people

General Athletic Performance

  • Anaerobic Capacity
  • Weight: improves
  • Blood glucose: improves
General Athletic Performance: outcomes studied for Chromium
GradeOutcomeEffectSizeStudiesPeopleStudies list
Anaerobic Capacity

No effect

NoneNo effect8 people
WeightImproves (the measure goes down)12 studies86 people
Blood glucoseImproves (the measure goes down)6 studies43 people
Muscle MassImproves (the measure goes up)5 studies86 people
Blood Lactate (Exercise)Changes; see studies2 studies8 people
InsulinChanges; see studies1 study43 people
Body FatImproves (the measure goes down)86 people
Fat OxidationImproves (the measure goes up)8 people
Heart RateImproves (the measure goes down)8 people
Muscular EnduranceImproves (the measure goes up)20 people
Power OutputImproves (the measure goes up)35 people

Overweight

  • Adiponectin
  • Weight: improves
  • Glycemic Control: improves
Overweight: outcomes studied for Chromium
GradeOutcomeEffectSizeStudiesPeopleStudies list
Adiponectin

No effect

NoneNo effect25 people
WeightImproves (the measure goes down)12 studies134 people
Glycemic ControlImproves (the measure goes up)9 studies25 people
Blood glucoseImproves (the measure goes down)6 studies134 people
Muscle MassImproves (the measure goes up)5 studies60 people
Blood Lactate (Exercise)Changes; see studies2 studies16 people
Blood PressureImproves (the measure goes down)1 study83 people
C-Reactive Protein (CRP)Improves (the measure goes down)1 study58 people
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)Improves (the measure goes up)1 study83 people
InsulinChanges; see studies1 study109 people
Total cholesterolImproves (the measure goes down)1 study83 people
BilirubinChanges; see studies58 people
Body FatImproves (the measure goes down)118 people
Cell Adhesion FactorsImproves (the measure goes down)58 people
GlycogenImproves (the measure goes up)16 people
Glycogen ResynthesisImproves (the measure goes up)16 people
Kidney Function
Liver EnzymesChanges; see studies58 people
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)
TriglyceridesImproves (the measure goes down)83 people

Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)

  • Glutathione (GSH)
  • Oxidative Stress Biomarkers: improves
  • Superoxide Dismutase Activity: improves
Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD): outcomes studied for Chromium
GradeOutcomeEffectSizeStudiesPeopleStudies list
Glutathione (GSH)

No effect

NoneNo effect550 people
Oxidative Stress BiomarkersImproves (the measure goes down)2 studies550 people
Superoxide Dismutase ActivityImproves (the measure goes up)550 people
Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC)Improves (the measure goes up)550 people

Prediabetes

  • Blood Flow
  • Weight: improves
  • Glycemic Control: improves
Prediabetes: outcomes studied for Chromium
GradeOutcomeEffectSizeStudiesPeopleStudies list
Blood Flow

No effect

NoneNo effect50 people
WeightImproves (the measure goes down)12 studies50 people
Glycemic ControlImproves (the measure goes up)9 studies50 people
Blood glucoseImproves (the measure goes down)6 studies50 people
Blood PressureImproves (the measure goes down)1 study50 people
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)Improves (the measure goes up)1 study50 people
Total cholesterolImproves (the measure goes down)1 study50 people
Kidney Function
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)
ProteinuriaImproves (the measure goes up)50 people
TriglyceridesImproves (the measure goes down)50 people

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)

  • Depression Symptoms: improves
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD): outcomes studied for Chromium
GradeOutcomeEffectSizeStudiesPeopleStudies list
Depression SymptomsImproves (the measure goes down)4 studies15 people

Dysthymia

  • Depression Symptoms
Dysthymia: outcomes studied for Chromium
GradeOutcomeEffectSizeStudiesPeopleStudies list
Depression Symptoms

No effect

2 studies
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD): outcomes studied for Chromium
GradeOutcomeEffectSizeStudiesPeopleStudies list
PMS SymptomsImproves (the measure goes down)1 study6 people

Key findings

  • Blood glucoseImproves (the measure goes down)
  • Body FatImproves (the measure goes down)
  • HbA1cSchizophreniaImproves (the measure goes down)

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Chromium products we can link to, in the forms the graded studies used where we can match them.

  • Grade B

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Studies cited

56 studies from PubMed

  1. Effects of acute chromium supplementation on postprandial metabolism in healthy young menJ Am Coll Nutr, 2004 · PMID 15310739
  2. The effects of inorganic chromium and brewer's yeast on glucose tolerance, plasma lipids, and plasma chromium in elderly subjectsAm J Clin Nutr, 1985 · PMID 3898805
  3. Effects of resistance training and chromium picolinate on body composition and skeletal muscle in older menJ Appl Physiol, 1985 · PMID 9887110
  4. Effects of chromium supplementation on glycogen synthesis after high-intensity exerciseMed Sci Sports Exerc · PMID 17146316
  5. Effects of short-term chromium supplementation on insulin sensitivity and body composition in overweight children: randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled studyJ Nutr Biochem · PMID 21216583
  6. Chromium picolinate supplementation in women: effects on body weight, composition, and iron statusNutrition · PMID 17291720
  7. Effect of resistance training with or without chromium picolinate supplementation on glucose metabolism in older men and womenMetabolism · PMID 10337851
  8. A pilot study of chromium picolinate for weight lossJ Altern Complement Med · PMID 20192914
  9. Chromium supplementation and polycystic ovary syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysisJ Trace Elem Med Biol · PMID 28595797
  10. The Effects of Chromium Supplementation on Endocrine Profiles, Biomarkers of Inflammation, and Oxidative Stress in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: a Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled TrialBiol Trace Elem Res · PMID 26613790
  11. Chromium picolinate improves insulin sensitivity in obese subjects with polycystic ovary syndromeFertil Steril · PMID 16730719
  12. The effect of chromium intake on oxidative stress parameters: A systematic review and meta-analysis.J Trace Elem Med Biol · PMID 34710707
  13. Effect of chromium supplementation on hs-CRP, TNF-α and IL-6 as risk factor for cardiovascular diseases: A meta-analysis of randomized-controlled trials.Complement Ther Clin Pract · PMID 33321447
  14. Chromium Supplementation and the Effects on Metabolic Status in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled TrialAnn Nutr Metab · PMID 26279073
  15. Chromium picolinate supplementation attenuates body weight gain and increases insulin sensitivity in subjects with type 2 diabetesDiabetes Care · PMID 16873787
  16. Chromium treatment has no effect in patients with type 2 diabetes in a Western population: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trialDiabetes Care · PMID 17303791
  17. Effects of chromium brewer's yeast supplementation on body mass, blood carbohydrates, and lipids and minerals in type 2 diabetic patientsBiol Trace Elem Res · PMID 21170603
  18. The influence of chromium chloride-containing milk to glycemic control of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trialMetabolism · PMID 16784965
  19. Antioxidant effects and insulin resistance improvement of chromium combined with vitamin C and e supplementation for type 2 diabetes mellitusJ Clin Biochem Nutr · PMID 19015754
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