Effects of chromium(III) supplementation on insulin resistance and diabetes – a review
Krystian Zbierski, Zbigniew S. Krejpcio
Abstract
Chromium(III) is a trace element traditionally associated with carbohydrate metabolism and insulin signaling. This review examines the effects of chromium supplementation on insulin sensitivity and glycemic control, particularly in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and insulin resistance. Chromium picoli nate (CrPic), typically administered at 100–1000 µg/day, is the most extensively investigated formulation. Numerous randomized controlled trials have reported significant reductions in fasting glucose, insulin con centrations, and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) in patients with T2DM following chromium supplementation. Improvements in glucose tolerance (OGTT) and insulin sensitivity assessed by hyperinsulinemic–euglycemic clamp studies have also been documented, although the number of studies employing these diagnostic tech niques remains limited. Results across the literature, however, remain inconsistent, with several trials report ing no significant changes in glycemic markers or insulin sensitivity indices such as HOMA-IR and QUICKI. Chromium efficacy appears to depend on individual patient characteristics, baseline chromium status, and the presence of metabolic disorders, suggesting that those with chromium deficiency or pronounced metabolic impairment may derive greater benefit. Future research should enroll larger patient cohorts and incorporate comprehensive methods for assessing insulin sensitivity. To ensure comparability with earlier clinical trials, upcoming studies should also replicate key methodological assumptions – particularly those related to chromi um dosage and participant health status. Although findings are promising in selected subpopulations, additional large-scale, rigorously controlled trials are required to establish optimal dosing strategies and long-term safety. In this review, we evaluated the effects of supplemental chromium(III) on major biochemical indices relevant to metabolic assessment, including fasting plasma glucose (FPG), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), fasting in sulinemia, HOMA-IR, QUICKI, oral and intravenous glucose tolerance tests (OGTT, IVGTT/FSIVGTT), and the hyperinsulinemic–euglycemic clamp. Detailed findings are presented in the following sections.
Keywords: chromium(III), supplementation, insulin resistance, diabetes
Acta Sci. Pol. Technol. Aliment., doi.org/10.17306/J.AFS.001440
