Blood Chromium Levels and Their Association with Cardiovascular Diseases, Diabetes, and Depression: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2015–2016

Abstract

Currently, there is no global consensus about the essentiality of dietary chromium. To provide evidence to this debate, an examination of blood chromium levels and common chronic health conditions was undertaken. Using a subsample from the 2015–2016 US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (n = 2894; 40 years+), chi-square and binary logistic regression analyses were conducted to examine blood chromium levels (0.7–28.0 vs. <0.7 µg/L) and their associations with cardiovascular diseases (CVDs; self-report), diabetes mellitus (DM; glycohemoglobin ≥5.7%), and depression (Patient Health Questionnaire-9 score ≥5), while controlling for socio-demographic (age/sex/income/education/relationship status) and health-related (red blood cell folate/medications/co-morbidities/body mass index (BMI)/substance use) factors. The sample was almost evenly distributed between men and women (n = 1391, 48.1% (men); n = 1503, 51.9% (women)). The prevalence estimates of low blood chromium levels tended to be higher among those with CVDs (47.4–47.6%) and DM (50.0–51.6%). Comparisons between those with low vs. normal blood chromium levels indicate men have increased odds of CVDs (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 1.86, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.22–2.85, p < 0.001) and DM (aOR = 1.93, 95% CI: 1.32–2.83, p < 0.001) and lower odds of depression (aOR = 0.42, 95% CI: 0.22–0.77, p < 0.05). Dietary chromium may be important in the prevention and management of CVDs and DM for men. Continued exploration of chromium’s role in chronic diseases, including differences by biological factors, is needed.

Effects of PM2.5 and Its Components on Disease Severity in Patients with Schizophrenia and the Mediating Role of Thyroid Hormones

“…49 Evidence from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey has previously reported positive associations between serum Cd and Cr exposure and depression. 50,51 Exposure to Se has also been found to be associated with an increased risk of cognitive impairment in older adults. 52 Animal experiments revealed that heavy metal Tl can induce mitochondrial dysfunction and neuronal shortening resulting in neurotoxicity.…”

Higher serum chromium level may be associated with the presentation of depression in patients with metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease: evidence from NHANES survey

“…Chromium has been recognized for enhancing insulin sensitivity in the hypothalamus, promoting the function of serotonin, melatonin, and dopamine, thereby effectively treating neurobehavioral processes like depression and comorbidity ( 44 ). Insulin resistance is closely linked to hepatic steatosis ( 25 ) and has been implicated in the mechanisms of depression in individuals with depression ( 26 ).…”

“…Both humans and animals have exhibited reduced endocrine responses to 5-HT2A receptor stimulation following the administration of chromium over a short period of time ( 47 , 48 ). Numerous clinical studies have demonstrated that chromium possesses antidepressant properties ( 26 , 32 , 44 ). Our research also discovered that individuals diagnosed with MAFLD showed a tendency of increased levels of serum chromium with reduced depression symptoms, suggesting a possible link between higher blood chromium levels and a lower incidence of depression.…”

Heavy Metal Exposure and Cardiovascular Disease

“…Several epidemiological findings have confirmed that Cr (III) supplementation helps to improve CVD. 94,99–101 Overall, the results of several studies have shown the positive role of Cr (III) supplementation in carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, 102 blood pressure changes, 103 the levels of oxidative stress markers, 104 and inflammatory indices. 101…”

“…98 Several epidemiological findings have confirmed that Cr (III) supplementation helps to improve CVD. 94,[99][100][101] Overall, the results of several studies have shown the positive role of Cr (III) supplementation in carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, 102 blood pressure changes, 103 the levels of oxidative stress markers, 104 and inflammatory indices. 101 However, Cr (VI) exerts opposing effects to those of Cr (III) and can induce oxidative stress, chronic inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, cell death, genetic development, and instability.…”