Chromium Supplementation and the Effects on Metabolic Status in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial

Abstract

Background: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the beneficial effects of chromium intake on markers of insulin metabolism and lipid profiles in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Methods: In a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 64 women with PCOS were randomized to receive 200 µg chromium picolinate supplements (n = 32) or placebo (n = 32) for 8 weeks. Fasting blood samples were obtained at baseline and 8 weeks after the intervention to quantify markers of insulin metabolism and lipid concentrations. Results: Chromium supplementation in women with PCOS resulted in significant decreases in serum insulin levels (-3.6 ± 7.4 vs. +3.6 ± 6.2 µIU/ml, p < 0.001), homeostasis model of assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR; -0.8 ± 1.6 vs. +0.9 ± 1.5, p < 0.001), homeostatic model assessment-beta cell function (HOMA-B; -15.5 ± 32.3 vs. +13.6 ± 23.1, p < 0.001), and a significant increase in quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI) score (+0.02 ± 0.03 vs. -0.008 ± 0.02, p = 0.001) compared with the placebo. In addition, a trend toward a significant effect of chromium supplementation on decreasing serum triglycerides (-12.4 ± 74.4 vs. +15.2 ± 32.4 mg/dl, p = 0.05), very low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (-2.5 ± 14.9 vs. +3.0 ± 6.5 mg/dl, p = 0.05), and cholesterol concentrations (-8.6 ± 21.9 vs. +0.7 ± 22.4 mg/dl, p = 0.09) was seen. Conclusions: Eight weeks of chromium supplementation among PCOS women had favorable effects on markers of insulin metabolism.

Chromium supplementation in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: Systematic review and meta‐analysis

“…Study quality was assessed using a scale proposed by the Cochrane Back Review Group, and the results are presented in Table . Overall, three (50.00%) of the included studies were classified as high quality, and the other three (50.00%) were classified as moderate quality . The qualified trials scored from 5 to 11 points (mean, 8.33 ± 1.97).…”

“…In detail, four trials (66.67%) adopted adequate random sequence generation and allocation concealment, and three trials (50.00%) had similar baseline conditions. Most trials (83.33%) used participant blinding or provider blinding, whereas one trial (16.67%) reported the outcome assessor blinding . Four studies did not utilize co‐interventions, and two used metformin .…”

“…Ashoush et al . reported that CrP was useful in PCOS to reduce IR and stimulate ovulation, and Jamilian and Asemi showed that chromium supplementation in PCOS women had favorable effects on markers of insulin metabolism . Lucidi et al ., however, showed that CrP did not improve ovulatory frequency or hormone parameters in women with PCOS .…”

The effect of maternal chromium status on lipid metabolism in female elderly mice offspring and involved molecular mechanism

“…Chromium supplementation can significantly cut down total cholesterol (TC) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels in Type 2 diabetes (T2D) subjects [7–10], women with polycystic ovary syndrome [11] and high fat diet rats [12,13]. The suggested minimum daily intake of chromium is 30 μg.…”

Nutritional support and dietary interventions for women with polycystic ovary syndrome

“…149 Another study found that 200 mg/day chromium supplementation for 8 weeks among PCOS had favorable effects on fasting insulin, IR and insulin sensitivity. 150 Moreover, 5 mg/day folate supplementation for 8 weeks among PCOS had beneficial effects on inflammatory factors and biomarkers of oxidative stress. 151 In conclusion, there is insufficient evidence to recommend micronutrient supplements for women with PCOS at this time.…”