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

Abstract

Aim: Increasing evidence has suggested that chromium supplementation may improve the clinical symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), yet the results have been inconsistent. To derive a more precise estimation of the efficacy of chromium, a meta-analysis was performed. Methods: Studies published in PubMed, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library up to April 2017 were retrieved. Standardized mean differences (SMD) with 95%CI were calculated for net changes using random-effects or fixed-effects models. Results: A total of six randomized clinical trials (RCT) with 351 PCOS women were ultimately collected in this meta-analysis. All included RCT were of moderate-high quality. On pooled analysis, insulin resistance was significantly decreased (SMD, À0.84; 95%CI: À1.30 to À0.38; P = 0.0004), while the total testosterone (SMD, 0.36; 95%CI: 0.07-0.65; P = 0.02) and free testosterone (SMD, 0.80; 95%CI: 0.48-1.12; P < 0.00001) were markedly increased in chromium-treated PCOS patients compared with control groups. No significant difference was found in other indexes of insulin metabolism (body mass index, fasting insulin, fasting blood sugar and quantitative insulin sensitivity check index), hormone status (luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone and prolactin) and lipid profiles (cholesterol and triglycerides) between the two groups. Conclusion: Supplementation with chromium may not have significant benefits for women with PCOS. More RCT with low heterogeneity, however, are required to corroborate the present findings.

The range of possible chromium III applications in medicine - the short review

“…Meta-analysis inducted six randomized clinical trials with 351 PCOS women conducted by Tang et al indicates that chromium picolinate supplying has a positive effect in lowering insulin resistance but deleterious effect with regard to increasing total and free testosterone in these women. No significant improvement on hormone status, insulin metabolism and lipid profiles was observed [24]. The results are not sufficient for implementation of Cr III supplementation to the standard therapy in preventing and treating insulin resistance of women suffering from PCOS [25].…”

The Possibilities of Using Chromium Salts as an Agent Supporting Treatment of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

“…The rest of the studies of the application of therapy or supporting therapy of PCOS with Cr were conducted in mature women, and the meta-analysis of the results is presented in review studies [52–55]. In Heshmati’s work [53], the final meta-analysis included only five properly randomised and placebo (or an approved drug)-controlled studies, with 137 women with PCOS in total.…”

“…Comparing Cr with metformin treatment, it was indicated that supplementation of diet with Cr was not related to insulin concentration [59, 60]. Meta-analysis conducted by Tang et al [55] indicates the improvement in insulin sensitivity; however, it has failed to show a beneficial effect of Cr supplementation on the level of total and free testosterone. Data analysis showed no effect of supplementation on body mass, fasting insulin and glucose or serum lipid levels.…”

Nutrition Strategy and Life Style in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome—Narrative Review

“…Chromium is the basic element involved in the metabolism of carbohydrates and lipids; therefore, it has become one of the most commonly consumed dietary supplements in the USA [ 103 ]. The indications for its supplementation were once very broad; however, chrome is currently one of the most controversial components by which its influence is strongly undermined [ 104 , 105 ]. It was argued that it is not an essential micronutrient, but has potential benefits and/or side effects.…”