Dietary chromium(III) propionate complex supplementation affects tissue mineral levels in rats fed high-fructose diet

Abstract

Chromium(III) plays an important role in carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, thus supplements containing this element are broadly advertised as efficient agents improving blood glucose levels or even reducing body mass. However, their hypoglycemic potential depends on the chemical form, bioavailability, dosage and the duration of treatment. Chromium(III) supplementation is generally considered safe although some data point to interaction of this ion with other elements. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of chromium(III) supplementation on tissue mineral content in rats fed highfructose diets. Nine-week old male Wistar rats were fed ad libitum with a standard diet (control) or a high-fructose diet to induce insulin resistance. Next, supplementary dosages of chromium(III) propionate complex (1.0 and 5.0 mg Cr kg-1 b.w. day-1) were introduced and rats were fed those diets for 4 weeks. It has been found that supplementary chromium(III) did not affect tissue calcium, iron and zinc levels, but significantly increased hepatic magnesium and copper level, while decreasing splenic copper level in rats fed high-fructose diets. Higher chromium(III) dosages increased content of this element in kidneys. In conclusion, short-term supplementation of chromium(III) propionate complex affects mineral homeostasis in the tissues of rats fed high-fructose diets; however, the mechanisms of such interactions are only partially known.

The Effects of Supplementary Cr3 (Chromium(III) Propionate Complex) on the Mineral Status in Healthy Female Rats

“…Krejpcio et al [ 63 ] found that supplementation with Cr3 (5 mg· kg −1 of diet) did not affect Mg levels in Wistar rats. Król et al [ 64 ] showed that Cr3 supplementation disturb mineral homeostasis in the rats’ organs fed high-fructose diet. Cr3 increased Mg, Cu and Cr levels, although it did not influence tissular Ca, Fe and Zn contents, given for 4 weeks in doses 1 and 5 mg· kg −1 b.w.…”

Chromium(III) Glycinate Complex Supplementation Improves the Blood Glucose Level and Attenuates the Tissular Copper to Zinc Ratio in Rats with Mild Hyperglycaemia

“…The decreased Zn levels in diabetes may have been caused by disordered intestinal Zn absorption mechanisms and its increased urinary excretion. On the other hand, some other studies [27, 51] did not report significant changes in Zn status in the course of diabetes.…”

“…The influence of diabetes on the Zn status has not been fully elucidated. In some animal trials [43] and clinical studies [51–53], decreased Zn levels were noticed in tissues and serum/plasma, respectively. The decreased Zn levels in diabetes may have been caused by disordered intestinal Zn absorption mechanisms and its increased urinary excretion.…”

“…Supplementary Cr3 in our previous trials, given at doses of 5 mg Cr/kg b.m. for 8 weeks, normalized the hepatic [6, 51], renal [27] and splenic Cu contents [6, 51, 52] in insulin-resistant and diabetic rats.…”

Supplementary Chromium(III) Propionate Complex Does Not Protect Against Insulin Resistance in High-Fat-Fed Rats

“…The relationship between an increased dietary Cr(III) intake and Fe stores was confirmed in several studies. For example, in our previous study, 8-week CrProp supplementation (1 mg Cr/kg b.m./day) decreased Fe kidney concentration [ 11 ]; in contrast, a 4-week administration of CrProp in the same dosages did not influence the examined parameters of iron status in rats fed a high-fructose diet [ 49 ]. In obese type 2 diabetic rats, supplementation of 1,000 μg Cr/kg b.m./day in the form of CrProp reduced kidney Fe level [ 12 ].…”