Effect of chromium dinicocysteinate supplementation on circulating levels of insulin, TNF‐α, oxidative stress, and insulin resistance in type 2 diabetic subjects: Randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study

Abstract

Background and Aims Chromium and cysteine supplementation have been shown to improve glucose metabolism in animal studies. This study examined the hypothesis that chromium dinicocysteinate (CDNC), a complex of chromium and L-cysteine, is beneficial in lowering oxidative stress, vascular inflammation and glycemia in type 2 diabetic patients. Methods Type 2 diabetic patients enrolled in this study were given placebo for one month for stabilization and then randomized into one of three groups: placebo (P), chromium picolinate (CP) or CDNC, after which they received daily oral supplementation for 3 months. Of the 100 patients enrolled in the study, 74 patients completed it. There were 25 patients in the P supplemented group, 25 in the CP supplemented and 24 in the CDNC supplemented group who completed the study. Blood markers of glycemia, vascular inflammation, HOMA insulin resistance and oxidative stress were determined at randomization and after 3 months of supplementation with P, CP or CDNC. Results There was a significant decrease at 3 months in insulin resistance (p=0.02) and in the levels of protein oxidation (p=0.02) and TNF-α (p=0.01) in the CDNC supplemented cohort compared to baseline. However, there was no statistically significant change in these markers in the CP supplemented group compared to baseline. Insulin levels significantly decreased(p=0.01) for subjects receiving CDNC but not CP. There was no significant impact of supplementation on HbA1c or glucose levels in either of the groups. Conclusions CDNC supplementation lowers insulin resistance by reducing blood levels of TNF-α, insulin, and oxidative stress in type 2 diabetic patients. Therefore, CDNC supplementation has potential as an adjunct therapy for individuals with type 2 diabetes.

Systematic review and meta-analysis of the efficacy and safety of chromium supplementation in diabetes

“…All were in English. Of these, 22 studies assessed chromium as a single supplement . Two others evaluated chromium plus biotin .…”

“…Based on its mechanisms of action, chromium administered as a supplement to antidiabetic agents may help improve glucose variables in diabetes. Nonetheless, the reported effects of chromium mono‐ and combined supplementation on glucose and lipid profiles in diabetes have been inconsistent . Three meta‐analyses have been previously published .…”

“…The latest meta‐analysis of trials of chromium picolinate concluded that it improved fasting plasma glucose level in diabetes mellitus . Since then, a number of clinical trials of chromium have emerged on its use both as monosupplementation and in combination with other micronutrients . We performed a systematic review and meta‐analysis in an attempt to establish the effects on metabolic profiles and safety of chromium supplementation in diabetes.…”

Alteration of local adipose tissue trace element homeostasis as a possible mechanism of obesity-related insulin resistance

“…Along with affecting insulin-mediated pathways, chromium [52][53][54], and zinc [55][56][57] also decrease inflammation that is known to play a significant role in obesity and insulin resistance development [58]. Therefore, a significant interplay between trace elements and insulin resistance exist.…”

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“…So they concluded that it can be a potent adjunct therapy in type 2 diabetics 39 . In our study, Chromium dinicocysteinate did not demonstrated significant effect on HbA1C but showed significant effect on biomarkers of oxidative stress.…”