BENEFICIAL EFFECT OF CHROMIUM SUPPLEMENTATION ON SERUM TRIGLYCERIDE LEVELS IN NIDDM

OBJECTIVE - To investigate the effect of chromium picolinate supplemen tation on the lipid profile of the predominantly Hispanic population o f non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) patients in San Anto nio, Texas. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS - A prospective, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study was performed on 14 men and 16 wo men. Initially, each patient was randomly assigned to receive either c hromium picolinate or placebo for 2 months. This initial treatment pha se was followed by a 2-month washout period. Subjects were then crosse d-over and received the alternate capsule for an additional 2 months. Fasting blood glucose, HbA(1c) and serum lipids were compared at the e nd of each treatment phase. RESULTS - Twenty-eight of the originally e nrolled 30 patients completed the study. There were no adverse reactio ns to chromium reported. There were no differences noted between the c ontrol and chromium-treated subjects in glucose control, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, or low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. Triglyceride (TG) levels were reduced significantly (17.4%; P < 0.05) during the 2 months of chromium supplementation. CONCLUSIONS - Ours is the first report of a significant reduction in serum TGs in a group of NIDDM patients treated with chromium. The low cost and exce llent safety profile of chromium make it an attractive lipid-lowering agent for this population. Long-term studies are needed to determine i f the short-term changes in plasma lipids can be sustained.