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.
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Supplementation of chromium picolinate may treat insulin resistance, glycemic control, and metabolic status in women with PCOS.
“According to studies, supplementation of CrP may be the direction of treating insulin resistance, glycemic control, and metabolic status in women with PCOS [137].”
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- Authors
- Jamilian, M., & Asemi, Z.
- Affiliations
- Arak University of Medical Sciences (IR)
- Venue
- Annals of Nutrition and Metabolism
- Publisher
- S. Karger AG
- Published
- 2015
- Volume
- 67
- Issue
- 1
- Pages
- 42-48
- ISSN
- 0250-6807 (ISSN-L)
- 1421-9697
- OpenAlex
- W1507408764
- Cited by
- 38
- References
- 30
- Citations by year
- 2026: 2 · 2025: 7 · 2024: 1 · 2023: 3 · 2022: 3 · 2021: 5 · 2020: 2 · 2019: 4 · 2018: 6 · 2017: 4 · 2015: 1
- FWCI
- 4.19
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Update notices
- expression_of_concern (2015-07-31)
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- Annals of Nutrition and Metabolism (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- Funders
- Arak University of Medical Sciences
- Topics
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Reproductive Medicine › Ovarian function and disorders
- Health Sciences › Nursing › Nutrition and Dietetics › Trace Elements in Health
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism › Diabetes, Cardiovascular Risks, and Lipoproteins
- Keywords
- chromium supplementation, chromium picolinate, polycystic ovary syndrome, insulin resistance, insulin metabolism, beta-cell function, lipid profile, triglycerides, cholesterol, women's health
- MeSH terms
- Adult, Cholesterol, Double-Blind Method, Fasting, Female, Homeostasis, Humans, Insulin, Insulin Resistance, Iron Chelating Agents, Picolinic Acids, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, Prospective Studies, Triglycerides, Cholesterol, VLDL, Dietary Supplements, Insulin-Secreting Cells, Young Adult
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