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Horm Metab Res 2007; 39(10): 743-751
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-985847
Review

© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Chromium in Metabolic and Cardiovascular Disease

M. Hummel 1 , E. Standl 1 , O. Schnell 1
  • 1Diabetes Research Institute & Academical Hospital Munich-Schwabing, Munich, Germany
Further Information

Publication History

received 21. 11. 2006

accepted 19. 03. 2007

Publication Date:
22 October 2007 (online)

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Abstract

Chromium is an essential mineral that appears to have a beneficial role in the regulation of insulin action, metabolic syndrome, and cardiovascular disease. There is growing evidence that chromium may facilitate insulin signaling and chromium supplementation therefore may improve systemic insulin sensitivity. Tissue chromium levels of subjects with diabetes are lower than those of normal control subjects, and a correlation exists between low circulating levels of chromium and the incidence of type 2 diabetes. Controversy still exists as to the need for chromium supplementation. However, supplementation with chromium picolinate, a stable and highly bioavailable form of chromium, has been shown to reduce insulin resistance and to help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. Since chromium supplementation is a safe treatment, further research is necessary to resolve the confounding data. The existing data suggest to concentrate future studies on certain forms as chromium picolinate and doses as at least 200 mcg per day.

Key words

chromium - chromium picolinate - diabetes - cardiovascular risk - insulin - metabolic syndrome

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Correspondence

Dr. M. Hummel

Diabetes Research Institute & Academical Hospital Munich-Schwabing

Koelner Platz 1

80804 Munich

Germany

Phone: +49/89/306 834 30

Fax: +49/89/308 17 33

Email: Michael.Hummel@lrz.uni-muenchen.de