While some observational studies have found associations between low chromium levels and increased rates of dyslipidemia, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular disease,[1][2] these results have not been consistent[3][4] and many of these studies failed to control for dietary chromium intake.
A 2023 umbrella review of 8 meta-analyses failed to find significant effects of chromium on various lipid markers, including triglycerides, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), or high-density lipoprotein (HDL).[5] Similarly, chromium doesn’t seem to affect the level of apolipoproteins A or B.[6] The reported effects of chromium on blood pressure have been mixed,[7][8] but a 2022 meta-analysis did not find any effect of chromium supplementation on systolic or diastolic blood pressure.[8] Overall, current evidence does not support the use of chromium for dyslipidemia or high blood pressure.
References
- ^Ngala RA, Awe MA, Nsiah PThe effects of plasma chromium on lipid profile, glucose metabolism and cardiovascular risk in type 2 diabetes mellitus. A case - control studyPLoS One.(2018 Jul 5)
- ^Xiao L, Zhou Y, Ma J, Cao L, Wang B, Zhu C, Yang S, Li W, Zhang Z, Wang D, Guo Y, Mu G, Yuan J, Chen WThe cross-sectional and longitudinal associations of chromium with dyslipidemia: A prospective cohort study of urban adults in China.Chemosphere.(2019-Jan)
- ^Chen J, Kan M, Ratnasekera P, Deol LK, Thakkar V, Davison KMBlood Chromium Levels and Their Association with Cardiovascular Diseases, Diabetes, and Depression: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2015-2016.Nutrients.(2022-Jun-28)
- ^Angela Peruzzu, Giuliana Solinas, Yolande Asara, Giovanni Forte, Beatrice Bocca, Francesco Tolu, Lucia Malaguarnera, Andrea Montella, Roberto MadedduAssociation of trace elements with lipid profiles and glycaemic control in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus in northern Sardinia, Italy: An observational studyChemosphere.(2015 Aug)
- ^Vajdi M, Musazadeh V, Karimi A, Heidari H, Tarrahi MJ, Askari GEffects of Chromium Supplementation on Lipid Profile: an Umbrella of Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.Biol Trace Elem Res.(2023-Aug)
- ^Shahinfar H, Amini MR, Sheikhhossein F, Djafari F, Jafari A, Shab-Bidar SThe effect of chromium supplementation on apolipoproteins: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.Clin Nutr ESPEN.(2020-Dec)
- ^Lari A, Fatahi S, Sohouli MH, Shidfar FThe Impact of Chromium Supplementation on Blood Pressure: A Systematic Review and Dose-Response Meta‑Analysis of Randomized‑Controlled Trials.High Blood Press Cardiovasc Prev.(2021-Jul)
- ^Ghanbari M, Amini MR, Djafarian K, Shab-Bidar SThe effects of chromium supplementation on blood pressure: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.Eur J Clin Nutr.(2022-Mar)