This narrative review evaluates the effect of chromium supplementation on
glycemia and serum lipids, with an emphasis on patients with type 2 diabetes
mellitus (T2DM). Additionally, this narrative review evaluates the essentiality
of the trace mineral chromium to human nutrition. Meta-analyses and reviews
were included, while certain clinical trials were specifically included to
discuss flaws or impact. Overall, this narrative review concludes that chromium
supplementation likely has no beneficial effect on glycemia or serum lipids (in
subjects with or without T2DM). This narrative review also concludes the
essentiality of chromium to human nutrition has become increasingly challenged
over time, with some investigators postulating that chromium is
pharmacologically active rather than an essential trace mineral. However,
further randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are necessary to come to solid
conclusions about the effect of chromium supplementation and the essentiality
of chromium to human nutrition. This investigation is necessary as
manufacturers continue to market chromium supplements as helpful aids to T2DM
patients based on flawed studies.Comment: 4 page