In light of suggestions that dietary chromium supplements may help manage type 2 diabetes, researchers analyzed 15 clinical trials. They found that only one study from China reported reduced HbA1c in people taking the supplements.

A total of 193 people with type 2 diabetes and 425 people who were in good health or had impaired glucose tolerance were included in the 15 studies. The researchers found no association between chromium and glucose or insulin concentrations among nondiabetic people. And, except for the China study, none of those with diabetes showed reduced glucose and insulin concentrations when taking chromium supplements. The China study also showed a small but significant drop in cholesterol among those taking chromium.

The researchers called for more research to determine the effects of chromium on glucose, insulin and HbA1c.

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Source:  Althius MD, Jordan NE, Ludington EA, et al. Glucose and insulin responses to dietary chromium supplements: a meta-analysis. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, July 2002;76:148-155. (Abs.)