Antioxidants | Chromium | Beta Glucan | Digestive Enzymes | NSAIDs

Chromium Supplementation may be good for the heart in people with type 2 diabetes, according to study findings. A harmful heart rhythm disturbance known as a prolonged QT interval has been linked to heart arrhythmias. Study investigator Dr. Bojan Vrtovec from Ljublijana University Medical Center in Slovenia believes the changes in QT interval observed with chromium supplementation in patients with type 2 diabetes may also translate into a survival benefit.

In the study, researchers had 30 diabetic patients take 1000 micrograms of chromium daily for 3 months. Another 30 patients took a placebo for 3 months. At 3 months end, the QT interval was significantly shorter in the supplementation group than in the placebo group. Researchers say this study shows that increased intake of chromium may lower cardiovascular risk in type 2 diabetic patients. Researchers also note that blood insulin levels decreased significantly after 3 months of chromium supplementation and this may be partly responsible for shortening the QT interval.

In addition, another study showed that 1000 micrograms daily helped prevent weight and fat gain, improved insulin sensitivity with less fat accumulation in the abdomen in diabetics.

A prolonged QT interval has been associated with high blood sugar levels, high insulin levels and reduced sensitivity to insulin in type 2 diabetics. Researchers believe chromium supplementation improves sensitivity to insulin, lowers blood insulin levels and improves glucose homeostasis.

SOURCE: Reuters Health report from American Heart Journal 2005

Chromium Supplements for Carbohydrate Cravings

For years, the link between depression, insulin sensitivity, and the value of dietary chromium picolinate has been hinted at in small studies. A recent trial reported in a news release from John P. Docherty, MD, Comprehensive NeuroScience Inc. and Weill Medical College of Cornell University in New York suggests that the use of chromium picolinate may be beneficial for patients with atypical depression who also have severe carbohydrate craving.

Of the 110 patients in the trial received at least one dose of chromium and completed at least one efficacy evaluation. The Chromium Pic group had significant improvements from baseline vs. the placebo group on four Hamilton Depression Rating Scale items: appetite increase, increased eating, carbohydrate craving, and libido.

Dr. Docherty and the authors of the news release conclude that the main effect of chromium was on carbohydrate craving and appetite regulation in patients with depression, and that 600 _ of elemental chromium may benefit patients with atypical depression and severe carbohydrate craving.

Dr. Docherty stated "The use of antidepressants, mood stabilizers, and antipsychotics that are commonly prescribed to treat depression can often worsen carbohydrate cravings. A treatment that effectively reduces carbohydrate cravings and has a favorable tolerability and side-effect profile would be a very useful contribution to improve overall health outcomes".

J Psychiatr Pract. 2005; 11:302-314

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