Chromium

What does the research say?

The research on chromium's effectiveness for building muscle mass is inconclusive. While some animal studies suggest that chromium supplementation may increase lean body mass [7] [9] [26] , human studies have yielded mixed results [2] [6] [7] [8] . Several studies have found no significant effect of chromium on muscle growth or body composition in humans, even when combined with exercise [6] [8] [15] [20] [29] . Some studies have reported small increases in lean body mass with chromium supplementation, but these effects are generally minor compared to the effects of exercise and a balanced diet [7] . Overall, the current scientific evidence does not strongly support the use of chromium supplements for building muscle mass in humans [2] [10] [14] [15] [17] [20] [28] .

Nasal irritation

This can be a sign of exposure to hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)), particularly in occupational settings [4] .

Ulceration and perforation of the nasal septum

These are also important signs for the early diagnosis of lung cancer and cancers of the nose and nasal cavity in those with a history of Cr(VI) exposure [4] .

Nasal turbinate engorgement and hypertrophy

This is another symptom associated with Cr(VI) exposure [4] .

Elevated chromium concentrations in biological material

High levels can indicate poisoning or exposure to elevated chromium levels [11] .

Oxidative damage of DNA and lipids

This has been observed with chromium picolinate supplementation in cell culture and rat studies [6] .

Mutagenic effects

This has also been linked to chromium picolinate in some studies [6] .

Adverse local tissue reactions

Resulting from an immune-mediated biological reaction to metal wear debris, including chromium, from implants [21] .

[1] Chromium, exercise, and body composition.

This article reviews studies on chromium's role in carbohydrate, lipid, and protein metabolism, and its relationship with exercise and body composition, noting challenges in chromium assessment and its potential to increase lean body mass.

[2] New Evidence against Chromium as an Essential Trace Element.

This review argues against chromium's classification as an essential element, stating that it should be considered pharmacologically active instead, and that marketing claims about its benefits for reducing body mass and developing muscle are not supported by experiments.

[3] Understanding Cr(III) Action on Mitochondrial ATP Synthase and AMPK Efficacy: Insights from Previous Studies-a Review.

This review discusses recent findings on chromium's mechanisms of action beyond insulin signaling, focusing on the beta subunit of mitochondrial ATP synthase as a target and its role in cellular energy and metabolism.

[4] Cancer Risks of Hexavalent Chromium in the Respiratory Tract.

This paper discusses the carcinogenic effects of hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) in the respiratory tract, particularly in occupational settings, and highlights the importance of early diagnosis and worker protection.

[5] Nutritional ergogenic aids: chromium, exercise, and muscle mass.

This review examines the theoretical basis for chromium supplements increasing muscle mass and discusses current research on the relationship between chromium and exercise.

[6] The potential value and toxicity of chromium picolinate as a nutritional supplement, weight loss agent and muscle development agent.

This paper reviews the effectiveness and safety of chromium picolinate, concluding that it has not demonstrated effects on body composition and may cause oxidative damage to DNA and lipids.

[7] Effects of chromium on body composition and weight loss.

This review discusses chromium's role in carbohydrate and lipid metabolism and its controversial effects on body composition, suggesting that responses depend on various factors and that chromium's impact is small compared to exercise and diet.

[8] Magnesium, zinc, and chromium nutriture and physical activity.

This review examines the importance of magnesium, zinc, and chromium for physically active individuals, concluding that chromium supplementation does not promote muscle accretion, fat loss, or gains in strength.

[9] Trace mineral source and chromium propionate supplementation affect performance and carcass characteristics in feedlot steers.

Chromium propionate supplementation increased ADG, gain:feed, and LM area, indicating improved muscle growth and carcass characteristics.

[10] Chromium: is it essential, pharmacologically relevant, or toxic?

This paper questions chromium's essentiality and discusses its lack of beneficial effects on body mass or composition, while also addressing its general non-toxicity and potential pharmacological benefits in rodent models.

[11] Chromium in Postmortem Material.

This study investigates chromium levels in postmortem material, discussing its importance for humans, sources, and industrial uses, and noting that high concentrations can indicate poisoning or exposure.

[12] The effects of chromium picolinate on glucose and lipid metabolism in running rats.

This study aimed to elucidate the effects of CrPic on glucose and lipid metabolism and the expression of glucose transporters in exercised rats.

[13] Evaluation of Hypoglycemic Activity and Sub-Acute Toxicity of the Novel Biochanin A-Chromium(III) Complex.

The study found that the biochanin A-chromium(III) complex reduced weight, lowered fasting and random blood glucose levels, improved organ indices, and enhanced glucose and insulin tolerance in db/db mice.

[14] The need for combined inorganic, biochemical, and nutritional studies of chromium(III).

This paper discusses the need for greater cooperative research interactions between nutritionists, biochemists, and chemists to establish the potential role of Cr as a therapeutic agent at a molecular level.

[15] Nutritional supplements to increase muscle mass.

This article reviews the theory and research behind popular nutritional supplements commonly marketed as muscle mass builders and concludes that chromium does not appear to be effective in increasing lean body mass.

[16] Chromium update: examining recent literature 1997-1998.

This paper discusses trivalent chromium as an essential nutrient for sugar and fat metabolism, its association with diabetes and cardiovascular diseases, and the potential benefits of supplementation for weight loss and aging.

[17] [Biological significance of chromium III for the human organism].

This article reviews the biochemical, physiological, and toxic properties of chromium salts and chelates, discussing their potential applications in medicine, dietetics, and sport, and indicating the need for further research on their mechanisms of action.

[18] Research Note: Chromium propionate for turkeys: effect on tissue chromium concentrations and human food safety.

Supplementation of chromium propionate (Cr Prop) in turkey diets increased chromium concentrations in liver and muscle tissues, which could potentially enhance insulin sensitivity in turkeys.

[19] Preparation of a hydrolyzed yeast β-glucan chromium(III) complex and evaluation of its hypoglycemic activity and sub-acute toxicity.

In this study, we hydrolyzed BYG using snail enzyme to obtain hydrolyzed yeast β-glucan (HBYG) with desirable water solubility and hypoglycemic activity.

[20] Dietary supplements and the promotion of muscle growth with resistance exercise.

This paper discusses the rationale and effectiveness of various nutritional strategies and supplements in promoting lean tissue accretion during resistance training, concluding that chromium supplementation does not affect muscle growth.

[21] Diagnosis and Treatment of Adverse Local Tissue Reactions at the Head-Neck Junction.

This article discusses adverse local tissue reactions resulting from mechanically assisted crevice corrosion at modular junctions in total hip arthroplasty, leading to metal wear debris and immune-mediated reactions, and outlines diagnostic and treatment strategies.

[22] Tissue accumulation and urinary excretion of Cr in chromium picolinate (CrPic)-supplemented lambs.

This study measured Cr concentrations in various tissues and urine of lambs supplemented with chromium picolinate (CrPic) to trace its biodistribution and bioaccumulation.

[23] Mitochondrial ATP synthase as a direct molecular target of chromium(III) to ameliorate hyperglycaemia stress

Chromium(III) improves glucose metabolism, maintains normal blood sugar levels, regulates carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, and enhances insulin signaling. It also rescues mitochondria from hyperglycaemia-induced fragmentation and reduces mitochondrial ROS production.

[24] Potential use of chromium to combat thermal stress in animals: A review.

This review discusses the potential of chromium (Cr) to mitigate the adverse effects of heat stress in animals, highlighting its antioxidant properties and its role in improving insulin action and nutrient metabolism.

[25] Bioaccumulation of dietary CrPic, Cr(III) and Cr(VI) in juvenile coral trout (Plectropomus leopardus).

This study compared the bioaccumulation of organic Cr (CrPic) and inorganic Cr (Cr(III) and Cr(VI)) in juvenile coral trout, finding that Cr bioaccumulation was form- and tissue-specific, dose- and time-dependent.

[26] Influence of Dietary Supplementation of Inorganic and Organic Chromium on Body Conformation, Carcass Traits, and Nutrient Composition in Muscle and Internal Organs of Black Bengal Goats.

This study investigated the effects of dietary inorganic and organic chromium supplementation on body morphometry, carcass traits, and nutrient composition in meat and internal organs of Black Bengal goats.

[27] Speciation and distribution of chromium (III) in rice root tip and mature zone: The significant impact of root exudation and iron plaque on chromium bioavailability.

This study examined the speciation and localisation of Cr and the distribution of (micro-) nutrients in rice root tip and mature region using NanoSIMS and synchrotron-based techniques.

[28] Effects of exercise on chromium levels. Is supplementation required?

This paper discusses the effects of exercise on chromium levels, noting that while most individuals may not ingest sufficient amounts, athletes who restrict calories could compromise their chromium status, and that chromium supplements have not been shown to increase muscle mass or decrease body fat.

[29] Chromium picolinate effects on body composition and muscular performance in wrestlers.

This study assessed the effects of 14 weeks of chromium picolinate supplementation during the final 16 weeks of a preseason resistance and conditioning program on body composition and neuromuscular performance in NCAA Division I wrestlers.

[30] A combined survey and exposure study reveals the distribution characteristic of chromium in fish head.

This study determined the content of chromium (Cr) in three main edible tissues (dorsal muscle, ventral muscle, and head) of 14 different fish species and conducted an exposure experiment to elucidate the deposition of Cr in the fish head.