A Pilot Study of Chromium Picolinate for Weight Loss
Complete Project
Title:
A Pilot Study of Chromium Picolinate for Weight Loss
Status:
Completed
Topic:
Obesity / Weight Management
Funding Source:
Nutrition 21
Funding Period:
2006-2007
Study Design:
Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Pilot Trial
Purpose:
To assess the effects of 12 and 24 weeks of daily ingestion of 1000 mcg chromium picolinate compared to placebo, on percent body fat in 80 adults with central obesity. While chromium picolinate is more commonly recommended for its benefits in modulating blood glucose, there is consumer interest in its potential benefit for weight reduction. A growing body of research is developing in this area.
Further Study Details:
Participants were randomly assigned to either:Group A: those receiving chromium picolinate for 24 weeks orGroup B: those receiving placebo for 24 weeksAssessments were made at baseline, 12 weeks, and 24 weeks to monitor subjects and identify the stand-alone effects of chromium picolinate ingestion, and the effects of chromium in the context of a lifestyle intervention more consistent with high standards of practice. The primary outcome measure was weight loss. Secondary outcome measures included C-reactive protein, serum fasting glucose, fasting insulin, lipids, and Lp-PLA2.
Findings:
In this pilot study, chromium picolinate did not lead to significant reductions in body weight, blood glucose levels, or lipid panels. The lack of treatment effects may in part be due to small sample size, inadequate dose, or short duration of intervention.
Eligibility:
Men and women between the ages of 25 and 75 years with a BMI>25.
Yale-Griffin Prevention Research Center