A new randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study found a significant correlation between increased urinary chromium levels -- a measure of chromium absorption -- and reductions in cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors, including total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL cholesterol and lipid ratios in people with type 2 diabetes. The data were presented today at the 2nd World Congress on Insulin Resistance Syndrome (IRS) in Universal City, CA, the leading forum for globally recognized scientists and clinicians to share the latest research and information on insulin resistance.
The study evaluated 36 people with type 2 diabetes over 30 days. The significant reduction in CVD risk factors was seen in study participants who added Diachrome(R) (a combination of 600 mcg of chromium as chromium picolinate and 2 mg of biotin) to their daily treatment regimen. The group taking Diachrome also had significantly improved glycemic control, as measured by a reduction in blood glucose levels after consuming a beverage that contained 75 grams of carbohydrates.
"The data build on earlier clinical studies suggesting that chromium picolinate supplementation can improve insulin sensitivity and reduce cardiovascular risk factors in people with, and at risk for, diabetes," said James Komorowski, MS, vice president of technical services and scientific affairs, Nutrition 21, who commissioned the study.
Insulin resistance is a known risk factor for the development of numerous conditions, including CVD, hypertension, obesity, diabetes, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), gestational diabetes and liver disease in both young and old. According to the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE), co-sponsor of the 2nd Annual World Congress on IRS, insulin resistance is estimated to affect one in three Americans.
"We are pleased to have the opportunity to present our latest research on chromium to the leading medical experts concerned about the growing epidemic of insulin resistance," said Gail Montgomery, president and CEO of Nutrition 21. "As Nutrition 21's research program unfolds, we expect to confirm the role of chromium picolinate as a safe and effective adjunct nutritional therapy for the many health conditions linked to impaired insulin function."
About Nutrition 21
Nutrition 21 is a nutritional bioscience company and the maker of chromium-based supplements with health benefits substantiated by clinical research. The company markets Chromax(R) chromium picolinate, which is the most-studied form of the essential mineral chromium. Nutrition 21 also developed Diachrome(R), which is available through diabetes educators or at www.diachrome.com. Nutrition 21 holds 34 patents for nutrition products and uses, 25 of which are for chromium compounds and their uses. More information is available at www.nutrition21.com.