TLDR Chromium supplements don't help with weight loss or improve hormone and metabolism issues in people with polycystic ovary syndrome.
The systematic review from 2018 analyzed the effects of chromium supplementation on weight loss and metabolic and hormonal variables in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). It included 6 articles with sample sizes ranging from 35 to 221 participants. The review found that chromium supplementation did not significantly improve weight loss, glucose control, lipid profile, or hormonal disturbances in PCOS patients. Some studies reported moderate reductions in insulin resistance, but overall, the results were inconsistent and no significant changes in hormonal profiles or lipid levels were observed. The review concluded that more research is needed to fully understand the role of chromium in PCOS, especially in populations without a documented chromium deficiency.
951 citations
,
December 2013 in “Clinical epidemiology” PCOS is a common hormonal disorder in women that can be managed with lifestyle changes and various medications.
1514 citations
,
December 2011 in “Fertility and sterility” Experts agree that PCOS affects women's health in complex ways, but more research is needed to understand and treat it effectively.
926 citations
,
June 2010 in “BMC Medicine” Polycystic ovary syndrome is a complex condition that affects women's mental, reproductive, and metabolic health throughout their lives.
118 citations
,
February 2009 in “Fertility and Sterility” Most women with PCOS have high levels of male hormones, and free testosterone is the best marker for this.
48 citations
,
February 2008 in “Nutrition in Clinical Practice” Dietary changes, including weight loss and a balanced diet, are important for managing PCOS, especially in overweight women.
249 citations
,
November 2003 in “Clinical endocrinology” Insulin resistance is a key factor in polycystic ovary syndrome, but genetics may also contribute.
4 citations
,
February 2019 in “Biological Trace Element Research” Chromium salts may help with insulin sensitivity in PCOS, but more research is needed to confirm their overall effectiveness and safety.
4 citations
,
October 2022 in “Nutrients” Personalized diets, like the Mediterranean Diet and low carb diets, can help manage PCOS symptoms in obese women, and probiotics may enhance weight loss and improve metabolic health. More research is needed to find the best diet strategies.
48 citations
,
February 2008 in “Nutrition in Clinical Practice” Dietary changes, including weight loss and a balanced diet, are important for managing PCOS, especially in overweight women.
3 citations
,
July 2025 in “Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology” Chromium, inositol, and omega-3 can help manage PCOS symptoms.
June 2019 in “The Egyptian Journal of Fertility and Sterility” Chromium picolinate was better tolerated than metformin for PCOS with fewer side effects.
