Chromium Supplementation Does Not Improve Weight Loss or Metabolic and Hormonal Variables in Patients with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Systematic Review

April 2018 in “ Nutrition Research ”

Vahid Maleki, Azimeh Izadi, Alireza Farsad Naeimi, Mohammad Alizadeh

chromium supplementation weight loss metabolic variables hormonal variables polycystic ovary syndrome PCOS insulin resistance glucose control lipid profile hormonal disturbances chromium

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.

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Research cited in this study

6 / 6 results

research Epidemiology, Diagnosis, and Management of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

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.

Consensus on Women's Health Aspects of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: The Amsterdam ESHRE/ASRM-Sponsored 3rd PCOS Consensus Workshop Group

research Consensus on Women's Health Aspects of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: The Amsterdam ESHRE/ASRM-Sponsored 3rd PCOS Consensus Workshop Group

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Experts agree that PCOS affects women's health in complex ways, but more research is needed to understand and treat it effectively.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Complex Condition with Psychological, Reproductive, and Metabolic Manifestations That Impacts Health Across the Lifespan

research Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Complex Condition with Psychological, Reproductive, and Metabolic Manifestations That Impacts Health Across the Lifespan

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Polycystic ovary syndrome is a complex condition that affects women's mental, reproductive, and metabolic health throughout their lives.

research Prevalence of Hyperandrogenemia in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Diagnosed by the National Institutes of Health 1990 Criteria

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.

research Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Other Androgen Excess-Related Conditions: Can Changes in Dietary Intake Make a Difference?

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.

research The Pathophysiology of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

249 citations, November 2003 in “Clinical endocrinology”

Insulin resistance is a key factor in polycystic ovary syndrome, but genetics may also contribute.

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research The Possibilities of Using Chromium Salts as an Agent Supporting Treatment of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

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.

research The Role of Individually Selected Diets in Obese Women with PCOS—A Review

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research Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Other Androgen Excess-Related Conditions: Can Changes in Dietary Intake Make a Difference?

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.

Use of Metformin Versus Chromium Picolinate in the Management of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

research Use of Metformin Versus Chromium Picolinate in the Management of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

June 2019 in “The Egyptian Journal of Fertility and Sterility”

Chromium picolinate was better tolerated than metformin for PCOS with fewer side effects.

The Effects of Magnesium Supplementation on Abnormal Uterine Bleeding, Alopecia, Quality of Life, and Acne in Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Randomized Clinical Trial

research The Effects of Magnesium Supplementation on Abnormal Uterine Bleeding, Alopecia, Quality of Life, and Acne in Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Randomized Clinical Trial

2 citations, August 2022 in “Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology”

Magnesium supplements improved quality of life for women with polycystic ovary syndrome, but didn't help with acne, hair loss, or abnormal bleeding.

Chromium Supplementation Does Not Improve Weight Loss or Metabolic and Hormonal Variables in Patients with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Systematic Review

Research cited in this study

research Epidemiology, Diagnosis, and Management of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

research Consensus on Women's Health Aspects of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: The Amsterdam ESHRE/ASRM-Sponsored 3rd PCOS Consensus Workshop Group

research Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Complex Condition with Psychological, Reproductive, and Metabolic Manifestations That Impacts Health Across the Lifespan

research Prevalence of Hyperandrogenemia in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Diagnosed by the National Institutes of Health 1990 Criteria

research Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Other Androgen Excess-Related Conditions: Can Changes in Dietary Intake Make a Difference?

research The Pathophysiology of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

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