Study looks at chromium picolinate supplementation in diabetes patients

WASHINGTON — A trade group for supplement makers is suggesting that people with diabetes talk to their physicians about chromium picolinate supplementation, based on a recent study.

The Council for Responsible Nutrition said that multiple studies had indicated chromium picolinate supplements can help reduce high blood-glucose levels, though the group cautioned that while doctors and other healthcare professionals could consider supplementation as part of a diabetes treatment plan, the companies marketing supplements were not allowed to market their products as treating, diagnosing, mitigating, preventing or curing diseases.

"A healthy lifestyle for diabetes must emphasize healthy diet and plenty of exerts," CRN VP scientific and regulatory affairs Duffy MacKay said. "It requires working very closely with your doctors and opening up a dialogue with them about using all the tools at your disposal, one of which may be supplementation."

According to a study conducted by Frost & Sullivan and funded by the CRN, 81,243 coronary heart disease incidents can be avoided each year through the use of chromium picolinate dietary supplements at preventive intake levels. The study was based on a systematic review of scientific studies that examined whether the supplements could reduce blood-glucose levels.