Low chromium status has been linked observationally to dyslipidemia and features of metabolic syndrome, although causality and clinical significance remain debated. This medication is commonly used for Inflammation.
Narrative reviews highlight associations between low chromium and metabolic derangements, yet interventional trials show heterogeneous results, suggesting that any effect of depletion is modest and context-dependent.
Anderson RA. Chromium and insulin resistance. Nutr Res Rev. 2000;13(2):267-286.; Asbaghi O et al. Effects of chromium supplementation on glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes. Pharmacol Res. 2020;161:105098.
Some side effects may be linked to nutrient depletion caused by this medication.
Research has found that corticosteroids increased chromium excretion in patients after just three days. Chromium is an essential mineral that helps regulate blood sugar levels. This is important because corticosteroids themselves can raise blood sugar, contributing to diabetes. Evidence suggests that chromium supplementation improved fasting blood glucose levels in patients with steroid-induced diabetes.
Corticosteroids can lower calcium levels in the body. This is a double threat to bone health because corticosteroids themselves can weaken bones. Calcium is essential for strong bones, and a study showed that supplementing with both calcium and vitamin D3 helped prevent bone loss in people with rheumatoid arthritis taking corticosteroids. Supplementation with calcium should be considered during long term corticosteroid therapy.