Chromium deficiency has been associated with impaired lipid metabolism, often showing up as elevated triglycerides and reduced HDL cholesterol on standard blood panels. In clinical studies of people with features of metabolic syndrome or type 2 diabetes, chromium supplementation has sometimes produced modest improvements in fasting triglycerides and HDL, particularly in those who were likely chromium-insufficient at baseline. These findings have led researchers to view adequate chromium status as one potential micronutrient factor in maintaining healthier lipid profiles and cardiometabolic resilience. This medication is commonly used for Inflammation.
Lima KV, Lima RP, Gonçalves MC, Faintuch J, Morais LC, Asciutti LS, Costa MJ. High frequency of serum chromium deficiency and association of chromium with triglyceride and cholesterol concentrations in patients awaiting bariatric surgery. Obes Surg. 2014 May;24(5):771-6. Ngala RA, Awe MA, Nsiah P. The effects of plasma chromium on lipid profile, glucose metabolism and cardiovascular risk in type 2 diabetes mellitus. A case - control study. PLoS One. 2018 Jul 5;13(7):e0197977. Bai, J., Xun, P., Morris, S. et al. Chromium exposure and incidence of metabolic syndrome among American young adults over a 23-year follow-up: the CARDIA Trace Element Study. Sci Rep 5, 15606 (2015). Soha Afzal, et al. Chromium Deficiency. StatPearls. June 7, 2024.
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.