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Serum chromium does not predict glucose tolerance in late pregnancy
J E Gunton1, G Hams, R Hitchman
1Department of Endocrinology and Pacific Laboratory Medicine Services, Royal North Shore Hospital, St Leonards, Australia. jennyeg@hotmail.com
The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition
|December 22, 2000
Summary
Low plasma chromium levels during pregnancy do not appear to affect glucose, insulin, or lipid levels. Further research is needed to understand chromium
Area of Science:
- Human Nutrition
- Endocrinology
- Obstetrics
Background:
- Chromium is an essential nutrient for human health.
- Chromium levels during pregnancy and in gestational diabetes are not well understood.
- Investigating chromium's role in pregnancy metabolism is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if low plasma chromium concentrations are linked to changes in glucose, insulin, or lipids during pregnancy.
- To assess the relationship between chromium status and metabolic parameters in pregnant women.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study of 79 pregnant women with abnormal glucose challenge tests.
- Measured fasting chromium, glucose, insulin, and lipid concentrations.
- Utilized graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry for chromium analysis.
Main Results:
- Median plasma chromium was 2 nmol/L.
- No significant differences in glucose, insulin, lipids, or insulin resistance were found between women with normal and low chromium levels.
- Plasma chromium concentrations did not correlate with glucose intolerance or insulin resistance.
Conclusions:
- Plasma chromium levels during pregnancy do not appear to be a reliable indicator of glucose intolerance, insulin resistance, or lipid profiles.
- Current methods may not accurately reflect the body's chromium stores.
- Further research is needed to develop better methods for assessing chromium status and its impact on pregnancy.