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Chromium and polyphenols from cinnamon improve insulin sensitivity
1Beltsville Human Nutrition Research Center, USDA, Beltsville, MD 20705, USA.
The Proceedings of the Nutrition Society
|February 1, 2008
Summary
Chromium (Cr) and cinnamon polyphenols can improve insulin sensitivity and glucose control. Studies show benefits for type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome, but results vary based on study conditions.
Area of Science:
- Metabolic Health
- Nutritional Biochemistry
Background:
- Naturally occurring compounds like chromium (Cr) and cinnamon polyphenols show promise in enhancing insulin sensitivity.
- These compounds share similarities in their effects on insulin signaling and glucose metabolism.
Discussion:
- Chromium deficiency signs mirror metabolic syndrome, and supplementation has improved these signs in human trials.
- Cinnamon polyphenols have demonstrated improved insulin sensitivity across in vitro, animal, and human studies.
- Both Cr and cinnamon have shown positive impacts on glucose, insulin, lipid profiles, and HbA1c in type 2 diabetes patients.
Key Insights:
- Cinnamon consumption (1-6g daily for 40 days) significantly reduced fasting glucose, triglycerides, total cholesterol, and LDL-cholesterol in type 2 diabetes patients.
- An aqueous cinnamon extract improved fasting blood glucose, blood pressure, body fat percentage, and lean body mass in metabolic syndrome subjects.
- Cinnamon extracts rich in type A polyphenols enhanced fasting glucose, glucose tolerance, and insulin sensitivity in women with polycystic ovary syndrome-related insulin resistance.
Outlook:
- Variability in study outcomes for both Cr and cinnamon suggests influence from study duration, compound form, and subject characteristics (obesity, glucose intolerance).
- Further research may refine optimal dosages and forms of these natural compounds for metabolic health interventions.
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