THE EFFECT OF TRIVALENT CHROMIUM ON METABOLIC SYNDROME: A NARRATIVE REVIEW

Area of Science:

• Nutritional Science
• Metabolic Health
• Trace Element Research

Background:

• Trivalent chromium is an essential trace element vital for carbohydrate and lipid metabolism.
• Metabolic syndrome prevalence is increasing globally, driving interest in chromium's metabolic effects.
• Existing evidence on chromium's clinical significance for metabolic syndrome is inconsistent.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the role of trivalent chromium in managing metabolic syndrome.
• To synthesize current research on chromium's impact on metabolic syndrome components.

Main Methods:

• A narrative review of studies published between 2015 and 2025.
• Systematic literature search conducted in Scopus and Web of Science databases.
• Inclusion of randomized controlled trials, observational studies, experimental studies, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses.

Main Results:

• Studies reported mixed findings on trivalent chromium's effects on metabolic syndrome.
• Some research indicated improvements in glucose metabolism, insulin sensitivity, and lipid profiles.
• Other studies showed no significant effects, attributed to variations in study design, populations, and supplementation protocols.

Conclusions:

• Inconsistent research methodologies, small sample sizes, and lack of standardized protocols limit current data reliability.
• Heterogeneity among studied populations further impacts the generalizability of findings.
• Current evidence does not support widespread clinical use of trivalent chromium; further large-scale studies are needed.