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Chromium Supplementation Reduces Resting Heart Rate in Patients with Metabolic Syndrome and Impaired Glucose Tolerance

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Abstract

Chromium (Cr) is considered as an important mineral, involved in biochemical reactions in human metabolic pathways. Organically bound Cr supplementation has been suggested to improve glycemia especially in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, but there are conflicting reports on efficacy. Effect of Cr is not clear in prediabetes status. Seventy patients with metabolic syndrome and impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), who are observed and treated in the Center of Preventive Cardiology of the University Hospital in Pilsen, were included in the prospective, randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled clinical study. Effect of Cr-enriched yeast (200 μg of elementary Cr in the morning and 100 μg in the evening) on glucose, lipid metabolism, fat tissue hormones, oxidative stress, and DNA damage markers was analyzed. There were no significant changes in glucose and lipid parameters, oxidative stress, or other laboratory markers. Only resting heart rate was significantly reduced in patients treated by Cr yeast, reflecting reduced sympathetic activity. This could represent an important cardiovascular risk reduction in patients with high cardiometabolic risk.

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Acknowledgements

Christian Sindberg, M.Sc., is an empolyee of Research Department, Pharma Nord ApS, Vejle, Denmark. Pharma Nord, Denmark, provided placebo, Cr tablets, and glucose solutions for oGTT. However, no monies were received from Pharma Nord. Laboratory methods were supported by the Charles University Research Grant (Medical Faculty in Pilsen P-36).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Center of Preventive Cardiology, 2nd Medical Department, Medical Faculty in Pilsen and Faculty Hospital, Charles University Prague, Pilsen, Czech Republic

    Barbora Nussbaumerova, Hana Rosolova, Miroslav Krizek & Frantisek Sefrna

  2. Institute of Clinical Biochemistry and Hematology, Medical Faculty in Pilsen and Faculty Hospital, Charles University Prague, Pilsen, Czech Republic

    Jaroslav Racek

  3. New Technologies for the Information Society, European Centre of Excellence, Faculty of Applied Sciences, University of West Bohemia, Pilsen, Czech Republic

    Ludek Müller

  4. Research Department, Pharma Nord ApS, Vejle, Denmark

    Christian Sindberg

Authors
  1. Barbora Nussbaumerova
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  2. Hana Rosolova
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  3. Miroslav Krizek
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  4. Frantisek Sefrna
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  5. Jaroslav Racek
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  6. Ludek Müller
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  7. Christian Sindberg
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Christian Sindberg.

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The study was approved by the local Ethical Committee of the University Hospital in Pilsen.

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Nussbaumerova, B., Rosolova, H., Krizek, M. et al. Chromium Supplementation Reduces Resting Heart Rate in Patients with Metabolic Syndrome and Impaired Glucose Tolerance. Biol Trace Elem Res 183, 192–199 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12011-017-1128-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12011-017-1128-6

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