Chromium picolinate improves insulin sensitivity in obese subjects with polycystic ovary syndrome.

Author: Lydic ML, McNurlan M, Bembo S, Mitchell L, Komaroff E, Gelato M

Author affiliation: Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Medicine, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology, Stony Brook University Hospital, State University of New York-Stony Brook School of Medicine, 1794-8091, USA. mlydic@notes2.cc.sunysb.edu

Publication date & source: 2006.07, Fertil Steril., 86(1):243-6. Epub 2006 May 30.

Publication type: Clinical Trial; Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

Trivalent chromium (1000 microg), as chromium picolinate, given without change in diet or activity level, caused a 38% mean improvement in glucose disposal rate in five obese subjects with polycystic ovary syndrome who were tested with a euglycemic hyperinsulinemic clamp technique. This suggests that chromium picolinate, an over-the-counter dietary product, may be useful as an insulin sensitizer in the treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome.