Effects of chromium brewer's yeast supplementation on body mass, blood carbohydrates, and lipids and minerals in type 2 diabetic patients

Biol Trace Elem Res. 2011 Nov;143(2):726-37. doi: 10.1007/s12011-010-8917-5. Epub 2010 Dec 18.

Abstract

Chromium(III) is considered as an essential element for carbohydrate and lipid metabolism. The aim of this clinical study was to evaluate the efficacy of Cr brewer's yeast supplementation on body mass, carbohydrate, lipids and mineral indices in type 2 diabetic patients. Twenty adult type 2 diabetic subjects (11 males and 9 females aged 37-63) were supplemented with Cr brewer's yeast in dosages of 500 μg Cr/person/day or placebo for 8 weeks in a double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover design. It was found that supplemental Cr did not affect body mass, blood lipid profile, resistin levels, and the serum and hair Zn, Fe, and Cu levels, but increased serum Cr (by 116%) and hair Cr (by 20.6%) concentrations and improved some blood carbohydrate indices (significant increase in the β cell function index by 18.8%) in type 2 diabetic patients. In conclusion, Cr brewer's yeast has a weak hypoglycemic potential, but does not affect body mass, blood biochemical profile, and microelement levels in type 2 diabetic subjects.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Blood Glucose / drug effects*
  • Chromium / blood
  • Chromium / metabolism
  • Chromium / therapeutic use*
  • Cross-Over Studies
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / blood*
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Female
  • Hair / chemistry
  • Humans
  • Hypoglycemic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Lipid Metabolism / drug effects*
  • Lipids / blood*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Minerals / blood*
  • Saccharomyces cerevisiae*

Substances

  • Blood Glucose
  • Hypoglycemic Agents
  • Lipids
  • Minerals
  • Chromium