The Impact of Chromium Supplementation on Blood Pressure: A Systematic Review and Dose-Response Meta‑Analysis of Randomized‑Controlled Trials

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#humans #blood-pressure #chromium #dietary-supplements #hypertension

The Impact of Chromium Supplementation on Blood Pressure: A Systematic Review and Dose-Response Meta‑Analysis of Randomized‑Controlled Trials

Lari et al., 2021 | High Blood Press Cardiovasc Prev | Meta Analysis

Citation

Lari Abolfazl, Fatahi Somaye, ... Shidfar Farzad. The Impact of Chromium Supplementation on Blood Pressure: A Systematic Review and Dose-Response Meta‑Analysis of Randomized‑Controlled Trials. High Blood Press Cardiovasc Prev. 2021-Jul;28(4):333-342. doi:10.1007/s40292-021-00456-8

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Potential effects of chromium supplementation on blood pressure (BP) have been examined in several interventional studies. Nevertheless, findings in this context are controversial. AIM: Therefore, the current systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to comprehensively assess the impact of chromium supplementation on BP. METHODS: Five online databases including Web of Science, Scopus, Embase, Google Scholar, and PubMed were systematically searched from inception to March 2020. We included all randomized clinical trials (RCTs) evaluating the effects of chromium supplementation on systolic blood pressure (SBP) and/or diastolic blood pressure (DBP) in humans. RESULTS: The random-effects meta-analysis of 11 eligible RCTs with 637 participants demonstrated the significant decline in both SBP (WMD - 2.51 mmHg; 95% CI - 4.97 to - 0.05, p = 0.04) and DBP (WMD - 1.04 mmHg; 95% CI - 1.96 to - 0.12, p = 0.026) following supplementation with chromium. In subgroup analysis, studies that were administered chromium yeast and brewer's yeast, showed greater decrease in SBP. Also, in stratification based on participants' health status, significant reduction in SBP only was seen in diabetic patients with chronic heart disease (CHD). Nonlinear dose-response analysis revealed a significant influence of chromium dosage on SBP changes. CONCLUSION: The current meta-analysis, indicated that supplementation with chromium significantly decrease SBP and DBP. In subgroup analysis, administration of chromium yeast and brewer's yeast resulted in greater reduction in SBP. Further large-scale RCTs with better design are needed to confirm these findings.

Key Findings

The random-effects meta-analysis of 11 eligible RCTs with 637 participants demonstrated the significant decline in both SBP (WMD - 2.51 mmHg; 95% CI - 4.97 to - 0.05, p = 0.04) and DBP (WMD - 1.04 mmHg; 95% CI - 1.96 to - 0.12, p = 0.026) following supplementation with chromium. In subgroup analysis, studies that were administered chromium yeast and brewer's yeast, showed greater decrease in SBP. Also, in stratification based on participants' health status, significant reduction in SBP only was

Outcomes Measured

  • blood pressure
  • systolic blood pressure
  • diastolic blood pressure

Population

Field Value
Population chronic heart disease
Sample Size 637
Age Range See abstract
Condition blood pressure

MeSH Terms

  • Humans
  • Blood Pressure
  • Chromium
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Hypertension
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Meta Analysis
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Meta-Analysis, Systematic Review
  • Vertical: chromium

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09