The effects of chromium supplementation on blood pressure: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials

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

The effects of chromium supplementation on blood pressure: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials

Ghanbari et al., 2022 | Eur J Clin Nutr | Meta Analysis

Citation

Ghanbari Mahtab, Amini Mohammad Reza, ... Shab-Bidar Sakineh. The effects of chromium supplementation on blood pressure: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. Eur J Clin Nutr. 2022-Mar;76(3):340-349. doi:10.1038/s41430-021-00973-8

Abstract

Results of studies on the effect of chromium supplementation on blood pressure (BP) are contradictory. The purpose of the current study was to carry out a meta-analysis on the effects of chromium supplementation on systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP). We conducted a systematic literature search of PubMed, SCOPUS, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Embase databases from inception up to July 2020 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that evaluate the impacts of chromium on SBP and DBP. A random-effects model was used to compute weighted mean differences (WMDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Heterogeneity was determined by I2 statistics and the Cochrane Q test. Sensitivity analysis was performed by eliminating each study one by one and recalculating the pooled effect. Ten studies comprising a total of 624 subjects were included in our meta-analysis. Chromium supplementation did not significantly change SBP (WMD: -0.642: 95% CI: (-2.15, 1.30) mmHg; p = 0.312; I2 = 12.7%) and DBP (WMD: -0.10; 95% CI: (-1.39, 1.18) mmHg; p = 0.070; I2 = 37.6%). Subgroup analysis based on dose and duration of chromium supplementation also did not significantly change the mean of SBP and DBP. The present meta-analysis of RCTs did not show the beneficial effects of chromium supplementation on BP in adults.

Key Findings

The present meta-analysis of RCTs did not show the beneficial effects of chromium supplementation on BP in adults.

Outcomes Measured

  • blood pressure
  • systolic blood pressure
  • diastolic blood pressure

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size 624
Age Range See abstract
Condition blood pressure

MeSH Terms

  • Adult
  • Blood Pressure
  • Chromium
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Humans
  • 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