Effect of chromium supplementation on hs-CRP, TNF-α and IL-6 as risk factor for cardiovascular diseases: A meta-analysis of randomized-controlled trials

Background: The objective of this systematic review is to assess the relationship between chromium supplementation and inflammatory biomarkers levels (hs-CRP, TNF-alpha, IL-6) as risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. Recent studies raise questions regarding the potential of chromium supplementation to decrease the blood-levels of inflammatory markers, lowering cellular oxidative stress as markers of myocardial infarction; however, the results of the researches are inconclusive. Methods: The following databases including PubMed, Scopus, Cochran Library and Embase databases were systematically searched until April 2020. Analysis was performed using random-effect model. Results: The pooled findings for biomarkers of inflammation showed that chromium supplementation significantly reduced serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) (WMD:-0.87 mg/dL, 95% CI:-1.49,-0.26), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) (WMD:-0.97 pg/ml; 95% CI:-1.92,-0.01) and chromium insignificantly reduced interleukin-6 (IL-6) (WMD:-0.45 pg/ml, 95% CI:-1.18, 0.29). Conclusion: Overall, the results of this systematic review and meta-analysis imply that chromium supplementation may help to improve biomarkers of inflammation as markers of myocardial infarction.

Automated summary

The systematic review found that chromium supplementation significantly reduced levels of certain inflammatory markers but had an insignificant effect on interleukin-6. Overall, the results suggest that chromium supplementation may improve biomarkers of inflammation related to myocardial infarction.