Effects of Chromium Picolinate on Body Composition in a Remedial ConditioningProgram

摘要

Recent evidence suggests that nutritional supplementation with chromiumpicolinate might help reduce excess body fat and increase lean muscle mass. This study explored the efficiency of chromium picolinate as a weight-reduction aid for obese personnel enrolled in the Navy's mandatory remedial conditioning program (Level I). Participants were 95 active-duty Navy members (79 men, 16 women) enrolled in several remedial programs, which met a minimum of three times per week for at least 30 minutes of aerobic exercise. The study employed a double- blind, placebo-controlled protocol. Percent body fat was computed from body circumference measurements obtained at baseline and again after 16 weeks. Participants also completed a pre-post questionnaire concerning their lifestyle habits. Half of the participants received a daily capsule containing 400 micrograms of chromium picolinate; the other half received a placebo. At the end of 16 weeks, the group as a whole had lost a small amount of weight and body fat; however, the Chromium group failed to show a significantly greater reduction in either percent body fat or body weight, or a greater increase in lean body mass, than did the Placebo group. It was concluded that chromium picolinate was ineffective in enhancing body fat reduction in this group. -BKA.