From the Department of Clinical Biochemistry, College of Medicine and Allied Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah. Received 13th June 1999. Accepted for publication in final form 26th October 1999. Address correspondence and reprint request to: Dr. Suhad M. A. Bahijri, Department of Clinical Biochemistry, College of Medicine and Allied Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Tel. 640 3844 Ext. 25242. Fax. 695 2076. vidence of a human nutritional requirement for chromium was reported in the mid-sixties. 1-3 Later supplementation studies confirmed its role in improving impaired glucose tolerance, 4-8 in reducing serum triglycerides levels, 9 and increasing high- density lipoprotein (HDL) -cholesterol. 10,11 The recommended safe and adequate intake for trivalent chromium (Cr) was estimated at 50-200μg/day for adults. 12,13 Only individuals consuming unbalanced inadequate diets, and showing some irregularities in their glucose metabolism might be expected to benefit from Cr supplement. The response to Cr E supplementation was noted to be stronger in developing countries with nutritional problems than it is in well-developed countries. 14 The newly adopted life style in Saudi Arabia has seriously affected the traditional way of life and diet, leading to increased consumption of refined and processed foods which lose much of their Cr content during such treatment. 15 Hence it is likely that some of the inhabitants of this area of the world are at risk of Cr deficiency. A study of the prevalence of such deficiency in our population will be of value, and might aid in better management of glucose Objectives: To investigate chromium status of the adult population in the western region of Saudi Arabia and the possibility of using serum chromium status measurement as indicator of this status. Methods: The effect of chromium supplement on glucose tolerance and lipid profile was studied in 44 normal, free living adults. 200μg chromium/day as CrCL3 or a placebo was given in a double blind cross-over study, with 8 weeks experimental periods. Fasting, 1 hour and 2 hour post glucose challenge (75g of glucose) glucose, serum fructosamine, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein- cholesterol, triglycerides, chromium and dietary intakes were estimated at the beginning and the end of each stage. Results: Mean serum chromium increased significantly after supplement (P<.001) indicating proper absorption of the element. Supplement did not effect the total cholesterol, however, the mean high-density lipoprotein- cholesterol level was significantly increased (P<.001), the mean triglycerides levels significantly decreased (P<.001), and the mean fructosamine level significantly decreased Effect of chromium supplementation on glucose tolerance and lipid profile Suhad M. Bahijri, Ph.D. ABSTRACT 45 (P<.05). In addition, chromium supplement effected 1 hour and 2 hour post glucose challenge glucose levels in subgroups of subjects with 2 hour glucose level > 10% above or below fasting level and significantly differing to it (P<.05 in both cases), by decreasing or increasing them significantly (P<.05 in all cases) so that the 2 hour mean became not significantly different to the fasting mean. Since no significant changes in weight, dietary intake or habits were found, and placebo had no effect, all noted biochemical changes were attributed to chromium. Conclusion: Improved glucose control, and lipid profile following chromium supplement suggests the presence of low chromium status in the studied population. However, serum chromium could not be recommended for use as an indicator of chromium status as subjects with widely varying levels responded favorably to the chromium supplement. Keywords: Chromium supplement, glucose control, lipid profile, serum chromium. Saudi Medical Journal 2000; Vol. 21 (1): 45-50