Posted by Rick on June 11, 2002, at 18:55:59
In reply to Chromium Picolinate for depression? DR.BOB/read , posted by polarbear206 on June 11, 2002, at 15:21:38
What I've read refers to Chromium Picolinate or Polynicotinate (Chromium bound to Niacin) as a potentially useful antidepressant-augmenting agent in dysthymic (ongoing, low-level) depression. (BTW, this supplement is most popular as an aid to blood sugar control among non-insulin-dependent diabetics or those at risk for diabetes.)
Here's a quote from the Natural Medicines Database, an objective evidence-based guide written by pharmacists:
"...there is some preliminary evidence that chromium might improve the response to antidepressants in people with dysthymic disorder. Chromium picolinate or chromium polynicotinate 200 mcg once or twice daily appears to improve mood in people who have only a partial response to antidepressants such as sertraline or nortriptyline. More evidence is needed to rate chromium for this use."
And another quote..."It is also theorized that chromium might enhance glucose utilization in the brain, stimulate norepinephrine release, and increase serotonin synthesis, which could lead to beneficial effects in dysthymic disorder (mild depression)."
Apparently it's the picolinic acid, not the chromium, that drives the possible mental effects. "Chromium picolinate is a complex of chromium and picolinic acid, which is a naturally occurring metabolic derivative of tryptophan."
On the flip side, there have been some adverse cognitive, sleep, and mood effects reported with Chromium Picolinate, although I suppose the same could be said for just about any psychotropic med.
Also, "There is some evidence that chromium picolinate can enter cells unchanged and then produce hydroxyl radicals when the chromium is released, which might cause DNA damage. The clinical significance of this potential harmful effect is not known." This finding was in a U.S. rodent study. A separate study showed that the polynicotinate form did not cause similar damage, so it may be safer.
They do refer to work from UNC-Chapel Hill, specifically the following Medline abstact:J Clin Psychiatry 1999 Apr;60(4):237-40 Related Articles, Books, LinkOut
Chromium potentiation of antidepressant pharmacotherapy for dysthymic disorder in 5 patients.McLeod MN, Gaynes BN, Golden RN.
Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill 27599-7160, USA.
BACKGROUND: Dysthymic disorder is a relatively common illness that is often treated with antidepressants. Compared with the study of major depression, there has been little systematic study of potentiation strategies for antidepressant-refractory dysthymic disorder. METHOD: Following a patient's report of dramatic response to the addition of chromium supplementation to sertraline pharmacotherapy for dysthymic disorder (DSM-IV), the authors initiated a series of single-blind and open-label trials of chromium picolinate or chromium polynicotinate in the treatment of antidepressant-refractory dysthymic disorder. RESULTS: In a series of 5 patients, chromium supplementation led to remission of dysthymic symptoms. Single-blind substitution of other dietary supplements in each of the patients demonstrated specificity of response to chromium supplementation. CONCLUSION: Preliminary observations suggest that chromium may potentiate antidepressant pharmacotherapy for dysthymic disorder. Controlled studies are indicated to test the validity of these initial observations.
Rick
> I just got done reading a post on another board about this mineral suppliment being studied for depression. The person who posted said he has been on it since December 2001 and the results have been very positive. The professor of psychiatry there says it's the most exciting advance in the treatment of depression that he's seen in 25 years of psychiatry. He reccomends starting with 3mcg./lb./day. this can be doubled if needed. Are any of you aware of this? He said the study is being done at UNC-CH med school and at DUKE.
>
> Thanks.
poster:Rick
thread:109502
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020609/msgs/109519.html