studies are compelling.... The available evidence suggests that chromium
supplementation can be used as a monotherapy [for depression and other mood
disorders] or as an adjunct therapy with conventional antidepressants.”^1
A 2011 review co-authored by Mischoulon (Iovieno, N., Dalton E. D., Fava, M. &
Mischoulon, D., “Second-tier Natural Antidepressants: Review and Critique,” Journal
of Affective Disorders 130(3):34 3 - 57 (2011)) describes chromium as part of the “next
wave of natural antidepressants.” The group reported on the evidence, focusing on the
Davidson et al.’s (2003)^2 placebo-controlled, double-blind pilot study in 15 subjects with
atypical major depression. Ten persons received chromium picolinate (initial dose of 400
mcg per day, increased to 600 mcg per day after 2 weeks) and 5 persons received
placebo for 8 weeks. Response rates were 70% for chromium vs. 0% for placebo
(p=.02), and remission rates were 60% for chromium vs. 0% for placebo (p=.04). A 50%
reduction in Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAM-D) score was evident as early as
week 2 in the patients receiving chromium. Treatment was well tolerated, although two
subjects reported insomnia.
The Natural Standard rates use of chromium for both depression and bipolar disorder as
“C,” “Unclear scientific evidence for this use.” But the Natural Standard acknowledges
that “early studies show that [chromium picolinate] may improve symptoms of
depression in people with atypical depression.”
- DRUG INTERACTIONS:
According to the Natural Standard, chromium may change the way the body processes
certain drugs and herbs using the liver’s cytochrome P450 enzyme system. As a result,
the level of these drugs may be increased in the blood and may cause increased effects
or adverse reactions. This concern seems more theoretical than real, at least with the
use that has been made of chromium in clinical practice. Brown and Gerbarg and
Iovieno have not observed any such interactions in extensive experience with chromium
picolinate.
