Dietary chromium(III) propionate complex supplementation affects tissue mineral levels in rats fed high-fructose diet

Chromium(III) plays an important role in carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, thus supplements containing this element are broadly advertised as efficient agents improving blood glucose levels or even reducing body mass. However, their hypoglycemic potential depends on the chemical form, bioavailability, dosage and the duration of treatment. Chromium(III) supplementation is generally considered safe although some data point to interaction of this ion with other elements. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of chromium(III) supplementation on tissue mineral content in rats fed highfructose diets. Nine-week old male Wistar rats were fed ad libitum with a standard diet (control) or a high-fructose diet to induce insulin resistance. Next, supplementary dosages of chromium(III) propionate complex (1.0 and 5.0 mg Cr kg–1 b.w. day–1) were introduced and rats were fed those diets for 4 weeks. It has been found that supplementary chromium(III) did not affect tissue calcium, iron and zinc levels, but significantly increased hepatic magnesium and copper level, while decreasing splenic copper level in rats fed high-fructose diets. Higher chromium(III) dosages increased content of this element in kidneys. In conclusion, short-term supplementation of chromium(III) propionate complex affects mineral homeostasis in the tissues of rats fed high-fructose diets; however, the mechanisms of such interactions are only partially known.