Effects of chromium supplementation on glucose tolerance in obese and nonobese cats

Objective-To determine effects of dietary supplementation with chromium (Cr) picolinate on health and response to IV glucose tolerance testing (IVGTT) in obese and nonobese cats. Animals-7 obese and 12 nonobese cats. Procedure-6 nonobese cats were untreated controls, whereas 6 different nonobese cats and 7 obese cats received oral administration of 100 mu g Cr/d for 6 weeks. All cats were evaluated before and immediately after the treatment period by use of physical examination, CBC, serum biochemical analyses, and IVGTT. Calculated values included glucose half-life, coefficient of glucose disappearance, insulin peak response, insulinogenic index, and insulin secretion rate determined at various times after start of IVGTT. Results-Adverse effects on cats' health were not observed during or after treatment, and significant changes in body weight, hematologic values, or most serum biochemical values were not detected. Serum potassium concentration decreased significantly after treatment in obese cats but was within reference range. Compared with nonobese cats, obese cats had significantly higher insulin peak response, insulinogenic index, and insulin secretion rate before and after treatment. Chromium supplementation did not alter responses to IVGTT in either treatment group. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance-Dietary supplementation with 100 mu g of Cr/d for 6 weeks is safe but does not affect glucose tolerance in obese or nonobese cats.