Comparison of the potential for developmental toxicity of prenatal exposure to two dietary chromium supplements, chromium picolinate and [Cr3O(O2CCH2CH3)(6(H2O)3]+, in mice.

BACKGROUND: Chromium(III) is generally thought to be an essential trace element that allows for proper glucose metabolism. However, chromium(III) picolinate, Cr(pic)3, a popular dietary supplement form of chromium, has been shown to be capable of generating hydroxyl radicals and oxidative DNA damage in rats. The cation [Cr3O(O2CCH2CH3)(6(H2O)3]+, Cr3, has been studied as an alternative supplemental source of chromium. It has been shown to increase insulin sensitivity and lower glycated hemoglobin levels in rats, making it attractive as a potential therapeutic treatment for gestational diabetes. To date, no studies have been published regarding the safety of Cr3 supplementation to a developing fetus. METHODS: From gestation days (GD) 6-17, mated CD-1 female mice were fed diets delivering either 25 mg Cr/kg/day as Cr(pic)(3), 3.3 or 26 mg Cr/kg/day as Cr3, or the diet only to determine if Cr3 could cause developmental toxicity. Dams were sacrificed on GD 17, and their litters were examined for adverse effects. RESULTS: No signs of maternal toxicity were observed. No decrease in fetal weight or significantly increased incidence of skeletal defects was observed in the Cr3 or Cr(pic)3 exposed fetuses compared to the controls. CONCLUSION: Maternal exposure to either Cr(pic)3 or Cr3 at the dosages employed did not appear to cause deleterious effects to the developing offspring in mice.