Efficacy of Chromium Picolinate in Reducing Acanthosis Nigricans Severity in Adolescents with Insulin Resistance

Abstract

Background: Acanthosis nigricans (AN) is a well-known skin condition characterized by the development of hyperpigmented skin patches associated with abnormal texture and is closely related to metabolic syndromes characterized by insulin resistance. Chromium picolinate supplementation, especially, is suggested to improve insulin function in peripheral tissue by stimulating the insulin receptors. Which might ultimately improve the severity of acanthosis nigricans. There is not enough evidence to support the significance of this correlation. Objective: To determine the efficacy of chromium picolinate in reducing the clinical severity of acanthosis nigricans and improving insulin resistance in Iraqi adolescents and report any adverse effects. Methods: 95 adolescent patients with insulin resistance and acanthosis nigricans were randomly allocated into two groups in a 1:1 ratio. Group I (n=48) received chromium supplementation for 24 weeks, while Group II (n=47) received identical placebo capsules for the same duration. Changes in the baseline insulin resistance status and Acanthosis Nigricans severity were then recorded during follow-up visits at 8, 16, and 24 weeks. Results: Chromium supplementation significantly reduced Burke scores from baseline (mean 8.96±2.00) to 24 weeks (5.45±2.14) compared to placebo (9.04±1.92 to 8.00±1.88. HOMA-IR decreased markedly in the chromium group (4.10±0.92 to 2.75±0.89) versus placebo (3.96±0.84 to 3.62±0.85). Changes in HOMA-IR and Burke scores were strongly correlated (r=0.749, p<0.001). Conclusions: Chromium supplementation effectively improves insulin resistance and acanthosis nigricans severity in at-risk adolescents, supporting its use as a safe adjunctive therapy for metabolic dysfunction.