Chromium Picolinate for the Treatment of Metabolic Syndrome

Inclusion Criteria: * Meet at least two of the following criteria for diagnosis of metabolic syndrome: 1) systolic blood pressure higher than 130 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure higher than 85 mmHg in untreated patients OR use of more than one approved antihypertensive agent; 2) fasting glucose higher than 110 mg/dL; 3) fasting triglycerides higher than 150 mg/dL; 4) high density lipoprotein (HDL) less than 40 mg/dL for men and less than 50 mg/dL for women * Abdominal obesity defined by a waist circumference higher than 40 inches for men and 35 inches for women Exclusion Criteria: * Type 1 or 2 diabetes mellitus * Use of antihyperglycemic or insulin sensitizing medication within 3 months prior to study entry * Uncontrolled hypertension * Triglycerides higher than 800 mg/dL * Low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol higher than 190 mg/dL * History of renal insufficiency * History of liver disease or abnormal liver function tests (higher than 3x upper limit normal) * History of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease * History of congestive heart failure * Cancer within 5 years prior to study entry. Participants with a history of skin cancer are not excluded. * Surgery within 30 days prior to study entry * Use of niacin within 6 weeks prior to study entry * Use of fibrates within 12 weeks prior to study entry * History of alcohol or drug abuse * Participation in an investigational drug study within 6 weeks prior to study entry * Any major active rheumatologic, pulmonary, or dermatologic disease, or inflammatory condition * Unstable medical or psychological condition that would interfere with the study * Use of any chromium-containing dietary supplement within 3 months prior to study entry * Allergy or sensitivity to chromium, picolinic acid, or chromium picolinate * Use of beta blockers, corticosteroids, androgens, anticoagulants, and antiarrhythmics within 3 months prior to study entry * Use of dietary supplements within 30 days prior to study entry. Participants who use multivitamins, calcium, vitamin D, or (non-niacin) B vitamins are not excluded. * Pregnancy or breastfeeding