Adrenocorticotropic Hormone and Cortisol Levels in Athletes and Sedentary Subjects at Rest and Exhaustion: Effects of Magnesium Supplementation

The effects of a 1-month exercise program and magnesium supplementation on the adrenocorticotropic hormone and cortisol levels were studied in young tae-kwon-do and sedentary subjects both at rest and exhaustion. The hormone levels were compared before and after supplementation with 10 mg of magnesium (as magnesium sulfate) per kilogram of body weight. Both exercise and magnesium supplements caused significant increases of the adrenocorticotropic hormone (p < 0.05). The cortisol levels were increased in training subjects receiving supplements (p < 0.05) but not so in subjects that either trained or received magnesium supplements in an independent manner. The cortisol levels measured in resting individuals were higher in the supplemented and non-supplemented athletes than those in sedentary subjects (p < 0.05). The results of this study show that exercise and/or magnesium supplementation causes a rise of the adrenocorticotropic hormone, whereas cortisol is increased only as a result of combined exhaustion and magnesium supplements.     

Sodium Zeolite A Supplementation and Its Impact on the Skeleton of Dairy Calves

Twenty calves were placed on study at 3 days of age and were placed according to birth order into one of two groups: SS, which received 0.05% BW sodium zeolite A (SZA) added to their milk replacer, and CO, which received only milk replacer. Blood samples were taken on days 0, 30, and 60 for osteocalcin (OC) and deoxypyridinoline (DPD) analysis. On day 60, the calves were euthanized, and synovial fluid, articular cartilage, and both fused metacarpals were collected for bone quality analyses such as architecture and mechanical properties, mineral composition, and glycosaminoglycan concentration. There were no differences in OC concentrations because of treatment (p = 0.12), and CO calves had lower DPD concentrations than SS calves (p = 0.01), but the OC-to-DPD ratio was not different between treatments (p = 0.98). No differences in bone architecture or mechanical properties were detected. SZA supplementation increased cortical bone (p = 0.0002) and articular cartilage (p = 0.05) aluminum content. Glycosaminoglycan concentrations were not different in synovial fluid or cartilage. Supplementation of SZA appeared to alter the rate of bone turnover without altering bone strength. Aluminum concentrations in the bone and cartilage increased, which may be a concern, although the long-term consequences of such remain to be determined.     

Effect of Magnesium Supplementation on Some Plasma Elements in Athletes at Rest and Exhaustion

The effects of magnesium supplementation on plasma magnesium, zinc, and copper levels were determined in young adult tae-kwon-do athletes and sedentary controls at rest and exhaustion. After a 4-week supplementation period with 10 mg/day/kg Mg, the plasma magnesium, copper, and zinc levels significantly increased in sedentary and training (90–120 min training 5 days a week) subjects when compared to nonsupplemented controls (p < 0.05).     

Urine Iodine Levels in Preeclamptic and Normal Pregnant Women

The aim of this study was to investigate the urine iodine concentration in women with severe preeclampsia and in healthy women in Erzurum, Turkey. Urine specimens were obtained from 40 severe preeclampsia and 18 healthy pregnant women. Urinary iodine levels were determined by the Foss method based on the Sandell–Kolthoff reaction. The urinary iodine level for women with severe preeclampsia was 4.25 ± 2.7 μg/dL, lower than 20.89 ± 6.4 μg/dL of urinary iodine for healthy pregnant women (p < 0.001). Blood magnesium concentration was found to be 1.63 ± 0.05 mg/dL for women with severe preeclampsia, which is lower than that of healthy pregnant women (1.87 ± 0.05 mg/dL; p < 0.001). There was a positive correlation between urinary iodine level and blood magnesium level in pregnant women with preeclampsia (Pearson correlation coefficient = 0.43; p < 0.01). However, there was no correlation between urinary iodine level and blood magnesium level in healthy pregnant women. There was no difference in thyroid hormone levels (T4, TSH, FT4) between women with severe preeclampsia and healthy pregnant women. However, there was a difference in T3 thyroid hormone levels between women with severe preeclampsia (1.86 ± 0.4 μg/dL) and healthy pregnant women (1.45 ± 0.3 μg/dL; p < 0.001). There was also a difference in FT3 between women with severe preeclampsia (2.77 ± 0.4 pg/mL) and healthy pregnant women (2.41 ± 0.5 μg/dL; p < 0.01). Urinary iodine excretion is currently the most convenient laboratory marker of iodine deficiency. The method is useful for the rapid and low-cost assessment of iodine deficiency. Our results suggested that urinary iodine concentration might be a useful marker for prediagnosing preeclamptic women. In addition, iodine supplementation may also be considered for preeclamptic therapy.     

Effects of raloxifene and estradiol on bone turnover parameters in intact and ovariectomized rats

This study was designed to investigate effects of raloxifene (RLX) and estradiol on bone formation and resorption in intact and ovariectomized (ovx) rat models. In the intact model, a total of 24 adult female rats were divided into three groups: Controls subcutaneously received saline alone. RLX (2 mg/kg) and estradiol (30 μg/kg) were injected to two groups of animals for a period of 6 weeks at two daily intervals. In the second model, rats (n = 24) were ovx and allowed to recover for a period of at least 3 weeks. Control group received vehicle alone. Remaining rats were divided into two groups and injected with RLX (2 mg/kg) and estradiol (30 μg/kg) for 6 weeks. Urine samples were collected from all animals 24 h after the last drug administration. Urinary deoxypyridinoline (DPD) was measured by ELISA. Serum parathyroid hormone (PTH), calcitonin, and osteocalcin levels were measured by immunoradiometric method. Serum concentrations of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), Ca, and inorganic phosphate were determined by enzymatic–colorimetric method. Lumbar vertebrae (L2) of all animals were dissected out and processed for histopathological evaluation. Removal of ovaries significantly elevated urinary DPD levels (p < 0.01) compared with intact controls. Treatment of both intact and ovx rats with estradiol resulted in significant decreases (p < 0.01) in DPD values. RLX administration had no significant effect in the intact rats, but it remarkably reduced bone turnover in the ovx animals (p < 0.001). Both estradiol and RLX produced conflicting effects on serum ALP, osteocalcin, and PTH levels in both animal models. These findings suggest that RLX exerts its protective effects by reducing bone resorption, similar to that of estradiol, in ovx rats.     

Effect of Montmorillonite Superfine Composite on Growth Performance and Tissue Lead Level in Pigs

A feeding trial was conducted to study the effect of montmorillonite superfine composite (MSC) on growth performance and tissue lead levels in pigs. Sixty barrows were randomly divided into two groups. They were fed the same basal diet supplemented with 0 or 0.5% MSC, respectively, for 100 days. Serum samples were collected and analyzed to study growth hormone secretion pattern. The mean lead concentration in selected tissues was analyzed. The results showed that average daily gain, average daily feed intake, and feed conversion ratio of pigs were improved by 8.97% (p < 0.05), 3.90% (p < 0.05), and 4.76% (p < 0.05), respectively, with the supplementation of MSC compared to the control group. Serum sample analysis indicated that peak amplitude, base-line level, and mean level of growth hormone were increased by 117.14% (p < 0.01), 42.78% (p < 0.01), and 51.75% (p < 0.01), respectively. Supplementation of MSC in the diet was found to significantly reduce lead concentration of tissues in blood, brain, liver, bone, kidney and hair.     

The Effect of Vitamin A Supplementation on Various Elements in Elite Taekwondo Players

The present study aims to examine the effects of both physical activity and vitamin A supplementation on trace element metabolism in individuals engaged in taekwondo. The study registered seven healthy male national taekwondo players whose mean age was 21.86 ± 0.34 years and mean weight was 64.86 ± 2.72 kg. The subjects were supplemented with oral administration of 100 mg vitamin A (retinol) for 6 weeks, and concurrently, they were subjected to taekwondo training 5 days a week. Before starting the vitamin A supplementation, blood samples were taken from the subjects twice, once at rest and once after exhaustion. Similarly, at the end of the 6-week vitamin A supplementation, two blood samples were taken from the subjects, once at rest and once after exhaustion, in order to determine (by atomic emission) and compare serum cobalt, molybdenum, calcium, cadmium, chromium, copper, manganese, sodium, nickel, phosphorus, sulfur, iron, boron, and zinc (mg/L) levels. Values of boron and nickel dropped significantly after 6-week vitamin A supplementation (p < 0.001). Reduced levels of boron and nickel we obtained in the present study are believed to result from the antioxidant effect of long-term vitamin A supplementation.     

Effects of Exhaustion and Calcium Supplementation on Adrenocorticotropic Hormone and Cortisol Levels in Athletes

The present study was performed to investigate the effects of strenuous exercise and calcium supplementation on cortisol and adrenocorticotropic hormone levels in athletes at rest and exhaustion. Thirty male athletes, ages 17–21 years, were enrolled in the 4-week study. They were divided into three groups as follows: group 1 (n = 10): training without supplementation; group 2 (n = 10): training and calcium supplemented, and group 3 (n = 10): calcium supplemented without training. Venous blood samples were obtained for determination of the hormones. One-month supplementation with calcium does not influence the cortisol and adrenocorticotropic hormone in athletes, but strenuous exercise results in a significant increase in their levels with or without supplementation (p < 0.05).     

Effect of Zinc Supplementation on Antioxidant Activity in Young Wrestlers

This study aims to examine the effect of zinc supplementation on free-radical formation and antioxidant system in individuals who are actively engaged in wrestling as a sport. The study registered a total of 40 male subjects, of whom 20 were wrestlers and 20 were sedentary individuals. The subjects were equally allocated to four groups: group 1, zinc-supplemented sportsmen group; group 2, sportsmen group without supplementation; group 3, zinc-supplemented sedentary group; group 4, sedentary group without supplementation. Blood samples were collected from all subjects twice, once at the beginning of the study and once again at the end of 8-week procedures. The blood samples collected were analyzed to determine the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), serum glutathione (GSH), serum glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity, serum superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity (ELISA colorimetric method) and zinc (colorimetric method). No difference was found between MDA levels of the study groups in the beginning of the study. The highest MDA value at the end of the study was obtained in group 4 (p < 0.01). MDA levels in group 2 were established to be significantly higher than those in groups 1 and 3 (p < 0.01). GSH level, GPx, and SOD activities and zinc level measured in the beginning of the study were not different between groups. Measurements performed at the end of the study showed that groups 1 and 3 (zinc-supplemented groups) had the highest GSH level, GPx, and SOD activities and zinc level (p < 0.01). These parameters were not different in the groups without supplementation (groups 2 and 4). Results obtained at the end of the study indicate that zinc supplementation prevents production of free radicals by activating the antioxidant system. In conclusion, physiologic doses of zinc supplementation to athletes may beneficially contribute to their health and performance.     

The Effects of Exercise and Zinc Deficiency on Some Elements in Rats

The objective of the present study was to determine the effects of exercise and zinc deficiency on some elements in rats. Forty adult male Sprague–Dawley species male rats were allocated to four groups as follows: Group 1: control, Group 2: zinc-deficient, Group 3: exercise in which exercise group fed with a normal diet, Group 4: zinc-deficient exercise, exercise group fed by a zinc-deficient diet for 15 days. After the procedure ended, rats in groups 3 and 4 were exercised on the treadmill for 60 min at a speed of 6 m/min until the exhaustion. The rats were decapitated 48 h after exercise together with their controls, and blood samples were collected to determine copper (Cu), iron (Fe), magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca), and phosphorus (P) levels. The highest Cu and Fe values in the serum were obtained in group 2 (p < 0.01). The levels of these elements in group 4 were lower than those in group 2 and higher than the levels in groups 1 and 3 (p < 0.01). Serum Mg levels did not differ significantly between groups. Group 4 had the lowest serum Ca and P levels (p < 0.01). These same parameters in Group 2 were higher than those in group 4 but significantly lower than those in groups 1 and 3 (p < 0.01). There was no significant difference between Ca and P levels of groups 1 and 3. The results of the study indicate that zinc deficiency adversely affects copper, iron, calcium, and phosphorus mechanisms and that these adverse effects much more marked after an effort exercise.     

Effects of Multivitamin/Mineral Supplementation on Trace Element Levels in Serum and Follicular Fluid of Women Undergoing in Vitro Fertilization (IVF)

We investigated effects of multivitamin/mineral supplementation on element levels in serum and follicular fluid of women undergoing IVF. We used three groups in this study. The first group was used as an age-matched and nonpregnant control (n = 13). Group 2 (n = 30) constituted the IVF group and women in the third group who were undergoing IVF also received a multivitamin/mineral tablet daily for 45 days. Follicular fluid and serum selenium and zinc levels and follicular fluid copper levels were lower in IVF patients than in controls although follicular fluid aluminum and iron levels were higher in IVF patients than in controls. However, follicular fluid and serum aluminum, copper, zinc and selenium levels, and serum magnesium levels were higher in the multivitamin/mineral group than in the IVF group although follicular fluid iron levels were lower in the multivitamin/mineral group than in the IVF group. In conclusion, we observed that copper, zinc, and selenium in serum and follicular fluid decreased in women undergoing IVF. Multivitamin/mineral supplementation in serum and follicular fluid of women undergoing IVF normalized the trace element levels.     

老年女性类风湿关节炎合并骨质疏松症的代谢特点分析

目的:探讨老年女性类风湿关节炎(RA)合并骨质疏松症的代谢特点。方法:选择老年绝经后女性RA患者共59例,检测患者血生化代谢指标如血糖、血脂、CRP等和骨代谢指标如骨钙素(OC)、β-胶原特殊序列(β-Crosslaps)甲状旁腺素(iPTH)等,并进行统计分析。结果:骨质疏松患者的绝经时间、病程长度、OC、β-Crosslaps、iPTH显著高于骨量正常和骨量减少的患者,25羟基维生素D显著低于骨量正常和骨量减少的患者(P均0.05)。RA患者的骨密度水平与是否使用激素和X线分期情况无关。结论:老年女性RA患者易发生骨质疏松,出现骨质疏松的RA女性患者绝经时间更长,可出现脂代谢紊乱及明显的维生素D缺乏,并具有高转换型骨代谢特点。     

Dialysability of Magnesium and Calcium from Hospital Duplicate Meals: Influence Exerted by Other Elements

Total and dialysable magnesium and calcium levels and corresponding dialysabilities were measured in duplicate meals (n = 108) during 36 consecutive days. The interaction exerted by other nutrients and energy on them was also performed. Total mean magnesium and calcium fractions of 113.9 ± 98.3 and 337.2 ± 278.9 mg/meal respectively, were found. The Mg and Ca levels supplied by meals are positively (p < 0.05) correlated with macronutrient contents (carbohydrates and proteins). The mean dialysable Mg and Ca fractions were 56.9 ± 36.3 and 127.4 ± 112.3 mg/meal (50.4 ± 13.2 and 37.8 ± 10.7% as dialysabilities, respectively). Total Mg and Ca levels are significantly correlated with corresponding element dialysabilities (p < 0.05). For both minerals, significant correlations between their total and dialysable fractions and between their dialysable level and dialysabilities were noted (p < 0.01). The mean Mg and Ca daily dietary intakes (DDI) were 341.7 ± 68.0 and 1,011.6 ± 424.4 mg/day, respectively. For Ca and Mg the existence of similarities in their behaviour in meals and absorptive processes has been found. Duplicate meals with raw vegetables are good sources of bioaccessible Mg. High Ca dialysability has been found in the analysed meals. The fish and products constitute a good source of bioaccessible Ca. Mg, Ca, zinc, and chromium levels enhanced significantly the Mg dialysability. The Ca dialysability rose significantly with dialysable Ca and chromium fractions (p < 0.05).     

Trace Elements Analysis of Urine and Hair in Tuberculous Pleurisy

In this study, copper, zinc, magnesium, manganese, selenium, and iron of urine and hair were measured in the patients with tuberculous (TB) pleurisy (n = 24) and in the control group (n = 20). Selenium, magnesium, and zinc of hair were found to be significantly lower in TB pleurisy cases than those in the control group (p < 0.05, p < 0.001, and p < 0.01, respectively). On the contrary, selenium and magnesium of urine were found to be significantly elevated in TB pleurisy cases than those in the control group (p < 0.05 and p < 0.001, respectively). There was no significant difference in the value of manganese and iron between TB pleurisy and the control group (p > 0.05). Copper level were significantly increased in hair and decreased in urine of the patients (p < 0.01). The occurrence of these abnormalities constitutes new information regarding trace elements in TB pleurisy patients. These results may provide an additional disease correlate for assessing TB pleurisy risk.     

Functional Effects of Short-Term Treatment with Amiodarone on Thyroid Tissues of the Rabbit

The effect of short-term treatment with Amiodarone on thyroid gland tissue was studied in a group of 26 New Zealand albino rabbits. Ten rabbits were left untreated and served as controls; the remaining animals were treated with 10 mg/kg/day Amiodarone. The serum levels of serum triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels were measured at days 0 (baseline), 7, 30, and 45. The serum selenium levels were also measured, but only on days 0 and 45 of the experiment. At the end of the experiment the animals were sacrificed and the levels of selenium, T3, T4, and iodine were determined in thyroid tissue. After 30 days treatment the values of T3 were significantly lower than those of the untreated controls or the baseline levels (p < 0.001). The T4 level was significantly lower and the TSH value was significantly higher after 45 days of Amiodarone (p < 0.001). In thyroid tissue the T3, T4, and iodine levels were significantly higher in the treated group when compared to untreated controls (p < 0.05). These results show that Amiodarone induces changes in the hormone levels in both serum and thyroid tissues, as well as in the amount of iodine taken up by the thyroid gland in rabbits.     

Effects of Chromium Picolinate on Micronucleus Frequency and Morphology of Lymphocytes in Calves

We report the effects of chromium picolinate (CrPic) on micronucleus frequency, morphology of lymphocytes, and lipid peroxidation in calves. Twenty-four Holstein calves were selected for the study. They were kept in a farm and were fed a commercially available calf diet and alfalfa, ad libitum. The animals were divided into three groups of eight subjects each and were treated as follows: The first group was supplemented with a daily dose of 200 μg Cr as chromium picolinate; a second group received 400 μg Cr per day and a third group that served as control received no supplemental chromium. After 12-week supplementation, blood samples were collected to determine the micronucleus frequency, the apoptotic cell percentage, and the malondialdehyde (MDA) and blood chromium levels. In both supplemented groups, the cells had irregularly shaped and segmented nuclei. Supplementation also increased the percentage of apoptotic cells (p < 0.001) and serum MDA (p < 0.01) and slightly increased the chromium levels. The animals supplemented with 400 μg showed a significant increase of micronucleus frequency (p < 0.01). The results of this study suggest that supplementation with 200 and 400 μg chromium as chromium picolinate may lead to cytotoxicity. The higher level of supplementation may also have genotoxic effects. However, further studies investigating the mechanism of the action of CrPic are required.     

The Effects of Chromium Histidinate on Mineral Status of Serum and Tissue in Fat-Fed and Streptozotocin-Treated Type II Diabetic Rats

The present study was conducted to investigate the effects of chromium histidinate (CrHis) against experimentally induced type II diabetes and on chromium (Cr), zinc (Zn), selenium (Se), manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), and copper (Cu) in serum, liver, and kidney of diabetic rats. The male Wistar rats (n = 60, 8 weeks old) were divided into four groups. Group I received a standard diet (12% of calories as fat); group II were fed standard diet and received CrHis (110 mcg CrHis/kg body weight per day); group III received a high-fat diet (HFD; 40% of calories as fat) for 2 weeks and then were injected with streptozotocin (STZ) on day 14 (STZ, 40 mg/kg i.p.; HFD/STZ); group IV were treated as group III (HFD/STZ) but supplemented with 110 mcg CrHis/kg body weight per day. The mineral concentrations in the serum and tissue were determined by atomic absorption spectrometry. Compared to the HFD/STZ group, CrHis significantly increased body weight and reduced blood glucose in diabetic rats (p < 0.001). Concentrations of Cr, Zn, Se, and Mn in serum, liver, and kidney of the diabetic rats were significantly lower than in the control rats (p < 0.0001). In contrast, higher Fe and Cu levels were found in serum and tissues from diabetic versus the non-diabetic rats (p < 0.001). Chromium histidinate supplementation increased serum, liver, and kidney concentrations of Cr and Zn both in diabetic and non-diabetic rats (p < 0.001). Chromium supplementation increased Mn and Se levels in diabetic rats (p < 0.001); however, it decreased Cu levels in STZ-treated group (p < 0.001). Chromium histidinate supplementation did not affect Fe levels in both groups (p > 0.05). The results of the present study conclude that supplementing Cr to the diet of diabetic rats influences serum and tissue Cr, Zn, Se, Mn, and Cu concentrations.     

Relationship Between Serum Calcium and Magnesium Concentrations and Metabolic Syndrome Diagnostic Components in Middle-Aged Korean Men

It is thought that calcium and magnesium may be related to metabolic disorders such as obesity and metabolic syndrome; however, to date, there have been few studies investigating the association between serum calcium and magnesium levels and metabolic syndrome in middle-aged male adults. We aimed to investigate the association between serum calcium and magnesium levels and metabolic syndrome in Korean middle-aged male adults. Study subjects included 213 men aged 30∼60 years. MetS risk score is determined by adding the number of risk factors, waist circumference, triacylglyceride (TG), HDL cholesterol, glucose, and blood pressure (BP). The study population was divided into three groups according to the MetS risk score: group I (MetS risk score ≤1; n = 106), group II (MetS risk score = 2; n = 51), and group III (MetS risk score ≥3; n = 56). The serum Ca, according to increase of MetS risk score, was significantly higher (p < 0.001), and there was no significant difference in serum Mg concentration among the three groups. Subjects with high TG and high BP had higher serum calcium levels than those without such abnormalities. Subjects with higher glucose had lower serum magnesium levels than those without such abnormality. The correlation analysis indicated that the serum Ca had positive correlations with the MetS risk score (r = 0.1769, p < 0.01), serum TG (r = 0.2516, p < 0.001), and DBP (r = 0.2246, p < 0.01). The correlation analysis indicated that the serum Mg had an inverse relationship with serum glucose (r = −0.2404, p < 0.001). In conclusion, serum Ca had positive association with TG and BP, while serum Mg had negative association with serum glucose after adjusting age and BMI among the middle-aged Korean male adults.     

Plasma Zinc,Copper, and Serum Thyroid Hormones and Insulin Levels After Zinc Supplementation Followed by Placebo in Competitive Athletes

Intense physical activity is associated with biological adaptations involving hormones and trace elements. Zinc supplementation may affect plasma copper concentration, thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), thyroid hormones, insulin, and glucose homeostasis, but data in athletes are scarce. The aim of this study was to evaluate in competitive athletes (cyclists, n = 7, 32 ± 8 years) the effect of zinc supplementation (22 mg/day as zinc gluconate) during 30 days, and discontinuation using placebo (maltodextrin) during the following 30 days, on plasma zinc and copper concentrations, serum thyroid hormones, insulin and glucose levels, and HOMA2-IR. Compared to baseline, plasma zinc and Zn:Cu plasma ratio increased, but plasma copper decreased after zinc supplementation (day 30) and discontinuation (day 60) (p < 0.05). Zn supplementation and discontinuation had no effect on TSH, T3, and T4. Fasting serum insulin and HOMA2-IR increased (27% and 47%, respectively) on day 60 compared to baseline (p = 0.03), suggesting a delayed effect of zinc supplementation. Moreover, plasma zinc was positively associated with serum insulin (r = 0.87, p = 0.009) and HOMA2-IR (r = 0.81, p = 0.03) after zinc supplementation (day 30), indicating that supplemental zinc may impair glucose utilization in cyclists.     

Performance Traits and Metabolic Responses in Goats (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Capra hircus)</Emphasis> Supplemented with Inorganic Trivalent Chromium

The effects of supplemental chromium (Cr) as chromic chloride hexahydrate in incremental dose levels (0, 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 mg/day for 240 days) on metabolism of nutrients and trace elements were determined in dwarf Bengal goats (Capra hircus, castrated males, average age 3 months, n = 24, initial mean body weight 6.4 ± 0.22 kg). Live weight increased linearly (p < 0.05) with the level of supplemental Cr. Organic matter and crude protein digestibility, intake of total digestible nutrients, and retention of N (g/g N intake) increased (p < 0.05) in a dose-dependent linear manner. Serum cholesterol and tryacylglycerol concentrations changed inversely with the dose of supplemental Cr (p < 0.01). Supplemental Cr positively influenced retention of copper and iron (p < 0.05) causing linear increase (p < 0.01) in their serum concentrations. It was concluded that Cr supplementation may improve utilization of nutrients including the trace elements and may also elicit a hypolidemic effect in goats. However, further study with regards to optimization of dose is warranted.