Lipid profile of subcutaneous fat, growth performance, and carcass characteristics of gilts fed with diets supplemented with ractopamine, organic chromium or subjected to energetic feed restriction

ABSTRACT: This study identified the effects of dietary supplementation with ractopamine, chromium picolinate, chromium yeast, or an energetic feed restriction on the growth performance and lipid profile of subcutaneous fat, in late finishing gilts. Twenty genetically similar gilts with initial body weight of 105.35 ± 4.77 kg and a final body weight of 131.37 ± 5.58 kg were distributed in a completely randomized block design with five treatments (control; ractopamine: 20 ppm; chromium picolinate: 0.48 ppm; chromium yeast: 0.80 ppm; and energetic feed restriction: -150 kcal kg-1 of metabolizable energy), with four replicates of one animal each. The experimental diets were isonutritives, except for the metabolizable energy level of the diet fed to the group subjected to energy restriction. There were no effects on the growth performance and carcass characteristics. Ractopamine and organic chromium (picolinate and yeast) supplementation increased the concentration of total polyunsaturated fatty acid. The proportion of α-linolenic fatty acids were higher when the diets were supplemented with ractopamine or chromium yeast. The energy restriction increased the n-6:n-3 ratio and reduced α-linolenic acid concentration. Therefore, ractopamine, chromium picolinate, chromium yeast supplementation, and energetic feed restriction did not affect the growth performance or carcass characteristics but altered the lipid profile of subcutaneous fat in finishing gilts. Ractopamine and organic chromium supplementation increased PUFA in the fat of finishing female pigs.

Chromium and energy restriction as substitutes for ractopamine in finishing gilts diet

ABSTRACT: This study evaluated chromium supplements and energy restriction as substitutes for ractopamine in the diets of late finishing gilts. Sixty gilts were used, with initial weights of 98.87 ± 0.25 kg and final weights of 122.69 ± 10.97 kg, distributed in a randomized block design with five diets: control; yeast chromium (0.8 ppm); chromium picolinate (0.48 ppm); ractopamine (20 ppm) and energy restriction (reduction of 150 kcal of EM kg-1 of feed), with six replicates and two animals per experimental unit. Feeding diet containing ractopamine enabled better (P<0.05) feed conversion and greater weights of the hot carcass of the gilts. The diet containing ractopamine exhibited a lower (P<0.05) cost of feed per kilogram of gain and higher economic efficiency, when compared to diets containing chromium and energy restriction; these exhibited better outcomes, compared to the control diet. Diets supplemented with chromium and ractopamine resulted in a higher (P<0.05) percentage and quantity of lean meat and a higher rate of carcass bonus, when compared to the control diet and energy restriction. The energy reduction did not harm the gilts’ responses, compared to the control diet. Ractopamine supplementation allowed for a better feed conversion, lower feed cost per kilogram of gain, and a higher economic efficiency index. Supplements of chromium and ractopamine increased the percentage and quantity of lean meat and the bonus index of the carcasses. Therefore, chromium picolinate and chromium yeast are potential substitutes for ractopamine for optimizing the gilts carcass characteristics.

Camelina Meal and Chromium Picolinate Effects on Broiler Thigh Meat Nutritional Properties

The aim of this study was to evaluate the combined effects of trivalent chromium and camelina meal on proximate composition, mineral content and fatty acids profile of broiler chicken thigh meat. An experiment with 2 x 3 factorial arrangement was performed on 240 Ross 308 broiler chicken aged 14 days. Six dietary treatments were elaborated as follows: 0 and 3% inclusion rate of Camelina meal and 0, 200 and 400 μg/kg chromium picolinate (CrPic). Supplementation of broiler diets with 3% Camelina meal led to significantly (P<0.05) increased crude fat concentrations in thigh samples compared to control group or with single chromium supplemented groups. In thigh samples, Zn and Fe concentrations increased under CrPic influence and fatty acids profile was influenced by Camelina meal presence in the diets. In Camelina meal supplemented groups, were registered significantly increased omega 3 fatty acids concentrations compared to control group or single chromium supplemented groups. The results of the present study found that Camelina meal and chromium picolinate supplements in broilers diets improved the nutritional properties of thigh meat, especially essential minerals content and fatty acids profile.

Impact of Environmental and Lifestyle Use of Chromium on Male Fertility: Focus on Antioxidant Activity and Oxidative Stress

Male reproductive tissues are strongly susceptible to several environmental and lifestyle stressors. In general, male reproductive health is highly sensitive to oxidative stress, which results in reversible and/or irreversible changes in testosterone-producing cells, spermatogenesis, and sperm quality. Chromium compounds are widely used in the +3 and +6 valence states, as food supplements, and in the industrial field, respectively. Chromium (III) compounds, i.e., Cr(III)-tris-picolinate, [Cr(pic)3], known as chromium picolinate, are used as nutritional supplements for the control of diabetes, body weight, and muscular growth. However, previous studies showed that animal models exposed to chromium picolinate experienced degenerative changes in spermatogenesis. Contradictory results are documented in the literature and deserve discussion. Furthermore, the long-term effects of chromium picolinate on the antioxidant system of treated subjects have not been properly studied. Comprehensive studies on the role of this compound will help to establish the safe and useful use of chromium supplementation. On the other hand, chromium (VI) compounds are widely used in several industries, despite being well-known environmental pollutants (i.e., welding fumes). Chromium (VI) is known for its deleterious effects on male reproductive health as toxic, carcinogenic, and mutagenic. Previous studies have demonstrated severe lesions to mouse spermatogenesis after exposure to chromium (VI). However, workers worldwide are still exposed to hexavalent chromium, particularly in electronics and military industries. Data from the literature pinpoints mechanisms of oxidative stress induced by chromium compounds in somatic and germ cells that lead to apoptosis, thus underlining the impairment of fertility potential. In this review, we analyze the benefits and risks of chromium compounds on male fertility, as well as the mechanisms underlying (in)fertility outcomes. Although supplements with antioxidant properties may maximize male fertility, adverse effects need to be investigated and discussed.

Safety and Efficacy for the Combination of Alpha Lipoic Acid, Gingko Biloba, Vitamin C, Zinc, Magnesium, Vitamin B6, Methylcobalamin, Vitamin E and Chromium Picolinate for the Medical Management of Age Related Hearing Loss: Post Marketing Surveillance Study

Introduction: Age related hearing loss is defined as a bilateral, progressive, symmetrical age-related sensorineural hearing loss, which is most pronounced at the higher frequencies. It is considered that oxidative stress has a central role in the pathology of age-related hearing loss so, this study was conducted to test the efficacy and safety for the combination of antioxidants for the treatment of age-related hearing loss. Methodology: This was a multi-centric study conducted at 11 clinical trial sites. Out of total 176 enrolled, 160 trial subjects completed the study. For efficacy assessment, 2 parameters were used including hearing related quality of life score and score obtained from hearing impairment questionnaire on day 0 (visit 1), 45 (visit 2) and 90 (visit 3). Results: At visit 1, the mean hearing related quality of life score was 4.437 increased to 5.725 at visit 2 and further increased to 6.906 at visit 3. At visit 2 and 3, the increase in hearing related quality of life score was 29.028% and 55.645% respectively as compared to baseline. The score obtained from hearing impairment questionnaire was 25.581 at visit 1 reduced to 16.200 and further reduced to 9.943 at visit 3. Conclusion: The combination of Alpha lipoic acid, Gingko biloba, Vitamin C, Zinc, Magnesium, Vitamin B6, Methyl cobalamin, Vitamin E and Chromium Picolinate can be used for the medical management of age related hearing loss.

Post Marketing Surveillance Study to evaluate the Efficacy and Safety for the Combination of Alpha Lipoic Acid, Gingko Biloba, Vitamin C, Zinc, Magnesium, Vitamin B6, Methylcobalamin, Vitamin E and Chromium Picolinate in the Patients of Tinnitus

Introduction: Tinnitus is the false perception of sound. Normally it is considered to be developed due to oxidative stress to the inner ear. This study was conducted to test the efficacy and safety for the combination of Alpha lipoic acid, Gingko biloba, Vitamin C, Zinc, Magnesium, Vitamin B6, Methylcobalamin, Vitamin E and Chromium Picolinate in the patients of tinnitus. Method: The study was conducted on 165 patients out of which 142 completed the study. Efficacy was evaluated by tinnitus symptom score (TSS). Patients were asked to rate the TSS ranging from 0 to 10 where 0 means no symptom and 10 means maximum tolerable symptoms. Safety assessment was made by analysing the adverse events reported by the patient. Efficacy and safety evaluation was done on day 0, 10 and 22. Results: Patients had TSS 6.26 on baseline visit which was reduced to 4.50 at day 10 and was further reduced to 2.47 at day 22. Also, in the clinical trial duration of 22 days, only 5 episodes of the adverse drug reactions were reported by the patient and all of them were of non-serious in nature and mild in intensity. Conclusion: The fixed dose combination of Alpha lipoic acid 200 mg, Gingko biloba 120 mg, Vitamin C 30 mg, Zinc 12 mg, Magnesium 10 mg, Vitamin B6 3 mg, Methylcobalamin 1500 mcg, Vitamin E 10 IU and Chromium Picolinate 1.66 mg equivalent to elemental chromium 200 mcg was found to be efficacious and safe for the treatment of Tinnitus.

Efficacy and Safety for the Combination of Alpha Lipoic Acid, Gingko Biloba, Vitamin C, Zinc, Magnesium, Vitamin B6, Methylcobalamin, Vitamin E and Chromium Picolinate in the Patients of Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss and High Intensity Noise and Vibration Induced Hearing Loss: Post Marketing Surveillance Study

Introduction: Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) is defined as sensorineural hearing loss of 30 dB or more over 3 contiguous audiometric frequencies occurring over 72hrs. Conventionally the SSNHL is treated by corticosteroids but it is considered that, addition of antioxidants to the treatment can increase the percentage of patients with the complete recovery. So, this study was conducted to test the efficacy and safety for the combination of Alpha lipoic acid, Gingko biloba, Vitamin C, Zinc, Magnesium, Vitamin B6, Methylcobalamin, Vitamin E and Chromium Picolinate for the treatment of SSNHL and high Intensity noise and vibration induced hearing loss as a concomitant therapy in addition to the standard medical management. Methodology: Out of total 225 enrolled, 208 patients completed the study. Efficacy and safety evaluation was done on day 7 and 14 considering the baseline visit at day 0. Efficacy assessment was done by hearing Impairment questionnaire and hearing related quality of Life. Results: Mean score obtained from hearing impairment questionnaire at day 0 was 19.59 which was reduced to 12.56 at day 7 and was further reduced to 7.70 at day 14. On Visit 1 the mean hearing related quality of life score was 5.24 which was increased to 6.4 at day 7 and was found to be further increased to 7.41 at day 14. Conclusion: The investigational product was efficacious and safe for the treatment of SSNHL and high Intensity noise and vibration induced hearing loss when given as a concomitant therapy to the standard medical management.

Metabolic Actions of a Supplement of Ilex Paraguariensis (An Extract of the Leaf Standardized to 2% I-Deoxinojirimcina), White Mulberry and Chromium Picolinate in Nondiabetic Subects with Dysglycemia: A Randomized Trial

Aim: To prove if a nutraceutical containing Ilex paraguariensis (Ilex L. spp. Aquifoliales) (an extract of the leaf standardized to 2% I-deoxinojirimcina), white mulberry (Morus spp., Moraceae), and chromium picolinate can be effective in improving glycemic status in subject with dysglycemia. Methods: We randomized patients to consume placebo or the nutraceutical, self-administered once a day, one tablet at breakfast, for 3 months. Results: A reduction in fasting plasma glucose, postprandial glucose, and glycated hemoglobin was observed with the nutraceutical combination, both compared to baseline and placebo. Data suggested a decrease in the Homeostasis Model Assessment index with the nutraceutical, both compared to baseline and placebo. The M value, an index of insulin sensitivity, obtained after nutraceutical treatment was higher compared to baseline. We recorded a decrease in total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, and triglycerides with the nutraceutical combination compared to baseline and placebo. A decrease in high-sensitivity C-reactive protein was observed with the nutraceutical combination compared to baseline and placebo. Conclusions: A nutraceutical containing Ilex paraguariensis, white mulberry, and chromium picolinate can be helpful in improving glycemic status and lipid profile in dysglycemic subjects.