Recent studies on chromium in atypical depression

I received the following e-mail:

The results of the tiny study (on the role of chromium in the treatment of depression), done in 2000, look so promising. Why is it that the http://www.chromiumconnection.com/ has no reference to newer and larger studies?

Did such studies ever occur? I am interested in participating in such a study if one exists. I have been diagnosed under DSM IV with dysthmia and sever depression. I also fit the description for atypical depression. I have been off work for the last year and a half with severe depression. I have tried 6 different MAOI drugs and am currently using Mannerix as I tolerate it well and it provides some relief.

My answer follows:

Thank you for writing to me. There has been a more recent study on the role of chromium picolinate in the treatment of atypical depression.

In 2005, the results of a study of 113 patients, conducted by Comprehensive Neuroscience, were published. This double-blind study further demonstrated chromium's role in reducing crbohydrate cravings in people with the most common type of depression.

I certainly would refer you to a study if one existed, but I don't know of any. Moreover, it is unlikely that very large studies will be conducted further to substantiate chromium's role in depression, as there is not enough profit in neutraceuticals to support the type of large studies funded by pharmaceutical companies.

I hope these comments help.

Malcolm McLeod