EVALUATION OF THE EFFECTIVENESS OF CHROMIUM SUPPLEMENTATION IN SCHOOL-AGE CHILDREN WITH OBESITY AND THE COMBINATION OF OBESITY WITH ARTERIAL HYPERTENSION

Background. The study of the role of micro- and macroelements in the human body is considered a promising direction of modern science. The relationship between the deficiency of certain elements and the risk of developing certain diseases has been proven. A number of scientists indicate the probable effectiveness of chromium preparations in the treatment of obesity. In separate studies, it has been reported that low levels of chromium in the blood plasma correlate with high blood pressure in patients. It has also been proven that elimination of chromium deficiency in adult patients reduces anxiety and improves mental performance. However, there is currently a significant lack of data on the role of chromium supplementation in children. Aim: to assess the impact of chromium supplementation in school-age children with obesity and comorbidity of hypertension and obesity on quality of life, tolerance to physical exertion and anthropometric indicators. Materials and methods. 25 school-age patients with obesity and comorbidity of arterial hypertension and obesity took part in the study. Results. After chromium supplementation, 92% of children noted an improvement in general well-being, 60% of patients noted a decrease in the frequency and intensity of headaches, 60% of children noted a decrease in the feeling of hunger and an acceleration of the feeling of satiety during meals. A significant improvement in attention concentration, memory and performance in school classes. In 80% of children, a subjective improvement in physical performance was found. After two months of taking chromium preparations, no changes in the quality of emotional and social functioning were recorded in children. In obese patients after chromium supplementation, the Rufier test decreased from 13.4 ± 1.5 to 9.0 ± 1.1 p<0.05, in children with a combination of hypertension and obesity - from 15.2 ± 1, 2 to 11.5±1.3 p<0.05. In 100% of the treated children, a decrease in anthropometric indicators was recorded. In children with obesity, body weight decreased by 8.2%±1.4 from the initial results, body mass index by 8.4%±1.7, waist circumference by 9.0%±2.1, ratio of waist circumference to height by 8.3%±2.9. In children with comorbidity of arterial hypertension and obesity, body weight decreased by 8.1%±1.4, body mass index by 8.1%±1.0, waist circumference by 7.1%±2.3 compared to the initial values, the ratio of waist circumference to height by 8.5%±2.7. The average indicators of the ratio of waist circumference to height in treated children decreased from 0.56 ± 0.05 to 0.51 ± 0.02 (р=0.037), which indicates a decrease in the mass of adipose tissue in the body. Conclusion. Thus, the data we discovered make chromium supplementation promising for obesity and its combination with hypertension in school-aged children.