Chromium
NIH's fact sheet focuses entirely on trivalent chromium. Chromium might play a role in carbohydrate, lipid, and protein metabolism by potentiating insulin action. Chromium deficiency has not been reported in healthy populations, and no definitive deficiency symptoms have been established.
Where to get it
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Active compounds & mechanisms
Key compounds: Trivalent chromium
Chromium might play a role in carbohydrate, lipid, and protein metabolism by potentiating insulin action.
Research & evidence
Strong support Some support Weak or no supportColours show how well the sources back each point. The reason is next to each one.
NIH says several studies that used various doses of chromium had inconsistent findings on glucose tolerance and diabetes, and that the clinical significance of these findings is unclear.
Mixed evidenceSome support. Results are mixed
Study details
NIH ODS: "Several subsequent studies that used various doses of chromium had inconsistent findings." "However, the clinical significance of these findings is unclear."
Source: NIH ODS, Chromium — Health Professional Fact Sheet (Updated June 2, 2022), Chromium and Health View source
NIH says only a few clinical trials of chromium supplementation for metabolic syndrome have been conducted, and overall, limited research suggests that chromium supplements do not significantly benefit people with metabolic syndrome.
Limited evidenceSome support. Reviewers rated the certainty low
Study details
NIH ODS: "Only a few clinical trials of chromium supplementation for metabolic syndrome have been conducted." "Overall, limited research suggests that chromium supplements do not significantly benefit people with metabolic syndrome."
Source: NIH ODS, Chromium — Health Professional Fact Sheet (Updated June 2, 2022), Chromium and Health View source
For polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), NIH reports that the authors concluded the magnitude of chromium's effect was small and of uncertain clinical relevance, and that additional studies with sufficient sample sizes and duration in well-defined populations are needed.
Limited evidenceSome support. Reviewers rated the certainty low
Study details
NIH ODS: "The authors concluded that the magnitude of chromium's effect was small and of uncertain clinical relevance." "Additional studies with sufficient samples sizes and duration in well-defined populations are needed."
Source: NIH ODS, Chromium — Health Professional Fact Sheet (Updated June 2, 2022), Chromium and Health View source
NIH says results of studies with higher doses of supplemental chromium on dyslipidemia have been mixed.
Mixed evidenceSome support. Results are mixed
Study details
NIH ODS: "Results of studies with higher doses of supplemental chromium have also been mixed."
Source: NIH ODS, Chromium — Health Professional Fact Sheet (Updated June 2, 2022), Chromium and Health View source
Dosage
| Form | Amount |
|---|---|
| Any form | Adequate Intake (AI): 35 mcg/day for adult men, 25 mcg/day for adult women. Typical supplements contain 200–1,000 mcg as chromium picolinate. No tolerable upper intake level (UL) has been established by NIH. |
Side effects
Well documented Reported (case reports, anecdotal or one study) None reportedThe circle shows how well documented an effect is, not how serious it is. A rarely reported effect can still be serious, so always read ‘When to stop’.
| Effect | Frequency | When to stop |
|---|---|---|
| Possible higher risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) when taken with insulinReportedCase reports only | Not stated | Stop and talk to a doctor if you notice any unexpected or concerning symptoms. |
| Adverse effects from high chromium intakes in people with renal and liver diseaseReportedCase reports only | Not stated | Stop and talk to a doctor if you notice any unexpected or concerning symptoms. |
Safety & interactions
Safety
The FNB concluded that no adverse effects have been linked to high intakes of chromium from food or supplements. However, the FNB noted that caution may be warranted because the data are limited. NIH also says people with renal and liver disease might be susceptible to adverse effects from high chromium intakes. Several types of medications have the potential to interact with chromium supplements.
Contraindications
NIH says people with renal and liver disease might be susceptible to adverse effects from high chromium intakes. If you take insulin, metformin or other antidiabetes medications, or levothyroxine, see Drug interactions.
Drug interactions
NIH says chromium might increase insulin sensitivity, and that taking chromium concomitantly with insulin could increase the risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).
NIH says the results from some studies indicate that chromium supplementation might lower blood glucose levels, and that chromium supplements might have an additive effect with metformin or other antidiabetes medications.
NIH says several types of medications have the potential to interact with chromium supplements, and describes a small study of taking chromium picolinate supplements at the same time as levothyroxine.
NIH says ascorbic acid and prostaglandin inhibitors, such as aspirin, increase chromium absorption.
NIH says oxalate and antacids inhibit chromium absorption.
Established: stated plainly by an authoritative source. Documented: supported by case reports or trial data. Theoretical: based on mechanism, animal data, or a cautious listing. Always check with your pharmacist or prescriber.
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