Vitamins & Supplements · Mineral
Chromium
Chromium (Cr), trivalent chromium (chromium III) · also called Chromium III, chromium picolinate (a supplement form)
Chromium is a trace mineral found in food that helps the body use insulin. Trials in people with type 2 diabetes found a small average fall in long-term blood sugar (HbA1c), but the evidence is mixed. For weight, a Cochrane review found a very small difference of doubtful importance. The main caution is kidney and liver harm reported with large amounts, plus low blood sugar risk with some diabetes medicines.
General information, not medical advice. Last substantive update · Not medically reviewed. A named clinician has not signed off on this page. How this page is made
About Chromium
Chromium is a trace mineral in food that helps insulin work. It is sold as a supplement, usually as chromium picolinate, for blood sugar and weight. The best evidence is mixed for blood sugar in type 2 diabetes and very small for weight. Large amounts have been linked in case reports to kidney and liver harm.
What it is
Chromium is a trace mineral. MedlinePlus says the body cannot make it, so it comes from food. It helps the body handle fats and carbohydrates and aids insulin action.
Merck says the picolinate form is paired with chromium in supplements and is said to help absorption. That is a claim; no source read tested it.
Where it comes from in food
MedlinePlus names brewer's yeast as the best source, and also beef, liver, eggs, chicken, oysters, wheat germ and broccoli, plus meat, whole grains and some fruit, vegetables and spices. Merck lists carrots, potatoes, broccoli, whole grains and molasses.
We could not read the NIH Office of Dietary Supplements pages (they were blocked), so amounts per portion are not given here. MedlinePlus lists Adequate Intakes as planning figures for healthy people: 20 to 35 micrograms a day for adults, more in pregnancy and breastfeeding. Food and pills are different, and most trials used pills.
Why the form matters
Most weight trials used chromium picolinate. Diabetes trials used different forms and amounts, which is one reason their results differ. No source read compares forms for outcomes.
At a glance
Traditional uses history, not proof
- Found naturally in foods such as meat, whole grains and broccoli
- No traditional-medicine use is described in the sources read
Studied for research
- Normal role in the body (carbohydrate, fat and insulin handling), low certainty (reference sources)
- Long-term blood sugar (HbA1c) in type 2 diabetes, mixed
- Fasting blood sugar in type 2 diabetes, mixed
- Insulin and insulin resistance, low certainty
- Body weight and body fat, low certainty (very small difference)
- Blood fats, low certainty (no effect in type 2 diabetes)
- Polycystic ovarian syndrome markers, low certainty
- Muscle building, insufficient evidence
- Correcting a shortfall, insufficient evidence
Main compounds
- Chromium III (trivalent chromium)
- Chromium picolinate
- Chromium in food
Common forms
- Food sources: brewer's yeast, meat, whole grains, eggs, broccoli and others (amounts not obtained)
- Chromium picolinate pills, the form used in most weight trials
- Multi-ingredient products that include chromium (not studied as chromium alone)
Research links: 2020 analysis: chromium and blood sugar control in type 2 diabetes (28 trials) · Cochrane review: chromium picolinate for overweight or obese adults · MedlinePlus: Chromium in diet · Research Library · Genes & Biomarkers Library
What it is and its history
- Accepted scientific name
- Chromium (symbol Cr), a trace mineral
- Naming authority
- Chemical element; the form in food and nutrient supplements is trivalent chromium (chromium III)
- Common names
- Chromium (English); Cromo (Spanish)
- Family or group
- Trace mineral. MedlinePlus calls it an essential element that the body does not make.
- Harvest and processing
- Supplements pair chromium with other molecules; Merck says picolinate (a by-product of tryptophan) is paired with chromium in supplements and is said to help absorption (a claim; not tested in the sources read).
- Look-alikes and adulterants
- Name: Hexavalent chromium (chromium VI); Note: An industrial form that is toxic and is a different substance from the dietary mineral. It is not covered on this page.
What is inside, and how it may work
What it contains and how those compounds act in cells and animals. Laboratory and animal mechanisms are not proven effects in people.
Main compounds
| Compound | Family | Where it is concentrated | Activity studied | Level of evidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chromium picolinate | mineral supplement form | Not read | The form sold most often and used in the weight trials; no source read compares forms for outcomes. 6 3 7 11 | Human data |
| Food chromium | dietary mineral | Amounts per portion not obtained (NIH ODS blocked) | MedlinePlus: brewer's yeast is the best source; beef, liver, eggs, chicken, oysters, wheat germ, broccoli, meat, whole grains, some fruit, vegetables and spices are good sources. Merck lists carrots, potatoes, broccoli, whole grains and molasses. 10 11 | Reference |
Mechanisms, receptors and pathways
| Target or pathway | Gene or receptor | What was found | Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Insulin action | Not specified in the sources read | MedlinePlus says chromium aids insulin action and glucose breakdown; Merck says it potentiates insulin. The detailed steps are not described in the sources read. 10 11 | Source description |
| Fatty acid and cholesterol synthesis | Not specified in the sources read | MedlinePlus lists a role in making fatty acids and cholesterol. 10 | Source description |
Absorption, metabolism and elimination
- Absorption
- MedlinePlus: absorption is low and excretion is high. Merck: picolinate is said to help absorption (a claim).
- Distribution
- Not found.
- Metabolism
- Not found.
- Elimination
- High excretion (MedlinePlus).
- Bioavailability
- Not established for different forms in the sources read.
Isolated compounds versus whole extracts
Food chromium and chromium pills are different exposures. The trials here used pills (mostly chromium picolinate or unspecified forms). No trial of chromium-rich foods was read, so benefits seen in pills should not be assumed for food, and the reverse.
Nutritional composition
Foods named by MedlinePlus and Merck (see compounds). No amounts per portion were obtained: the NIH Office of Dietary Supplements pages were blocked and the USDA tables were not searched. MedlinePlus Adequate Intakes (planning figures for healthy people, not advice): adults 20 to 35 micrograms a day by age and sex; pregnancy 29 to 30; breastfeeding 44 to 45. No upper limit was found in the sources read.
2 mixed findings5 low certainty2 not enough evidence
What was looked at
The 9 benefits and uses checked for Chromium, each with how strong the evidence is. Tap one to open it.
- Normal role in the body (carbohydrate and fat handling, insulin action)Low certainty
- Long-term blood sugar (HbA1c) in type 2 diabetesMixed findings
- Fasting blood sugar in type 2 diabetesMixed findings
- Insulin level and insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) in type 2 diabetesLow certainty
- Body weight and body fat (chromium picolinate)Low certainty
- Blood fats (cholesterol and triglycerides)Low certainty
- Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) markersLow certainty
- Muscle building and body composition claimsNot enough evidence
- Correcting a shortfall (deficiency)Not enough evidence
Lab markers tracked in the studies
HbA1c (long-term blood sugar)Fasting blood glucoseFasting insulinHOMA-IR (insulin resistance score)Body weightBlood fats in type 2 diabetes (triglycerides, total, LDL and HDL cholesterol)Fasting insulin and insulin sensitivity in PCOS
What is Chromium good for?
The main studied uses and how strong the human evidence is for each. Most results are for pills (often chromium picolinate), not for chromium in food.
Benefits, one by one
Each card is a research question, not a promise. Tap a goal to filter. Open a card to see the studies, doses and limits.
Normal role in the body (carbohydrate and fat handling, insulin action)
Low certaintyMedlinePlus calls chromium an essential element that the body cannot make, so it must come from food. It helps the body handle carbohydrates and fats and helps insulin work. This is a normal job, not proof that extra pills add benefit.
3 studiesNot applicable: this is a nutrient role.
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
No trial was read showing that eating more chromium, or taking it as a pill, changes health in people who are not short of it. Merck says chromium deficiency impairs insulin function, but that there is little evidence that supplements help people with diabetes.
Results
The role is described by two reference sources. Whether chromium is strictly essential is debated by some scientists (a point from a search summary that could not be checked, because the NIH Office of Dietary Supplements pages were blocked), so this page does not rely on it.
Effect sizes as reported
MedlinePlus Adequate Intakes (a planning figure for healthy people, not advice) range from 20 to 35 micrograms a day for adults, 29 to 30 in pregnancy and 44 to 45 while breastfeeding.
Why this rating
Low because it rests on encyclopedia and clinical-reference summaries, not on trials, and the official NIH fact sheet could not be read.
Who was studied
Healthy adults, older adults with type 2 diabetes, infants with protein-calorie malnutrition (as groups where low levels have been seen).
Limits
Reference sources only. No chromium food amounts could be checked, and no test for chromium status was described in the sources read.
Why researchers looked
Chromium is listed as a trace mineral in the diet, so people ask whether too little causes problems and whether more helps.
Traditional use
Chromium is a mineral nutrient found in food. There is no traditional-medicine use to report; a normal job in the body is not proof that extra pills help.
Proposed mechanism Encyclopedia and clinical reference
MedlinePlus says chromium is important in the breakdown of fats and carbohydrates, stimulates fatty acid and cholesterol synthesis and aids insulin action. Merck says it potentiates (strengthens) the action of insulin. The exact steps are not described in the sources read.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
Too much from supplements has caused serious harm in case reports; see Safety.
Long-term blood sugar (HbA1c) in type 2 diabetes
Mixed findingsReviews of trials in adults with type 2 diabetes agree that chromium supplements are linked to a lower HbA1c on average. How big and how reliable that is differs between reviews.
4 studiesChromium supplements, forms and amounts varied and are not given in t…
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
A 2020 pooled analysis of 28 trials found HbA1c 0.71 percentage points lower. A 2022 pooled analysis of 10 trials found HbA1c lower too. A 2016 review of 20 trials found HbA1c reached the authors' targets in only 3 of 14 trials that measured it.
Results
A small to moderate average fall in HbA1c in several trials, but few trials reached a clinically meaningful fall, and the reviewers disagree on how far to trust it. MedlinePlus says chromium is not recommended as the sole treatment for diabetes.
Effect sizes as reported
HbA1c -0.71 percentage points (95% CI -1.19 to -0.23; 28 trials). HbA1c goal reached in 3 of 14 trials.
Why this rating
Mixed: two pooled analyses found a fall, a third review judged the evidence weak and limited, and the trials differed greatly in chromium form, amount and length.
Form and dose studied
Chromium supplements, forms and amounts varied and are not given in the abstracts.
Who was studied
Adults with type 2 diabetes.
Limits
Very large differences between trials; forms and amounts differ; complications such as heart or kidney disease were not measured.
Why researchers looked
Chromium helps insulin work, so researchers tested whether extra chromium improves blood sugar in people whose insulin works poorly.
Traditional use
Chromium is a mineral nutrient found in food. There is no traditional-medicine use to report; a normal job in the body is not proof that extra pills help.
Proposed mechanism Encyclopedia and clinical reference
Chromium is described as strengthening insulin action. Whether supplements change this in people with type 2 diabetes is the question the trials ask.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
Chromium might add to the blood-sugar-lowering effect of insulin or sulfonylureas; see Safety.
Fasting blood sugar in type 2 diabetes
Mixed findingsThe two pooled analyses disagree on fasting blood sugar: one found it lower, the other found no significant difference.
3 studiesForms and amounts varied and are not given in the abstracts.
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
The 2020 analysis of 28 trials found fasting glucose 19 mg/dl lower, with extremely large differences between trials (I2 99.8%). The 2022 analysis of 10 trials (509 people) found no significant difference. In the 2016 review, the fasting glucose target was reached in 5 of 20 trials.
Results
No steady effect. The pooled result changes depending on which trials are included.
Effect sizes as reported
Fasting glucose -19.00 mg/dl (95% CI -36.15 to -1.85) in the 28-trial analysis; not significant in the 10-trial analysis.
Why this rating
Mixed: the same question gave different answers in two reviews, and the large differences between trials mean the average may not apply to any one person.
Form and dose studied
Forms and amounts varied and are not given in the abstracts.
Who was studied
Adults with type 2 diabetes.
Limits
Large differences between trials.
Why researchers looked
Fasting glucose is the simplest blood sugar test, so trials report it first.
Traditional use
Chromium is a mineral nutrient found in food. There is no traditional-medicine use to report; a normal job in the body is not proof that extra pills help.
Proposed mechanism Encyclopedia and clinical reference
Same proposed insulin-support role as above.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
See interactions with diabetes medicines on the Safety tab.
Insulin level and insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) in type 2 diabetes
Low certaintyThe 2020 pooled analysis found lower blood insulin and a lower insulin resistance score with chromium. This was a single analysis with large differences between its trials.
2 studiesForms and amounts varied.
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
One 2020 analysis of 28 trials reported both measures lower. A second review (2022) did not report insulin measures. MedlinePlus says a supplement may help reduce insulin resistance.
Results
Lower fasting insulin and HOMA-IR in one analysis, with large differences between trials for HOMA-IR (I2 89.9%).
Effect sizes as reported
Insulin -12.35 pmol/l (95% CI -17.86 to -6.83); HOMA-IR -1.53 (95% CI -2.35 to -0.72).
Why this rating
Low: one pooled analysis with large between-trial differences and unreported trial quality, and no confirming review was read.
Form and dose studied
Forms and amounts varied.
Who was studied
Adults with type 2 diabetes.
Limits
One analysis only; surrogate measures, not diabetes complications.
Why researchers looked
Chromium is said to help insulin work, so researchers looked at insulin levels and HOMA-IR, a score worked out from fasting glucose and insulin.
Traditional use
Chromium is a mineral nutrient found in food. There is no traditional-medicine use to report; a normal job in the body is not proof that extra pills help.
Proposed mechanism Encyclopedia and clinical reference
Chromium is described as helping insulin act on glucose.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
Body weight and body fat (chromium picolinate)
Low certaintyA Cochrane review found a small weight difference of about 1.1 kg with chromium picolinate in overweight adults. The reviewers called it of debatable clinical relevance and low-quality evidence.
2 studiesChromium picolinate studied in several amounts in trials (200 to 1000…
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
The Cochrane review (9 trials, 622 people, up to 24 weeks) found weight 1.1 kg lower after 12 to 16 weeks in 6 trials (392 people). The reviewers found no firm evidence of a difference between amounts. Merck cites a 2019 analysis that found small falls in weight and body fat of uncertain relevance (the 2019 analysis itself was not read).
Results
A very small average difference. The Cochrane authors found no current, reliable evidence for firm decisions about benefit or safety.
Effect sizes as reported
Body weight -1.1 kg (95% CI -1.7 to -0.4).
Why this rating
Low: GRADE low-quality evidence in the Cochrane review, short trials, and an effect of debatable importance.
Form and dose studied
Chromium picolinate studied in several amounts in trials (200 to 1000 micrograms); this is not a recommendation.
Who was studied
Overweight or obese adults.
Limits
Trials up to 24 weeks. Adverse events were reported in only 3 of 9 trials.
Why researchers looked
Chromium picolinate is marketed as a slimming aid, so it was tested for weight loss.
Traditional use
Chromium is a mineral nutrient found in food. There is no traditional-medicine use to report; a normal job in the body is not proof that extra pills help.
Proposed mechanism Proposed
Not established. The idea is that better insulin action could change how the body handles fat and sugar, but no source read shows this is how any weight difference arises.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
Serious adverse events and dropouts were reported at two of the studied amounts; see Safety.
Blood fats (cholesterol and triglycerides)
Low certaintyIn people with type 2 diabetes, a pooled analysis found no significant change in cholesterol or triglycerides with chromium. In women with polycystic ovarian syndrome, a different analysis reported lower triglycerides and cholesterol.
3 studiesNot given in the abstracts.
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
In 10 trials (509 people with type 2 diabetes), triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL and HDL were not significantly different from placebo. Merck says there is no evidence chromium benefits blood fat levels.
Results
No effect in type 2 diabetes. A different result in women with PCOS (see below), which should not be applied to people in general.
Effect sizes as reported
Not significant in type 2 diabetes (the abstract gives no numbers).
Why this rating
Low: one pooled analysis found no effect, a second group (PCOS) reported lower blood fats, and neither abstract gave effect sizes for these.
Form and dose studied
Not given in the abstracts.
Who was studied
Adults with type 2 diabetes; women with PCOS.
Limits
Different groups give different answers; no numbers in the abstracts.
Why researchers looked
MedlinePlus says chromium helps the body make fatty acids and cholesterol, so blood fats were measured.
Traditional use
Chromium is a mineral nutrient found in food. There is no traditional-medicine use to report; a normal job in the body is not proof that extra pills help.
Proposed mechanism Encyclopedia and clinical reference
MedlinePlus lists a role in fatty acid and cholesterol synthesis.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) markers
Low certaintyA 2025 pooled analysis of 10 trials in women with PCOS reported better insulin measures, blood fats, inflammation markers and ovulation with chromium. The abstract gives no effect sizes and the trials were probably small.
1 studiesThe abstract mentions 200 micrograms of chromium picolinate as a stud…
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
The pooled analysis (683 women) found lower fasting insulin, triglycerides, total cholesterol, VLDL, LDL, hs-CRP, FSH and prolactin, higher insulin sensitivity and ovulation, and, against metformin, a better HOMA-IR and LH. The authors said further studies are required before dietary guidelines can be drawn up.
Results
Many markers moved in a favourable direction in a group of trials, but no effect sizes or trial quality were given in the abstract.
Effect sizes as reported
Directions of change only (for example fasting insulin P=0.01, ovulation P=0.001).
Why this rating
Low: one recent analysis, abstract only, no effect sizes or trial quality, and many outcomes tested at once.
Form and dose studied
The abstract mentions 200 micrograms of chromium picolinate as a studied amount; not advice.
Who was studied
Women with PCOS.
Limits
Specialist condition; do not use this as a reason to start a supplement.
Why researchers looked
PCOS often involves insulin resistance, so chromium has been tried in it.
Traditional use
Chromium is a mineral nutrient found in food. There is no traditional-medicine use to report; a normal job in the body is not proof that extra pills help.
Proposed mechanism Proposed
Not established. The authors point to insulin sensitivity.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
Ask a doctor before combining with metformin or other PCOS treatment.
Muscle building and body composition claims
Not enough evidenceMerck says there is no good evidence that chromium builds muscle or improves body composition. No trial was read supporting the marketing claims.
2 studiesNot applicable.
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
No trial on muscle was read for this page; the only sources are Merck and the Cochrane review, which looked at body fat as a secondary measure and found no firm evidence.
Results
No supported benefit found.
Why this rating
Insufficient: no trial of muscle gain was read.
Who was studied
Gym users (as marketed).
Limits
Nothing to evaluate.
Why researchers looked
Chromium picolinate was sold to gym users to build muscle and cut fat.
Traditional use
Chromium is a mineral nutrient found in food. There is no traditional-medicine use to report; a normal job in the body is not proof that extra pills help.
Proposed mechanism None
Not established.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
Correcting a shortfall (deficiency)
Not enough evidenceMedlinePlus says low chromium may be seen in people with impaired glucose tolerance, older people with type 2 diabetes and infants with protein-calorie malnutrition. No source read shows that a supplement corrects any illness caused by low chromium.
2 studiesNot applicable.
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
No trial was read that measured chromium status before and after a supplement or showed a defined deficiency illness in healthy people.
Results
A shortfall is described, but no treatment outcome.
Why this rating
Insufficient: descriptions of low levels only, no trials of correction.
Who was studied
Groups listed above.
Limits
No testing method or cut-offs described.
Why researchers looked
Because the body cannot make chromium, people ask who might be short of it.
Traditional use
Chromium is a mineral nutrient found in food. There is no traditional-medicine use to report; a normal job in the body is not proof that extra pills help.
Proposed mechanism Encyclopedia and clinical reference
Not established.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
Connections to the rest of health
How Chromium connects to the rest of our health knowledge graph. Every link says what kind of connection it is. A safety link (for example to the liver) is a warning, not a benefit. A study that merely mentions a topic never creates a benefit link.
Explore every connection: goals, body systems, organs, symptoms, genes
A. Wellness goals
| Connected to | Kind of connection | Evidence status | Context | Studies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Metabolic Health | Low certainty | Normal role in the body (carbohydrate and fat handling, insulin action): MedlinePlus calls chromium an essential element that the body cannot make, so it must come from food. It helps the body handle carbohydrates and fats and helps insulin work. This is a normal job, not proof that extra pills add benefit. | 10 11 12 | |
| Blood Sugar Balance | Mixed findings | Long-term blood sugar (HbA1c) in type 2 diabetes: Reviews of trials in adults with type 2 diabetes agree that chromium supplements are linked to a lower HbA1c on average. How big and how reliable that is differs between reviews. Fasting blood sugar in type 2 diabetes: The two pooled analyses disagree on fasting blood sugar: one found it lower, the other found no significant difference. | 1 9 4 11 10 | |
| Metabolic Health | Low certainty | Insulin level and insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) in type 2 diabetes: The 2020 pooled analysis found lower blood insulin and a lower insulin resistance score with chromium. This was a single analysis with large differences between its trials. Blood fats (cholesterol and triglycerides): In people with type 2 diabetes, a pooled analysis found no significant change in cholesterol or triglycerides with chromium. In women with polycystic ovarian syndrome, a different analysis reported lower triglycerides and cholesterol. | 1 10 9 5 11 | |
| Weight Management | Low certainty | Body weight and body fat (chromium picolinate): A Cochrane review found a small weight difference of about 1.1 kg with chromium picolinate in overweight adults. The reviewers called it of debatable clinical relevance and low-quality evidence. | 6 11 | |
| Weight Management | Not enough evidence | Muscle building and body composition claims: Merck says there is no good evidence that chromium builds muscle or improves body composition. No trial was read supporting the marketing claims. | 11 6 | |
| Metabolic Health | Not enough evidence | Correcting a shortfall (deficiency): MedlinePlus says low chromium may be seen in people with impaired glucose tolerance, older people with type 2 diabetes and infants with protein-calorie malnutrition. No source read shows that a supplement corrects any illness caused by low chromium. | 10 11 |
B. Body systems
| Connected to | Kind of connection | Evidence status | Context | Studies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Metabolism Weight | Biological association | Low certainty | Studied for: Normal role in the body (carbohydrate and fat handling, insulin action) Studied for: Insulin level and insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) in type 2 diabetes | 10 11 12 1 6 9 5 |
| Blood Sugar Support | Biological association | Low certainty | Studied for: Normal role in the body (carbohydrate and fat handling, insulin action) Studied for: Long-term blood sugar (HbA1c) in type 2 diabetes | 10 11 12 1 9 4 5 |
C. Body parts and organs
| Connected to | Kind of connection | Evidence status | Context | Studies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kidneys | Adverse effect or risk | Case reports | Two case reports of acute kidney failure. Preparation or compound: Chromium picolinate |
3 7 |
| Liver | Adverse effect or risk | Case reports | One case report of liver injury at large amounts. Preparation or compound: Chromium picolinate |
3 |
E. Health conditions
| Connected to | Kind of connection | Evidence status | Context | Studies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type 2 diabetes | Mixed findings | Pooled trials give mixed results; MedlinePlus says it is not recommended as the sole treatment. Preparation or compound: Chromium supplements |
1 9 |
I. Biomarkers
| Connected to | Kind of connection | Evidence status | Context | Studies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HbA1c (long-term blood sugar) | Biological association | Mixed findings | Measured in trials: lowered. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit. | 1 9 4 |
| Fasting blood glucose | Biological association | Mixed findings | Measured in trials: mixed. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit. | 1 9 |
| Fasting insulin | Biological association | Low certainty | Measured in trials: lowered. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit. | 1 |
| HOMA-IR (insulin resistance score) | Biological association | Low certainty | Measured in trials: lowered. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit. | 1 |
| Body weight | Biological association | Low certainty | Measured in trials: lowered (small). A lab change is not the same as a health benefit. | 6 |
| Blood fats in type 2 diabetes (triglycerides, total, LDL and HDL cholesterol) | Biological association | Low certainty | Measured in trials: no significant change. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit. | 9 |
| Fasting insulin and insulin sensitivity in PCOS | Biological association | Low certainty | Measured in trials: improved. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit. | 5 |
K. Biological pathways
L. Active compounds
| Connected to | Kind of connection | Evidence status | Context | Studies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chromium picolinate | Biological association | Human | The form sold most often and used in the weight trials; no source read compares forms for outcomes. | 6 3 7 11 |
| Food chromium | Biological association | Reference | MedlinePlus: brewer's yeast is the best source; beef, liver, eggs, chicken, oysters, wheat germ, broccoli, meat, whole grains, some fruit, vegetables and spices are good sources. Merck lists carrots, potatoes, broccoli, whole grains and molasses. | 10 11 |
Each connection is stored with the ingredient, the connected record, the kind of connection, the evidence status, the supporting studies, the preparation or compound involved, and a review date (last reviewed October 26, 2026).
The evidence
The research centre for Chromium. Every record here was checked against PubMed or the publisher's page; we never list a study we have not verified.
Evidence by outcome
Bars show how many studies we found for each outcome, not how well it works. People are added up across trials only (reviews are not added, to avoid double counting).
How we rate evidence
High certainty
Several well-run trials or reviews agree; further research is unlikely to change the picture much.
Moderate certainty
Good trials point the same way, but some doubt remains.
Low certainty
Small, short or inconsistent trials. The finding could change with better research.
Very low certainty
Very little or very weak human data. Treat as a possibility only.
Mixed findings
Trials or reviews disagree with each other.
Not enough evidence
Not enough human research to say either way.
Evidence against
Good research found no benefit, or found harm.
We take the reviewers' own risk-of-bias and GRADE statements where they exist, and otherwise judge from study size, design, consistency, directness and whether a product matches what is sold. Many publications do not make evidence high. Method note: We started from our existing chromium summary, read the MedlinePlus and Merck Manual pages in full and re-read PubMed abstracts for pooled analyses, a Cochrane review, case reports and an animal study. Only abstracts were read for studies. The NIH Office of Dietary Supplements pages were blocked and are flagged as not read.
Study library: every study we checked 12
| Study | Design | People | Product, dose, length | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Asbaghi 2020 Effects of chromium supplementation on glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Pharmacol Res · PMID 32730903 · DOI |
Systematic review meta analysis |
28 randomised trials in adults with type 2 diabetes | Chromium supplements (forms and amounts varied between trials) Chromium supplement (mineral, not a plant) Varied between trials; not given in the abstract Not given in the abstract · vs Placebo or control |
Chromium was linked to lower fasting glucose, insulin, HbA1c and HOMA-IR. Results differed very widely between trials, especially for fasting glucose. The authors said the results might support using chromium for blood sugar control in type 2 diabetes. Fasting glucose -19.00 mg/dl; insulin -12.35 pmol/l; HbA1c -0.71 percentage points; HOMA-IR -1.53. Between-trial differences (I2): fasting glucose 99.8%, HOMA-IR 89.9%. (Fasting glucose -36.15 to -1.85; insulin -17.86 to -6.83; HbA1c -1.19 to -0.23; HOMA-IR -2.35 to -0.72) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Fasting glucose, insulin, HbA1c, HOMA-IR (an insulin resistance score) Limitations: Very large differences between trials, so one average hides a lot. The abstract does not give forms, amounts or trial quality. Merck notes the trials mixed doses and types of chromium. Funding and conflicts: Funding is not stated in the abstract. Read: abstract |
| Bailey 2006 Exposure of pregnant mice to chromium picolinate results in skeletal defects in their offspring. Birth Defects Res B Dev Reprod Toxicol · PMID 16767758 · DOI |
Animal study mouse |
Pregnant mice (gestation days 6 to 17) | Chromium picolinate, chromium chloride or picolinic acid in the diet Chromium supplement (mineral, not a plant) 200 mg/kg of diet (mouse study, not comparable to human supplements) Gestation days 6 to 17 · vs Diet only |
Pups from mice fed chromium picolinate had more bifurcated cervical arches (a neck bone defect) than controls. Chromium chloride did not cause this. No harm to the mothers was seen. The authors said high maternal oral exposure to chromium picolinate can cause defects in mouse offspring. Not given (Not given) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Defects in the pups Limitations: Mice and very high exposure. It does not show what happens in people. The abstract notes no human studies of chromium picolinate in pregnancy had been published at the time (2006). Funding and conflicts: Funding is not stated in the abstract. Read: abstract |
| Cerulli 1998 Chromium picolinate toxicity. Ann Pharmacother · PMID 9562138 · DOI |
Case report |
1 One 33-year-old woman |
Over-the-counter chromium picolinate taken for weight loss Chromium supplement (mineral, not a plant) 1200 to 2400 micrograms a day (6 to 12 times the recommended allowance, per the report) 4 to 5 months |
She had weight loss, anaemia, low platelets, red blood cell breakdown, liver injury and kidney failure, and her blood chromium was 2 to 3 times normal. Other causes of these problems were ruled out. She was treated with supportive care, transfusions and dialysis and recovered; tests were normal a year later. Liver enzymes 15 to 20 times normal; serum creatinine 5.3 mg/dL (Not applicable) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Blood counts, liver and kidney tests Limitations: One case report, which can suggest but not prove cause. Amounts were well above usual supplement labels. Funding and conflicts: Funding is not stated in the abstract. Read: abstract |
| Costello 2016 Chromium supplements for glycemic control in type 2 diabetes: limited evidence of effectiveness. Nutr Rev · PMID 27261273 · DOI |
Narrative review of randomised trials |
20 randomised trials of chromium supplements in people with type 2 diabetes | Chromium-containing supplements Chromium supplement (mineral, not a plant) Not given in the abstract Not given in the abstract · vs Placebo or control |
Only a few trials reached the treatment goals the authors set. They judged the evidence to be of low strength and saw little reason to recommend chromium supplements for blood sugar control in people who already have type 2 diabetes. Fasting glucose goal reached in 5 of 20 trials; HbA1c goal in 3 of 14; both in 1 of 14; HbA1c fall of 0.5 or more in 5 of 14. (Not applicable) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Fasting glucose and HbA1c against clinically meaningful targets Limitations: Narrative review, not a pooled analysis. Authors asked for future meta-analyses to include only high-quality studies with similar chromium forms. Funding and conflicts: Funding is not stated in the abstract. Read: abstract |
| Hamsho 2025 Therapeutic effects of chromium supplementation on women with polycystic ovarian syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Endocrinol Diabetes Nutr (Engl Ed) · PMID 41067797 · DOI |
Systematic review meta analysis |
10 randomised trials, 683 women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) | Chromium supplements (the authors single out chromium picolinate) Chromium supplement (mineral, not a plant) The abstract mentions 200 micrograms of chromium picolinate (a trial amount, not advice) Not given in the abstract · vs Placebo, and metformin in some comparisons |
Against placebo, chromium was linked to lower fasting insulin, triglycerides, total cholesterol, VLDL, LDL, hs-CRP, malondialdehyde, FSH and prolactin, and to higher insulin sensitivity (QUICKI), antioxidant capacity and ovulation. Against metformin, chromium was reported better for HOMA-IR and LH. The authors said more studies are needed before dietary guidelines can be drawn up. Directions of change only; the abstract gives P values (for example fasting insulin P=0.01, ovulation P=0.001, triglycerides P<0.00001) but no effect sizes. (Not given in the abstract) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Insulin, insulin resistance scores, blood fats, inflammation and oxidative markers, hormones, ovulation Limitations: Abstract gives no effect sizes, trial quality or between-trial differences, and several results look very strong, so they should be read cautiously. Women with PCOS only, not the general public. Funding and conflicts: Funding is not stated in the abstract. Read: abstract |
| Tian 2013 Chromium picolinate supplementation for overweight or obese adults. Cochrane Database Syst Rev · PMID 24293292 · DOI |
Systematic review meta analysis |
9 randomised trials, 622 overweight or obese adults, follow-up up to 24 weeks | Chromium picolinate Chromium supplement (mineral, not a plant) Studied amounts: 200, 400, 500 and 1000 micrograms (trial amounts, not advice) 12 to 16 weeks for the pooled weight result (up to 24 weeks overall) · vs Placebo, with or without resistance training |
Pooled across amounts, chromium picolinate was linked to a small weight difference of debatable clinical relevance after 12 to 16 weeks (low-quality evidence). No clear difference between amounts. Only three trials reported adverse events: serious events and dropouts were seen at 1000 and at 400 micrograms, and two placebo participants also stopped because of adverse events. The authors found no current, reliable evidence for firm decisions about benefit or safety. Body weight mean difference -1.1 kg (6 trials, 392 participants) (-1.7 to -0.4 kg (P = 0.001)) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Body weight, body mass index, body fat, waist; adverse events Limitations: Low-quality evidence (GRADE). Short follow-up. Adverse events were reported in only 3 trials. Not people with diabetes. Funding and conflicts: Funding is not stated in the abstract. Read: abstract |
| Wani 2006 Acute tubular necrosis associated with chromium picolinate-containing dietary supplement. Ann Pharmacother · PMID 16492795 · DOI |
Case report |
1 One 24-year-old man with a single (solitary) right kidney |
A multi-ingredient workout supplement containing chromium picolinate, Sida cordifolia, synephrine and guarana Chromium supplement (mineral, not a plant) Not given in the abstract 2 weeks |
He developed acute kidney failure that needed dialysis; a biopsy showed acute tubular necrosis. He recovered normal kidney function. The authors rated the link to the supplement as probable, but it contained several ingredients, so chromium alone cannot be blamed. Not applicable (Not applicable) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Kidney function and biopsy Limitations: One case report of a combination product in a man with only one kidney. Funding and conflicts: Funding is not stated in the abstract. Read: abstract |
| Wiesner 2021 Levothyroxine Interactions with Food and Dietary Supplements-A Systematic Review. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) · PMID 33801406 · DOI |
Systematic review |
63 studies included after full-text review (121 found); interactions between levothyroxine and foods and supplements | Chromium supplements (one of many items reviewed) Chromium supplement (mineral, not a plant) |
The review lists chromium supplements among items whose effect on levothyroxine needs to be investigated further in larger, better-designed studies. It found limited evidence for some other items (coffee, soy, fibre, calcium, iron) decreasing absorption. No chromium numbers in the abstract (Not applicable) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Effect on levothyroxine absorption and effect Limitations: The abstract does not say how many chromium studies there were or what they found. The statement is that the question is open. Funding and conflicts: Authors declare no conflict of interest; funded by the Polish Ministry of Higher Education. Read: abstract |
| Zhao 2022 Effect of Chromium Supplementation on Blood Glucose and Lipid Levels in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Biol Trace Elem Res · PMID 33783683 · DOI |
Systematic review meta analysis |
10 randomised trials, 509 adults with type 2 diabetes (269 chromium, 240 placebo) | Chromium supplements Chromium supplement (mineral, not a plant) Not given in the abstract Not given in the abstract · vs Placebo |
Only HbA1c was lower with chromium. Fasting glucose and the blood fat measures were not significantly different from placebo. The authors said chromium may lower HbA1c to a certain extent but cannot effectively improve fasting glucose or blood fats. HbA1c significantly lower; fasting glucose, triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL and HDL not significantly different (the abstract gives no numbers). (Not given in the abstract) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: HbA1c, fasting glucose, triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL, HDL Limitations: The abstract gives no effect sizes, forms or amounts. Funding and conflicts: Funding is not stated in the abstract. Read: abstract |
| s-medlineplus-chromium MedlinePlus (US National Library of Medicine): Chromium in diet · Source |
Health agency n/a |
Methods, limits and fundingRead: full-text | ||
| s-merck-chromium Merck Manual Professional Edition: Chromium (Shane-McWhorter, peer reviewed by Vivian; full review Jul 2025) · Source |
Clinical reference n/a |
Methods, limits and fundingRead: full-text | ||
| s-ods-chromium NIH Office of Dietary Supplements: Chromium fact sheets (health professional and consumer) · Source |
Health agency n/a |
Methods, limits and fundingRead: not-read |
What we do not know yet
- The NIH Office of Dietary Supplements fact sheets could not be read, so food amounts and any official upper limit are not stated.
- Trials differ widely in chromium form, amount and length, so averages may not fit any one person.
- No trial compared chromium forms or tested chromium-rich foods.
- Kidney and liver harm is known only from case reports; how often it happens is not known.
- No human safety data for pregnancy, breastfeeding or children.
How new research is added
New studies are found by a saved PubMed search and placed in a review queue before the page changes.
Lab markers
What changed in blood or saliva tests during trials. A changed number is not the same as feeling or being healthier, and we give no "normal ranges".
Metabolic 3
HbA1c (long-term blood sugar)
Lowered in trials
A blood test that reflects average blood sugar over about 2 to 3 months.
Mixed findingsResults and what it means
Why it was measured
The usual trial measure of long-term blood sugar control in diabetes.
Statistical vs. clinical meaning
A small average fall in two analyses; few trials reached a clinically meaningful change.
Safety implication
Might add to the effect of insulin or sulfonylureas.
| Study | Result | People | Product |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | HbA1c -0.71 percentage points (95% CI -1.19 to -0.23) | Adults with type 2 diabetes in 28 trials | Chromium supplements, forms and amounts varied |
| 9 | HbA1c significantly lower with chromium (no numbers in the abstract) | 509 adults with type 2 diabetes in 10 trials | Chromium supplements versus placebo |
| 4 | HbA1c target reached in only 3 of 14 trials; fall of 0.5 or more in 5 of 14 | Adults with type 2 diabetes in 20 trials | Chromium supplements |
Fasting blood glucose
Mixed results in trials
Blood sugar after not eating, usually overnight.
Mixed findingsResults and what it means
Why it was measured
A quick blood sugar check used in most diabetes trials.
Statistical vs. clinical meaning
The two analyses disagree.
Safety implication
See Safety for low blood sugar with diabetes medicines.
Body weight
Lowered (small) in trials
Your weight in kilograms.
Low certaintyResults and what it means
Why it was measured
The main outcome in weight trials.
Statistical vs. clinical meaning
A very small difference of debatable clinical relevance (low-quality evidence).
Safety implication
Serious adverse events were reported at some studied amounts.
| Study | Result | People | Product |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | Body weight -1.1 kg (95% CI -1.7 to -0.4) | 392 overweight or obese adults in 6 trials | Chromium picolinate, 12 to 16 weeks |
Other 4
Fasting insulin
Lowered in trials
The level of insulin in the blood after not eating.
Low certaintyResults and what it means
HOMA-IR (insulin resistance score)
Lowered in trials
A score worked out from fasting glucose and insulin. Higher means more insulin resistance.
Low certaintyResults and what it means
Why it was measured
Used to estimate insulin resistance without a special test.
Statistical vs. clinical meaning
One analysis with large differences between trials.
Safety implication
None specific.
| Study | Result | People | Product |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | HOMA-IR -1.53 (95% CI -2.35 to -0.72); between-trial differences 89.9% | Adults with type 2 diabetes in 28 trials | Chromium supplements |
Blood fats in type 2 diabetes (triglycerides, total, LDL and HDL cholesterol)
No significant change in trials
Fats carried in the blood.
Low certaintyResults and what it means
Why it was measured
Heart risk markers.
Statistical vs. clinical meaning
No clear effect in type 2 diabetes.
Safety implication
None specific.
| Study | Result | People | Product |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | Triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL and HDL not significantly different from placebo | 509 adults with type 2 diabetes in 10 trials | Chromium supplements versus placebo |
Fasting insulin and insulin sensitivity in PCOS
Improved in trials
Insulin level and a score of how well insulin works (QUICKI).
Low certaintyResults and what it means
Why it was measured
Insulin resistance is common in PCOS.
Statistical vs. clinical meaning
Direction only, from an abstract.
Safety implication
None specific.
| Study | Result | People | Product |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | Fasting insulin lower and QUICKI higher than placebo (P=0.01 and P=0.02); HOMA-IR better than with metformin | 683 women with PCOS in 10 trials | Chromium supplements; abstract mentions 200 micrograms of picolinate |
Safety
What studies and official sources say about side effects, medicines and who should check first. Each point shows what kind of evidence it comes from.
Main points to know 4
- Serious kidney and liver harm has been reported with large amounts. Case reports describe kidney failure, liver injury, anaemia and red blood cell breakdown in a woman who took 1200 to 2400 micrograms of chromium picolinate a day for 4 to 5 months, and kidney failure needing dialysis in a man (with one kidney) after two weeks of a multi-ingredient workout product containing chromium picolinate. Both recovered. Merck says isolated cases of impaired kidney and liver function have been reported and that people with kidney or liver disorders should avoid supplements. These are case reports, which can suggest but not prove cause. Case reports 3 7 11
- Diabetes medicines: risk of low blood sugar. Merck says chromium may lower blood sugar further when combined with insulin or sulfonylureas, but not with metformin. This comes from one clinical reference, not from trials read for this page. If you use diabetes medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist before taking chromium. Clinical reference 11
- Thyroid medicine (levothyroxine). A 2021 systematic review lists chromium supplements among items whose effect on levothyroxine needs more study. Merck says chromium may lower levothyroxine levels and the thyroid dose may need adjusting. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about timing. Systematic review and clinical reference 8 11
- Pregnancy: no human safety data found. No human study of chromium supplement safety in pregnancy was read. In pregnant mice fed very high amounts of chromium picolinate, pups had more neck bone defects. This does not show what happens in people. Official intake figures for pregnancy exist (see Regulatory), but they are for food and say nothing about pills. Animal study 2 10
Side effects 4
| Effect | How often | Severity and recovery | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stomach and gut irritation, including ulcers (some forms) Merck says some forms of chromium may contribute to irritation and ulcers. Brewer's yeast, the richest food source, causes bloating and nausea in some people (MedlinePlus). | Not given in the source. | unclear Not described. | Clinical reference 11 |
| Kidney injury (acute kidney failure, acute tubular necrosis) in case reports One case involved a product with several ingredients, so chromium alone cannot be blamed. | Isolated cases; no frequency found. | can be severe (dialysis was needed) Both reported patients recovered kidney function. | Case reports 3 7 11 |
| Liver injury and blood problems (anaemia, low platelets, red blood cell breakdown) in a case report Amount taken was far above usual supplement labels. | One case; no frequency found. | can be severe Liver tests returned to normal before discharge and all tests were normal a year later. | Case reports 3 |
| Serious adverse events and dropouts in weight-loss trials of chromium picolinate Low-quality evidence; the abstract does not describe the events. | Two at the 1000-microgram trial amount and one at 400 micrograms, among the three trials that reported adverse events. | serious (as labelled by the trials) Not described. | Systematic review 6 |
Liver
One case report describes liver injury (liver enzymes 15 to 20 times normal) with chromium picolinate taken in large amounts for months, with full recovery. Merck says isolated cases of impaired liver function have been reported. A dedicated liver-safety source (such as LiverTox) was not searched. 3 11
How often. Isolated cases only; no frequency found.
Monitoring. No agency monitoring advice was found.
- A 33-year-old woman with liver dysfunction, anaemia, low platelets and kidney failure after 4 to 5 months of chromium picolinate (case report).
This is a safety connection. It is not evidence that Chromium supports liver health.
Medicines and supplements 4
| With | Why it matters | Importance | Evidence | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Insulin and sulfonylurea diabetes medicines prescription | Both chromium (as described) and these medicines act on blood sugar, so the effects may add up. | Merck says chromium may lower blood sugar with insulin or sulfonylureas. No trial for this was read. | Clinical reference Low certainty 11 | Ask your doctor or pharmacist before taking chromium with insulin or a sulfonylurea, and ask what low blood sugar looks like. |
| Metformin prescription | Not described. | Merck says the blood-sugar-lowering interaction applies to insulin and sulfonylureas, but not metformin. Nothing else about metformin was read. | Clinical reference Low certainty 11 | Still tell your doctor or pharmacist about any supplement you use. |
| Levothyroxine (thyroid hormone) prescription | Possibly less absorption of the medicine; not established. | The systematic review calls the effect of chromium on levothyroxine unclear and in need of larger studies. Merck says levels may fall and the dose may need adjusting. | Systematic review and clinical reference Very low certainty 8 11 | Ask your doctor or pharmacist about timing and thyroid blood tests. |
| Iron supplement | Merck says chromium supplements interfere with iron absorption and may cause iron deficiency through ferritin binding. | A single reference source; no trial was read. | Clinical reference Very low certainty 11 | If you use iron or have low iron, ask your doctor or pharmacist. |
Who should check first 5
| Situation | Advice | Evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Existing kidney or liver disease | Merck advises people with kidney or liver disorders to avoid chromium supplements. Ask your doctor. | Clinical reference 11 3 7 |
| Taking insulin or a sulfonylurea | Ask your doctor or pharmacist before taking chromium; low blood sugar is possible. | Clinical reference 11 |
| Taking levothyroxine or iron | Ask your doctor or pharmacist about timing and monitoring. | Clinical reference 8 11 |
| Pregnancy or breastfeeding | No human supplement safety data were found. Ask your doctor before using chromium pills. | Animal study and absence of data 2 10 |
| Children | No source read gave safety information for chromium supplements in children; only food intake figures exist. Ask a doctor. | Absence of data 10 |
Overdose, product quality and regulators
Summary. MedlinePlus says toxicity is not common because chromium is poorly absorbed and mostly excreted. The documented harm in case reports came from large amounts of chromium picolinate taken for months. Hexavalent chromium (an industrial form) is a different substance and is not covered here.
Animal. A mouse study found neck bone defects in pups when pregnant mice ate very high amounts of chromium picolinate; chromium chloride did not do this.
Human doses studied. Trials of chromium picolinate used 200 to 1000 micrograms a day (Cochrane review). A case report described kidney and liver failure at 1200 to 2400 micrograms a day over months. These are what was studied or reported, not advice.
High dose or long term signals. Case reports of kidney and liver injury; see above.
Overdose response. Supportive care and dialysis were used in the reported cases; no general guidance was read.
Genotoxicity. The 2006 mouse paper notes that chromium picolinate has been linked in earlier work to DNA damage in rats and cell cultures; this was not independently read.
Product quality (label accuracy, contaminants such as other metals) was not researched for chromium supplements. The report of kidney failure involved a multi-ingredient product, which shows why labels with several ingredients are hard to judge.
Multi-ingredient products. The case of acute tubular necrosis involved a product with chromium picolinate, Sida cordifolia, synephrine and guarana. 7
| Body | Action | Date |
|---|---|---|
| MedlinePlus (US National Library of Medicine) (United States) | Chromium in diet: calls chromium essential; Adequate Intakes (mcg/day) of 20 to 35 for adults, 29 to 30 in pregnancy and 44 to 45 in breastfeeding; supplement not recommended as the sole treatment for diabetes; toxicity not common. No upper limit is given on the page. source | 2025-01-21 |
| Merck Manual Professional Edition (United States) | Chromium: little evidence of benefit; isolated kidney and liver cases; interacts with insulin, sulfonylureas, levothyroxine and iron. source | 2025-07 |
When to get medical help
- Very little urine, swelling, dark urine, yellow skin or eyes, unusual bruising or bleeding, or severe tiredness after taking chromium or a product containing it (the problems seen in the case reports): get medical help urgently
- Shakiness, sweating, confusion or fainting if you use insulin or a sulfonylurea (possible low blood sugar): treat it as your medicine plan says and call your doctor; call 911 or your local emergency number if someone cannot be woken
Stop using the product and contact a clinician or emergency service. In the US, Poison Control is 1-800-222-1222.
General information only, not medical advice. Ask a clinician or pharmacist before use, especially with medicines, in pregnancy or with a health condition. See the Natural Remedy Safety guide.
Frequently asked questions
What is chromium?
A trace mineral found in food that helps the body use insulin. MedlinePlus calls it essential and says the body cannot make it.
Which foods contain chromium?
Does chromium help type 2 diabetes?
Does chromium lower fasting blood sugar?
Does chromium help you lose weight?
A Cochrane review found about 1.1 kg lower weight with chromium picolinate after 12 to 16 weeks, of debatable relevance, with low-quality evidence. The authors found no reliable evidence for firm decisions.
Does chromium lower cholesterol?
Does chromium help polycystic ovarian syndrome?
A 2025 analysis of 10 trials reported better insulin measures and ovulation, but gave no effect sizes in its abstract. It is early evidence.
Does chromium build muscle?
Merck says there is no good evidence that it does.
Can chromium harm the kidneys or liver?
Does chromium interact with medicines?
Is chromium safe in pregnancy?
Explore by health goal
Editorial transparency
- Written by
- AlternativeMed editorial team. Research compiled with AI assistance, then checked against the sources listed.
- Medical review
- None. This page has not been reviewed by a physician or pharmacist.
- First published
- 2026-10-26
- Last substantive update
- 2026-10-26
- How we research
- We started from our existing chromium summary, read the MedlinePlus and Merck Manual pages in full and re-read PubMed abstracts for pooled analyses, a Cochrane review, case reports and an animal study. Only abstracts were read for studies. The NIH Office of Dietary Supplements pages were blocked and are flagged as not read.
- How we rate evidence
- See "How we rate evidence" in the Evidence tab.
- Independence
- No product is promoted on this page. No affiliate links are shown. Funding is not stated in most abstracts.
Sources 12
Each source was opened and checked. Where we read only the abstract, it says so. The small numbers in the text point here.
- Asbaghi O, Fatemeh N, Mahnaz RK, Ghaedi E, et al.. Effects of chromium supplementation on glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.. Pharmacol Res. 2020. PMID 32730903. DOI 10.1016/j.phrs.2020.105098. (abstract)
- Bailey MM, Boohaker JG, Sawyer RJ, et al.. Exposure of pregnant mice to chromium picolinate results in skeletal defects in their offspring.. Birth Defects Res B Dev Reprod Toxicol. 2006. PMID 16767758. DOI 10.1002/bdrb.20081. (abstract)
- Cerulli J, Grabe DW, Gauthier I, Malone M. Chromium picolinate toxicity.. Ann Pharmacother. 1998. PMID 9562138. DOI 10.1345/aph.17327. (abstract)
- Costello RB, Dwyer JT, Bailey RL. Chromium supplements for glycemic control in type 2 diabetes: limited evidence of effectiveness.. Nutr Rev. 2016. PMID 27261273. DOI 10.1093/nutrit/nuw011. (abstract)
- Hamsho M, Ranneh Y, Fadel A. Therapeutic effects of chromium supplementation on women with polycystic ovarian syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis.. Endocrinol Diabetes Nutr (Engl Ed). 2025. PMID 41067797. DOI 10.1016/j.endien.2025.501578. (abstract)
- Tian H, Guo X, Wang X, He Z, et al.. Chromium picolinate supplementation for overweight or obese adults.. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2013. PMID 24293292. DOI 10.1002/14651858.CD010063.pub2. (abstract)
- Wani S, Weskamp C, Marple J, et al.. Acute tubular necrosis associated with chromium picolinate-containing dietary supplement.. Ann Pharmacother. 2006. PMID 16492795. DOI 10.1345/aph.1G469. (abstract)
- Wiesner A, Gajewska D, Pasko P. Levothyroxine Interactions with Food and Dietary Supplements-A Systematic Review.. Pharmaceuticals (Basel). 2021. PMID 33801406. DOI 10.3390/ph14030206. (abstract)
- Zhao F, Pan D, Wang N, Xia H, et al.. Effect of Chromium Supplementation on Blood Glucose and Lipid Levels in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.. Biol Trace Elem Res. 2022. PMID 33783683. DOI 10.1007/s12011-021-02693-3. (abstract)
- . MedlinePlus (US National Library of Medicine): Chromium in diet. . . (full-text)
- . Merck Manual Professional Edition: Chromium (Shane-McWhorter, peer reviewed by Vivian; full review Jul 2025). . . (full-text)
- . NIH Office of Dietary Supplements: Chromium fact sheets (health professional and consumer). . . (not-read)
Where to buy
Check the label first. Whatever you buy, look for these:
- The amount of the active ingredient per serving, not just the front-label claim
- A third-party testing mark (USP, NSF or ConsumerLab)
- Other ingredients and allergens
- Ask a pharmacist about interactions with your medicines
Talk to a pharmacist or doctor before you start any supplement, especially if you take medicines. See the Safety tab for interactions.
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