Chromium

Also known as: Chromium III, Cr(III), Chromium picolate, trivalent Chromium, atomic #24

 

Safety Rating:

 

LIKELY HARMFUL

  • None

NOT ENOUGH INFO

  • None

POSSIBLY UNSAFE

at high doses

(see Dose Safety below)

POSSIBLY SAFE

  • None

LIKELY SAFE

for otherwise healthy patients

at moderate doses

(see Dose Safety below)

 

(For explanations of what these safety ratings mean, click here) 

 

 

Dose Safety 

The National Academy of Medicine developed a list of "Adequate Intake" (AI) of Chromium based on gender, age, and in the case of children, weight. The AI of Chromium of otherwise healthy people are listed below:

  • Age 19-50:
    • Men: 35mcg/day
    • Women: 25 mcg/day
  • Age 50+:
    • Men: up to 30 mcg/day
    • Women: up to 20 mcg/day
  • Children: Based on age, gender, weight (details)
  • Pregnant: up to 30 mcg/day
  • Breastfeeding: up to 45 mcg/day

The FDA and Institute of Medicine have suggested that it is likely safe for otherwise healthy adults to take up to 200mcg of Chromium per day for up to 6 months. Speak to your health care provider to determine what dose would be safe for you.

 

 

Potential Side effects 

 

Confusion

Constipation

Diarrhea

Dizziness

Gas

Headaches

Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)

Insomnia (trouble sleeping)

Irritability

Loss of appetite

Nausea/vomiting

Stomach upset

Weight gain 


Overview

 

What is it? Chromium, a heavy metal, is Element #24 on the periodic table. It is a mineral found in certain foods and it is essential for the human diet in very small amounts.

Why is it used? Chromium is usually found in products that claim to promote weight loss, help control blood sugar, and help with PCOS symptoms, among many other claims.

What’s the harm?

  • Chromium comes in multiple forms:
    • Chromium 3 (Cr(III)) is generally safe when taken orally in low doses.  
    • Chromium 6 (Cr(VI), hexavelent Chromium) is a known carcinogen (cancer-causing agent) in humans. Exposure to Cr(VI) increases the risk of developing asthma and lung cancer.
    • Chromium can convert back and forth between the III and VI forms when in water and the human body depending on certain conditions. Because supplements are not regulated, there is no guarantee that a product contains Cr(III) in a stable form that will not convert to VI in the body.
  • ***From this point forward, the page will only be discussing Cr(III).***
  • Like any heavy metal, taking too much Chromium for too long can lead to heavy metal poisoning. Chromium poisoning can cause diarrhea, vomiting, increased risk of gallbladder disease, and internal bleeding that leads to shock.
  • While many studies have demonstrated Cr (III)safety at various doses and lengths of time, the FDA and Institute of Medicine released separate findings in 2005  recommending healthy adult patients limit their intake to a maximum dose of 200mcg daily for up to 6 months. The regular daily intake recommendations differ based on age, gender, and conditions, as detailed in Chapter 6 of the NAP book on Dietary References. A qualified healthcare provider should be consulted before taking supplements containing chromium. 

 

Intractions with health conditions

 

Diabetes: May increase the risk of Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) when combined with medications meant to control blood sugar

Thyroid: may impact some thyroid medications 


Drug Interactions

 

Diabetes/blood sugar control: Chromium may increase the risk of Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) when combined with Diabetes drugs. Examples include:

  • Metformin
  • Glipizide (Glucotrol)
  • Insulin
  • Pioglitazone (Actos)
  • Liraglutide (Victoza)
  • Canagliflozin (Invokana)
  • Sitagliptin (Januvia)

For more examples of diabetes drugs, click here.

Thyroid medication: Chromium has been shown to decrease the level of Levothyroxine when taken at the same time. This can be avoided by taking Levothyroxine at least 30 minutes before or 3 hours after taking Chromium. 


Interactions with herbs/supplements

 

Blood sugar-lowering products: Combining Chromium with products that may lower blood sugar increases the risk of hypoglycemia (extremely low blood sugar). Examples:

Chromium-containing products: combining multiple products containing Chromium can increase risk of Chromium toxicity. Examples:

  • Bilberry
  • Brewer’s yeast
  • Cascara
  • Horsetail

Iron: High doses of chromium could reduce the amount of iron absorbed into the body, and may lead to iron deficiency.

Vitamin C: Taking with vitamin C could increase the amount of Chromium absorbed by your body. If too much Chromium is absorbed over time, that can lead to heavy metal poisoning.

Zinc: Zinc and Chromium compete with each other, and can lead to lower levels of both substances being absorbed into the body.

 

Interactions with foods: None known

 

 

Interactions with lab tests: None Known

 

References:

  1. Qualified Health Claims: Letter of Enforcement Discretion -Chromium Picolinate and Insulin Resistance (Docket No. 2004Q-0144).CFSAN/Office of Nutritional Products, Labeling, and Dietary Supplements August 25, 2005. Retrieved 03/2019: http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/qhccr.html

  2. Food and Nutrition Board, Institute of Medicine. Prototype monograph on chromium picolinate. Washington, DC: National Academy Press, 2005. Retrieved 03/2019: http://www.iom.edu/CMS/3788/19554.aspx

  3. Food and Nutrition Board, Institute of Medicine. Dietary Reference Intakes for Vitamin A, Vitamin K, Arsenic, Boron, Chromium, Copper, Iodine, Iron, Manganese, Molybdenum, Nickel, Silicon, Vanadium, and Zinc. Washington, DC: National Academy Press, 2002. Retrieved 03/2019: https://www.nap.edu/read/10026/chapter/8   

  4. *Natural Medicines. (2019, March 11). Chromium [Monograph]. Natural Standard Professional Monograph. Retrieved from: https://naturalmedicines.therapeuticresearch.com/databases/food,-herbs-supplements/professional.aspx?productid=932