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Overview: Chromium is a mineral that may be used to prevent or treat low levels of chromium in the body. It is also sometimes used for weight loss and to lower blood sugar and cholesterol levels, but its benefits are not well defined. Chromium is available over the counter as a supplement and is usually well tolerated. Before taking chromium, tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any medicines or supplements you may be using.

Uses

What is chromium used for?

Chromium may be used to prevent or treat low levels of chromium from various causes. It is also sometimes used for weight loss or to lower blood sugar and cholesterol levels, but its benefits are not well defined. 

Chromium is available as a dietary supplement in various strengths and dosage forms. It is also found as an ingredient in some multivitamins.

Note: The FDA has not reviewed chromium for safety and effectiveness. Learn more about dietary supplements here.

How does chromium work (mechanism of action)?

Chromium is a trace mineral. Your body might use very small amounts of chromium for certain functions, such as helping you use proteins, sugars, and fats. It might also act as an antioxidant, helping to protect your cells from damage.

In the United States, most people get enough chromium from their diet. It is found in many different foods, including meats, grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts, beer, and wine. For most adults, the adequate daily intake of chromium is 20-35 micrograms (mcg). However, chromium is also available as a dietary supplement.

Because chromium might play a role in how your body uses sugars and fats, there is interest in taking chromium to help lower blood sugar and cholesterol levels in people with high cholesterol, metabolic syndrome, or diabetes. It is also sometimes used for weight loss. Some studies suggest that chromium may have a small effect on some people, but its benefits are not well defined.

How should I store chromium?

You should store chromium according to the product label. Most dietary supplements should be kept in a cool, dry location that is out of the reach of children and pets and not in direct sunlight.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of chromium?

Chromium seems to be well tolerated. Tell your health care provider if you have any side effects that bother you.

There may be side effects of chromium that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a supplement. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.safetyreporting.hhs.gov or by calling 888-SAFEFOOD (888-723-3366). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of chromium?

While less common, the most serious side effects of chromium are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Chromium may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking chromium and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching or skin rash
  • Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use chromium?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take chromium.

  • Chromic chloride
  • Chromium (Cr)
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific chromium products they stock.

What should I know about chromium before using it?

Chromium is a dietary supplement. It cannot be marketed to treat or cure a disease.

Read and follow the directions on the specific product you are taking, or take it as recommended by your health care provider.

Keep chromium out of the reach of children.

Dietary supplements may contain many different forms of chromium. Some examples include chromium picolinate, chromium nicotinate, chromium polynicotinate, and chromium chloride. All of these different forms of chromium are absorbed by your body in the same way.

The form of chromium found in dietary supplements is called trivalent chromium, or chromium (III). This is different from another form of chromium that is used in manufacturing, called hexavalent chromium or chromium (VI). Hexavalent chromium can be poisonous and should never be swallowed. Do not confuse these two different forms of chromium.

The FDA has not tested chromium products to confirm that they contain the ingredients stated on their labels. Some dietary supplements have been tested by third-party organizations to confirm that they contain the ingredients listed on their labels and do not contain any harmful chemicals. Learn more about how to choose a safe dietary supplement product here.

What should I tell my health care provider before using chromium?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if chromium is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

  • Kidney problems
  • Liver problems

Other Medicines and Supplements. Chromium may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking chromium, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how chromium could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. Chromium passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

Interactions

Does chromium interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between chromium and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect chromium.

Does chromium interact with medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before taking chromium.

  • A medicine to treat diabetes
  • A thyroid medicine, such as levothyroxine, which is used to raise thyroid hormone levels

The interactions between chromium and medicines are not fully understood. As with most dietary supplements, the research on drug interactions with chromium is incomplete. Always check with your health care provider before taking chromium with any medicines.

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much chromium?

If you or someone else has used too much chromium, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

Chromium may be found in dietary supplements as a single ingredient. It is also included in some multivitamin products. Read the product label closely and speak to a health care provider about how to take chromium safely. Do not take double or extra doses, even if you miss a dose.