What does chromium do?
In addition to its well-studied effects in diabetes, preliminary research has found that chromium supplementation also improves glucose tolerance in people with Turner’s syndrome—a disease linked with glucose intolerance.1
Chromium may also play a role in increasing HDL ("good") cholesterol,2 while lowering total cholesterol levels.3
Chromium, in a form called chromium picolinate, has been studied for its potential role in altering body composition. Preliminary research in animals4 and humans5 6 suggested that chromium picolinate increases fat loss and promotes a gain in lean muscle tissue. Double-blind research has also reported a reduction in body fat7 and body weight8 in people given 400 mcg of chromium (as chromium picolinate) per day for three months. However, other studies have failed to show a significant effect of chromium picolinate on body composition.9
Where is chromium found?
Chromium has been used in connection with the following conditions
Who is likely to be deficient of chromium?
How much chromium is usually taken?
Are there any side effects or interactions with chromium?
Chromium supplementation may enhance the effects of drugs for diabetes (e.g., insulin, blood sugar-lowering agents) and possibly lead to hypoglycemia. Therefore, people with diabetes taking these medications should supplement with chromium only under the supervision of a doctor.
One report of severe illness (including liver and kidney damage) occurring in a person who was taking 1,000 mcg of chromium per day has been reported.14 However, chromium supplementation was not proven to be the cause of these problems. Another source claimed that there have been reports of mild heart rhythm abnormalities with excessive chromium ingestion.15 However, no published evidence supports this assertion.
Three single, unrelated cases of toxicity have been reported from use of chromium picolinate. A case of kidney failure appeared after taking 600 mcg per day for six weeks.16 A case of anemia, liver dysfunction, and other problems appeared after four to five months of 1,200–2,400 mcg per day.17 A case of a muscle disease known as rhabdomyolysis appeared in a body builder who took 1200 mcg over 48 hours.18 Whether these problems were caused by chromium picolinate or, if so, whether other forms of chromium might have the same effects at these high amounts remains unclear. No one should take more than 300 mcg per day of chromium without the supervision of a doctor.
Preliminary research has found that vitamin C increases the absorption of chromium.19
Are there any drug interactions?