What is chromium?

    Written by:
    Katie Jantz

    Fact-checked

    by:

    Nick Milazzo, Natalka Roshak
    Last Updated: May 16, 2025

    Chromium is an element commonly found in the earth's crust, primarily in trivalent (Cr(III)) and hexavalent (Cr(VI)) forms, and trivalent chromium is generally safe and present in various foods and supplements. Although it has been suggested that chromium may be essential for insulin function and metabolism, there is no global consensus on its necessity for the human body.

    Chromium is an element (Cr), and is commonly found as a mineral in the earth’s crust and soil (typically in trivalent or hexavalent form).[1] Trivalent chromium, Cr(III), is the form discussed on this page. It is generally considered safe and is found in various supplements and foods (e.g., grains, meats, brewer’s yeast, fruits, vegetables).[2] In contrast, hexavalent chromium, Cr(VI), is an environmental pollutant and carcinogen produced by industrial metal processing and found in exhaust fumes and cigarette smoke.[3]

    Trivalent chromium (from here on referred to as chromium) has been considered an essential trace mineral for many years, meaning that the body needs it in small amounts to function properly. However, while it has been proposed that chromium is required for the proper functioning of insulin and the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats,[4] there is currently no global consensus as to whether chromium is truly essential for the human body.[5][6]