Chromium

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    Katie Jantz, Louie Neri

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    Nick Milazzo, Natalka Roshak
    Last Updated: September 4, 2025

    Chromium is a mineral that occurs naturally in the earth’s crust and is found in small amounts in a variety of foods. Chromium supplementation seems to enhance the effects of insulin in the body, leading to improvements in insulin sensitivity and blood sugar regulation in people with insulin resistance. Although chromium has historically been considered an essential nutrient for the human body, current evidence challenges this notion.

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    Overview

    Dosage information

    In research, chromium is generally supplemented at dosages ranging from 200–1000 µg daily. However, consistent dose-dependent responses haven’t been observed, and it’s unclear what an optimal dose of chromium might be.[1]

    Supplemental chromium is available in a variety of forms, with chromium picolinate, chromium nicotinate, chromium chloride, and chromium-enriched yeast being the most commonly studied forms. There isn’t clear evidence suggesting one form is the best. When taken orally, chromium in both food and supplements is poorly absorbed by the body, with absorption rates ranging from just 0.4% to 2.5%.[2] While it has been circulated in the literature that chromium picolinate has superior absorption, the study this is based on used unreliable methods to measure chromium levels and was funded by a manufacturer of chromium picolinate.[3] Other research suggests that chromium picolinate does not have superior bioavailability compared to other forms of supplemental chromium.[4][5][1]

    In terms of dietary requirements, in 2001 the Institute of Medicine proposed an adequate intake of chromium to be 30–35 and 20–25 µg daily for men and women, respectively. However, due to a lack of clinical research, this was based on estimated average intakes in the United States.[6] In 2014, the European Food Safety Authority claimed that it was inappropriate to suggest an adequate intake level of chromium due to a lack of evidence for the beneficial role of chromium on human health.[7]

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    Examine Database References

    1. Blood Lactate (Exercise) - Volek JS, Silvestre R, Kirwan JP, Sharman MJ, Judelson DA, Spiering BA, Vingren JL, Maresh CM, Vanheest JL, Kraemer WJEffects of chromium supplementation on glycogen synthesis after high-intensity exerciseMed Sci Sports Exerc.(2006 Dec)
    2. Triglycerides - Racek J, Trefil L, Rajdl D, Mudrová V, Hunter D, Senft VInfluence of chromium-enriched yeast on blood glucose and insulin variables, blood lipids, and markers of oxidative stress in subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitusBiol Trace Elem Res.(2006 Mar)
    3. Triglycerides - Kim CW, Kim BT, Park KH, Kim KM, Lee DJ, Yang SW, Joo NSEffects of short-term chromium supplementation on insulin sensitivity and body composition in overweight children: randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled studyJ Nutr Biochem.(2011 Nov)
    4. Triglycerides - Jamilian M, Asemi ZChromium Supplementation and the Effects on Metabolic Status in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled TrialAnn Nutr Metab.(2015)
    5. Triglycerides - Aghdassi E, Arendt BM, Salit IE, Mohammed SS, Jalali P, Bondar H, Allard JPIn patients with HIV-infection, chromium supplementation improves insulin resistance and other metabolic abnormalities: a randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled trialCurr HIV Res.(2010 Mar)
    6. Triglycerides - Ali A, Ma Y, Reynolds J, Wise JP Sr, Inzucchi SE, Katz DLChromium effects on glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity in persons at risk for diabetes mellitusEndocr Pract.(2011 Jan-Feb)
    7. Blood glucose - Joseph LJ, Farrell PA, Davey SL, Evans WJ, Campbell WWEffect of resistance training with or without chromium picolinate supplementation on glucose metabolism in older men and womenMetabolism.(1999 May)
    8. Blood glucose - Offenbacher EG, Rinko CJ, Pi-Sunyer FXThe effects of inorganic chromium and brewer's yeast on glucose tolerance, plasma lipids, and plasma chromium in elderly subjectsAm J Clin Nutr.(1985 Sep)
    9. Blood glucose - Frauchiger MT, Wenk C, Colombani PCEffects of acute chromium supplementation on postprandial metabolism in healthy young menJ Am Coll Nutr.(2004 Aug)
    10. Weight - Lukaski HC, Siders WA, Penland JGChromium picolinate supplementation in women: effects on body weight, composition, and iron statusNutrition.(2007 Mar)
    11. Anti-Oxidant Enzyme Profile - Cheng HH, Lai MH, Hou WC, Huang CLAntioxidant effects of chromium supplementation with type 2 diabetes mellitus and euglycemic subjectsJ Agric Food Chem.(2004 Mar 10)
    12. Follicle-Stimulating Hormone - Jamilian M, Bahmani F, Siavashani MA, Mazloomi M, Asemi Z, Esmaillzadeh AThe Effects of Chromium Supplementation on Endocrine Profiles, Biomarkers of Inflammation, and Oxidative Stress in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: a Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled TrialBiol Trace Elem Res.(2016 Jul)
    13. Follicle-Stimulating Hormone - Lydic ML, McNurlan M, Bembo S, Mitchell L, Komaroff E, Gelato MChromium picolinate improves insulin sensitivity in obese subjects with polycystic ovary syndromeFertil Steril.(2006 Jul)
    14. Oxidative Stress Biomarkers - Morvaridzadeh M, Estêvão MD, Qorbani M, Heydari H, Hosseini AS, Fazelian S, Belančić A, Persad E, Rezamand G, Heshmati JThe effect of chromium intake on oxidative stress parameters: A systematic review and meta-analysis.J Trace Elem Med Biol.(2022-Jan)
    15. C-Reactive Protein (CRP) - Zhang X, Cui L, Chen B, Xiong Q, Zhan Y, Ye J, Yin QEffect of chromium supplementation on hs-CRP, TNF-α and IL-6 as risk factor for cardiovascular diseases: A meta-analysis of randomized-controlled trials.Complement Ther Clin Pract.(2021-Feb)
    16. Glycemic Control - Julie Martin, Zhong Q Wang, Xian H Zhang, Deborah Wachtel, Julia Volaufova, Dwight E Matthews, William T CefaluChromium picolinate supplementation attenuates body weight gain and increases insulin sensitivity in subjects with type 2 diabetesDiabetes Care.(2006 Aug)
    17. Glycemic Control - Kleefstra N, Houweling ST, Bakker SJ, Verhoeven S, Gans RO, Meyboom-de Jong B, Bilo HJChromium treatment has no effect in patients with type 2 diabetes in a Western population: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trialDiabetes Care.(2007 May)
    18. Glycemic Control - Król E, Krejpcio Z, Byks H, Bogdański P, Pupek-Musialik DEffects of chromium brewer's yeast supplementation on body mass, blood carbohydrates, and lipids and minerals in type 2 diabetic patientsBiol Trace Elem Res.(2011 Nov)
    19. Glycemic Control - Pei D, Hsieh CH, Hung YJ, Li JC, Lee CH, Kuo SWThe influence of chromium chloride-containing milk to glycemic control of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trialMetabolism.(2006 Jul)
    20. Glycemic Control - Lai MHAntioxidant effects and insulin resistance improvement of chromium combined with vitamin C and e supplementation for type 2 diabetes mellitusJ Clin Biochem Nutr.(2008 Nov)
    21. Glycemic Control - Gunton JE, Cheung NW, Hitchman R, Hams G, O'Sullivan C, Foster-Powell K, McElduff AChromium supplementation does not improve glucose tolerance, insulin sensitivity, or lipid profile: a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial of supplementation in subjects with impaired glucose toleranceDiabetes Care.(2005 Mar)
    22. Glycemic Control - Cefalu WT, Rood J, Pinsonat P, Qin J, Sereda O, Levitan L, Anderson RA, Zhang XH, Martin JM, Martin CK, Wang ZQ, Newcomer BCharacterization of the metabolic and physiologic response to chromium supplementation in subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitusMetabolism.(2010 May)
    23. Weight - Vrtovec M, Vrtovec B, Briski A, Kocijancic A, Anderson RA, Radovancevic BChromium supplementation shortens QTc interval duration in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitusAm Heart J.(2005 Apr)
    24. Weight - Ghosh D, Bhattacharya B, Mukherjee B, Manna B, Sinha M, Chowdhury J, Chowdhury SRole of chromium supplementation in Indians with type 2 diabetes mellitusJ Nutr Biochem.(2002 Nov)
    25. Weight - Kleefstra N, Houweling ST, Jansman FG, Groenier KH, Gans RO, Meyboom-de Jong B, Bakker SJ, Bilo HJChromium treatment has no effect in patients with poorly controlled, insulin-treated type 2 diabetes in an obese Western population: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trialDiabetes Care.(2006 Mar)
    26. Weight - Anderson RA, Cheng N, Bryden NA, Polansky MM, Cheng N, Chi J, Feng JElevated intakes of supplemental chromium improve glucose and insulin variables in individuals with type 2 diabetesDiabetes.(1997 Nov)
    27. Weight - Sharma S, Agrawal RP, Choudhary M, Jain S, Goyal S, Agarwal VBeneficial effect of chromium supplementation on glucose, HbA1C and lipid variables in individuals with newly onset type-2 diabetesJ Trace Elem Med Biol.(2011 Jul)
    28. Weight - Bahijiri SM, Mira SA, Mufti AM, Ajabnoor MAThe effects of inorganic chromium and brewer's yeast supplementation on glucose tolerance, serum lipids and drug dosage in individuals with type 2 diabetesSaudi Med J.(2000 Sep)
    29. Blood glucose - Fengyi Zhao, Da Pan, Niannian Wang, Hui Xia, Hong Zhang, Shaokang Wang, Guiju SunEffect of Chromium Supplementation on Blood Glucose and Lipid Levels in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysisBiol Trace Elem Res.(2022 Feb)
    30. Blood glucose - Paiva AN, Lima JG, Medeiros AC, Figueiredo HA, Andrade RL, Ururahy MA, Rezende AA, Brandão-Neto J, Almeida MdBeneficial effects of oral chromium picolinate supplementation on glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes: A randomized clinical studyJ Trace Elem Med Biol.(2015 Oct)
    31. HbA1c - Anderson RA, Roussel AM, Zouari N, Mahjoub S, Matheau JM, Kerkeni APotential antioxidant effects of zinc and chromium supplementation in people with type 2 diabetes mellitusJ Am Coll Nutr.(2001 Jun)
    32. Muscle Mass - Campbell WW, Joseph LJ, Anderson RA, Davey SL, Hinton J, Evans WJEffects of resistive training and chromium picolinate on body composition and skeletal muscle size in older womenInt J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab.(2002 Jun)
    33. Muscle Mass - Livolsi JM, Adams GM, Laguna PLThe effect of chromium picolinate on muscular strength and body composition in women athletesJ Strength Cond Res.(2001 May)
    34. Muscle Mass - Hallmark MA, Reynolds TH, DeSouza CA, Dotson CO, Anderson RA, Rogers MAEffects of chromium and resistive training on muscle strength and body compositionMed Sci Sports Exerc.(1996 Jan)
    35. Muscle Mass - Walker LS, Bemben MG, Bemben DA, Knehans AWChromium picolinate effects on body composition and muscular performance in wrestlersMed Sci Sports Exerc.(1998 Dec)
    36. Muscle Mass - Campbell WW, Joseph LJ, Davey SL, Cyr-Campbell D, Anderson RA, Evans WJEffects of resistance training and chromium picolinate on body composition and skeletal muscle in older menJ Appl Physiol (1985).(1999 Jan)
    37. Weight - Rhee YS, Hermann JR, Burnham K, Arquitt AB, Stoecker BJThe effects of chromium and copper supplementation on mitogen-stimulated T cell proliferation in hypercholesterolaemic postmenopausal womenClin Exp Immunol.(2002 Mar)
    38. Total cholesterol - Preuss HG, Wallerstedt D, Talpur N, Tutuncuoglu SO, Echard B, Myers A, Bui M, Bagchi DEffects of niacin-bound chromium and grape seed proanthocyanidin extract on the lipid profile of hypercholesterolemic subjects: a pilot studyJ Med.(2000)
    39. HbA1c - Hockney RA, Montgomery P, Williams C, Geddes JR, Cowen PJLack of effect of chromium supplementation on mental state and body weight in people with schizophreniaJ Clin Psychopharmacol.(2006 Oct)
    40. Blood Lactate (Exercise) - Davis JM, Welsh RS, Alerson NAEffects of carbohydrate and chromium ingestion during intermittent high-intensity exercise to fatigueInt J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab.(2000 Dec)
    41. Depression Symptoms - Amann BL, Mergl R, Vieta E, Born C, Hermisson I, Seemueller F, Dittmann S, Grunze HA 2-year, open-label pilot study of adjunctive chromium in patients with treatment-resistant rapid-cycling bipolar disorderJ Clin Psychopharmacol.(2007 Feb)
    42. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) - I Kato, J H Vogelman, V Dilman, J Karkoszka, K Frenkel, N P Durr, N Orentreich, P TonioloEffect of supplementation with chromium picolinate on antibody titers to 5-hydroxymethyl uracilEur J Epidemiol.(1998 Sep)
    43. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) - Yazaki Y, Faridi Z, Ma Y, Ali A, Northrup V, Njike VY, Liberti L, Katz DLA pilot study of chromium picolinate for weight lossJ Altern Complement Med.(2010 Mar)
    44. Weight - Tian H, Guo X, Wang X, He Z, Sun R, Ge S, Zhang ZChromium picolinate supplementation for overweight or obese adultsCochrane Database Syst Rev.(2013 Nov 29)
    45. Glycemic Control - J J Feiner, M A McNurlan, R E Ferris, D C Mynarcik, M C GelatoChromium picolinate for insulin resistance in subjects with HIV disease: a pilot studyDiabetes Obes Metab.(2008 Feb)
    46. Blood glucose - Anton SD, Morrison CD, Cefalu WT, Martin CK, Coulon S, Geiselman P, Han H, White CL, Williamson DAEffects of chromium picolinate on food intake and satietyDiabetes Technol Ther.(2008 Oct)
    47. PMS Symptoms - Brownley KA, Girdler SS, Stout AL, McLeod MNChromium supplementation for menstrual cycle-related mood symptomsJ Diet Suppl.(2013 Dec)
    48. Depression Symptoms - Docherty JP, Sack DA, Roffman M, Finch M, Komorowski JRA double-blind, placebo-controlled, exploratory trial of chromium picolinate in atypical depression: effect on carbohydrate cravingJ Psychiatr Pract.(2005 Sep)
    49. Depression Symptoms - Davidson JR, Abraham K, Connor KM, McLeod MNEffectiveness of chromium in atypical depression: a placebo-controlled trialBiol Psychiatry.(2003 Feb 1)
    50. HbA1c - Iqbal N, Cardillo S, Volger S, Bloedon LT, Anderson RA, Boston R, Szapary POChromium picolinate does not improve key features of metabolic syndrome in obese nondiabetic adultsMetab Syndr Relat Disord.(2009 Apr)
    51. Blood glucose - Krikorian R, Eliassen JC, Boespflug EL, Nash TA, Shidler MDImproved cognitive-cerebral function in older adults with chromium supplementationNutr Neurosci.(2010 Jun)
    52. Depression Symptoms - McLeod MN, Gaynes BN, Golden RNChromium potentiation of antidepressant pharmacotherapy for dysthymic disorder in 5 patientsJ Clin Psychiatry.(1999 Apr)
    53. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) - Vajdi M, Musazadeh V, Karimi A, Heidari H, Tarrahi MJ, Askari GEffects of Chromium Supplementation on Lipid Profile: an Umbrella of Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.Biol Trace Elem Res.(2023-Aug)
    54. HbA1c - Brownley KA, Von Holle A, Hamer RM, La Via M, Bulik CMA double-blind, randomized pilot trial of chromium picolinate for binge eating disorder: results of the Binge Eating and Chromium (BEACh) studyJ Psychosom Res.(2013 Jul)
    55. Kidney Function - Campbell WW, Joseph LJ, Ostlund RE Jr, Anderson RA, Farrell PA, Evans WJResistive training and chromium picolinate: effects on inositols and liver and kidney functions in older adultsInt J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab.(2004 Aug)