Chromium

    Researchedby:
    Katie Jantz

    Fact-checked

    by:

    Nick Milazzo, Natalka Roshak
    Last Updated: September 10, 2023

    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.

    Chromium is most often used for Diabetes & Blood Sugar. The Examine Database covers Type 2 Diabetes, Metabolic Health, and 28 other conditions and goals.

    52 references on this page
    14,983 participants in 50 trials and 10 meta-analyses

    What is chromium?

    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).[8] 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).[9] 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.[10]

    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,[11] there is currently no global consensus as to whether chromium is truly essential for the human body.[12][7]

    Why is it unclear whether chromium is essential for the body?

    What are chromium’s main benefits?

    Chromium is best known for its effects on blood sugar regulation in type 2 diabetes, but it may also have mild antioxidant,[13] anti-inflammatory,[14] and appetite-suppressing effects.[15] Even though chromium is a popular dietary supplement, the research on chromium is fairly mixed, and where benefits have been found, they tend to be small or negligible.

    Chromium seems to modestly reduce hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), by an average of 0.54%,[1][16] and may improve insulin sensitivity, as indicated by reductions in HOMA-IR, but there are no clear effects on fasting blood glucose.[16] Notably, these benefits have not been observed in people with normal glucose tolerance.[1]

    Beyond blood sugar regulation, chromium may have slight weight loss benefits in people with overweight and obesity, possibly reducing weight, body mass index (BMI), and body fat percentage. However, these effects are small, likely have little clinical relevance, and are not consistently observed in people with type 2 diabetes.[15] Chromium may also reduce oxidative stress, as suggested by increased total antioxidant capacity and reduced malondialdehyde in people with type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), but this effect is poorly understood and also has questionable clinical relevance.[13]

    Is chromium beneficial for dyslipidemia or high blood pressure?Is chromium beneficial for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)?Does chromium improve athletic performance?

    What are chromium’s main drawbacks?

    Chromium seems to be well-tolerated. Studies have generally not found side effects in those taking chromium compared to placebo, but thorough safety analyses have also not been done. Currently, the Institute of Medicine has no safe upper limit for chromium due to a lack of evidence.[6] There have been isolated case reports of anemia (low red blood cells), thrombocytopenia (low platelets), liver and kidney dysfunction, dermatitis, low blood sugar, and rhabdomyolysis (a severe type of muscle injury).[17][18][19][20][21] Some of these cases involved chromium doses exceeding 1,000 µg daily, but others were taking doses of 200–600 µg daily, which are considered to be within normal range. However, none of these side effects have been observed in clinical trials to date.

    How does chromium work?

    Chromium’s mechanisms of action are not well-understood, although it’s generally accepted that it enhances the effect of insulin and promotes glucose transport into insulin-sensitive tissues.[1][22] It is currently thought that these actions occur via a biological complex (an oligopeptide called chromodulin, also known as low-molecular weight chromium-binding substance (LMWCr)) with which chromium binds. In vitro research has found that insulin has a greater capacity to facilitate glucose metabolism in the presence of chromodulin,[23] and that the ability of chromodulin to stimulate glucose metabolism is proportional to the chromium content of the complex.[24] Chromodulin is thought to bind intracellularly to activated insulin receptors, essentially amplifying insulin signaling.[25] In terms of chromium’s weight loss effects, chromium seems to reduce appetite and food cravings. Preliminary research suggests that chromium may act directly on the brain to induce these effects, possibly by impacting neurotransmission,[15][26] but more research is needed to confirm this.

    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]

    Examine Database: Chromium

    Type 2 Diabetes
    Metabolic Health
    High Cholesterol
    Obesity
    Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
    Metabolic Syndrome
    Body Composition
    Muscle Size & Strength
    Weight Loss & Maintenance
    General Athletic Performance
    Dyslipidemia
    Overweight
    Healthy Muscle Aging
    Type 1 Diabetes
    Human Immunodeficiency Virus
    Depression
    High Blood Pressure
    Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
    Binge Eating Disorder
    Bipolar Disorder
    General Cardiovascular Health
    Dysthymia
    General Liver Health
    Gestational Diabetes
    Kidney Health
    Major Depressive Disorder
    Mild Cognitive Impairment
    Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder
    Schizophrenia
    Wrestling Performance

    Research FeedRead all studies

    Frequently asked questions

    What is chromium?

    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).[8] 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).[9] 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.[10]

    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,[11] there is currently no global consensus as to whether chromium is truly essential for the human body.[12][7]

    Why is it unclear whether chromium is essential for the body?

    Chromium was designated an essential mineral after several case reports of chromium deficiency in patients receiving total parenteral nutrition (TPN) (nutrition delivered intravenously).[40][41][42][43][44][45] These patients demonstrated insulin resistance and glucose intolerance that seemed to be corrected by the administration of chromium. However, the validity of these reports has been called into question. The content of chromium in the TPN solutions was not always disclosed, and when it was, the solutions actually contained chromium in amounts exceeding what would normally be consumed in the diet given the low bioavailability of oral chromium.[12] Additionally, researchers have failed to induce chromium deficiency in mice; results of these mouse trials suggest that chromium may be beneficial as a pharmacological agent but not a nutritional necessity.[46] Lastly, in humans there are no definitive symptoms of chromium deficiency and no validated ways to measure chromium in the body, making it challenging to identify a true deficiency.[9] Both blood and urine levels, which are frequently used in clinical trials, are not considered to be accurate representations of chromium stores in the body.[2] While chromium may have small benefits when taken in supplemental doses, further research would be required to establish chromium as an essential dietary nutrient.

    What are chromium’s main benefits?

    Chromium is best known for its effects on blood sugar regulation in type 2 diabetes, but it may also have mild antioxidant,[13] anti-inflammatory,[14] and appetite-suppressing effects.[15] Even though chromium is a popular dietary supplement, the research on chromium is fairly mixed, and where benefits have been found, they tend to be small or negligible.

    Chromium seems to modestly reduce hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), by an average of 0.54%,[1][16] and may improve insulin sensitivity, as indicated by reductions in HOMA-IR, but there are no clear effects on fasting blood glucose.[16] Notably, these benefits have not been observed in people with normal glucose tolerance.[1]

    Beyond blood sugar regulation, chromium may have slight weight loss benefits in people with overweight and obesity, possibly reducing weight, body mass index (BMI), and body fat percentage. However, these effects are small, likely have little clinical relevance, and are not consistently observed in people with type 2 diabetes.[15] Chromium may also reduce oxidative stress, as suggested by increased total antioxidant capacity and reduced malondialdehyde in people with type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), but this effect is poorly understood and also has questionable clinical relevance.[13]

    Is chromium beneficial for dyslipidemia or high blood pressure?

    While some observational studies have found associations between low chromium levels and increased rates of dyslipidemia, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular disease,[27][28] these results have not been consistent[29][30] and many of these studies failed to control for dietary chromium intake.

    A 2023 umbrella review of 8 meta-analyses failed to find significant effects of chromium on various lipid markers, including triglycerides, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), or high-density lipoprotein (HDL).[31] Similarly, chromium doesn’t seem to affect the level of apolipoproteins A or B.[32] The reported effects of chromium on blood pressure have been mixed,[33][11] but a 2022 meta-analysis did not find any effect of chromium supplementation on systolic or diastolic blood pressure.[11] Overall, current evidence does not support the use of chromium for dyslipidemia or high blood pressure.

    Is chromium beneficial for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)?

    PCOS is associated with insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, obesity, and dyslipidemia, which has made chromium a supplement of interest for PCOS. While chromium does seem to reduce markers of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) in people with PCOS, there is no obvious effect on BMI, fasting blood sugar or insulin, or lipid profiles. Additionally, there is some evidence that chromium supplementation may actually increase levels of testosterone (a negative effect in PCOS),[34] but this has not consistently been found.[35] Overall, there is insufficient evidence to support the use of chromium for PCOS.

    Does chromium improve athletic performance?

    Chromium has failed to demonstrate a benefit in athletic performance, but trials have generally been short (<13 weeks), so long-term effects are unknown.[36] Studies of chromium’s impact on parameters like strength and power,[37][38] body composition,[39][37][38] muscle fiber type,[37][38] or exercise capacity[39] have generally produced null results.

    What are chromium’s main drawbacks?

    Chromium seems to be well-tolerated. Studies have generally not found side effects in those taking chromium compared to placebo, but thorough safety analyses have also not been done. Currently, the Institute of Medicine has no safe upper limit for chromium due to a lack of evidence.[6] There have been isolated case reports of anemia (low red blood cells), thrombocytopenia (low platelets), liver and kidney dysfunction, dermatitis, low blood sugar, and rhabdomyolysis (a severe type of muscle injury).[17][18][19][20][21] Some of these cases involved chromium doses exceeding 1,000 µg daily, but others were taking doses of 200–600 µg daily, which are considered to be within normal range. However, none of these side effects have been observed in clinical trials to date.

    How does chromium work?

    Chromium’s mechanisms of action are not well-understood, although it’s generally accepted that it enhances the effect of insulin and promotes glucose transport into insulin-sensitive tissues.[1][22] It is currently thought that these actions occur via a biological complex (an oligopeptide called chromodulin, also known as low-molecular weight chromium-binding substance (LMWCr)) with which chromium binds. In vitro research has found that insulin has a greater capacity to facilitate glucose metabolism in the presence of chromodulin,[23] and that the ability of chromodulin to stimulate glucose metabolism is proportional to the chromium content of the complex.[24] Chromodulin is thought to bind intracellularly to activated insulin receptors, essentially amplifying insulin signaling.[25] In terms of chromium’s weight loss effects, chromium seems to reduce appetite and food cravings. Preliminary research suggests that chromium may act directly on the brain to induce these effects, possibly by impacting neurotransmission,[15][26] but more research is needed to confirm this.

    Update History

    Research Breakdown

    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. Follicle-Stimulating Hormone - Tang XL, Sun Z, Gong LChromium supplementation in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: Systematic review and meta-analysisJ Obstet Gynaecol Res.(2018 Jan)
    15. 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)
    16. 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)
    17. 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)
    18. 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)
    19. 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)
    20. 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)
    21. 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)
    22. 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)
    23. 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)
    24. 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)
    25. 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)
    26. 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)
    27. 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)
    28. 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)
    29. 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)
    30. 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)
    31. 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)
    32. Blood glucose - Omid Asbaghi, Naeini Fatemeh, Rezaei Kelishadi Mahnaz, Ghaedi Ehsan, Eslampour Elham, Nazarian Behzad, Ashtary-Larky Damoon, Alavi Naeini AmirmansourEffects of chromium supplementation on glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trialsPharmacol Res.(2020 Jul 28)
    33. 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)
    34. Blood Pressure - Ghanbari M, Amini MR, Djafarian K, Shab-Bidar SThe effects of chromium supplementation on blood pressure: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.Eur J Clin Nutr.(2022-Mar)
    35. Apolipoprotein A - Shahinfar H, Amini MR, Sheikhhossein F, Djafari F, Jafari A, Shab-Bidar SThe effect of chromium supplementation on apolipoproteins: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.Clin Nutr ESPEN.(2020-Dec)
    36. 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)
    37. 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)
    38. 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)
    39. 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)
    40. 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)
    41. 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)
    42. 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)
    43. 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)
    44. 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)
    45. 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)
    46. 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)
    47. 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)
    48. 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)
    49. Weight - Tsang C, Taghizadeh M, Aghabagheri E, Asemi Z, Jafarnejad SA meta-analysis of the effect of chromium supplementation on anthropometric indices of subjects with overweight or obesity.Clin Obes.(2019-Aug)
    50. 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)
    51. 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)
    52. PMS Symptoms - Brownley KA, Girdler SS, Stout AL, McLeod MNChromium supplementation for menstrual cycle-related mood symptomsJ Diet Suppl.(2013 Dec)
    53. 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)
    54. 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)
    55. Blood glucose - Krikorian R, Eliassen JC, Boespflug EL, Nash TA, Shidler MDImproved cognitive-cerebral function in older adults with chromium supplementationNutr Neurosci.(2010 Jun)
    56. Depression Symptoms - McLeod MN, Gaynes BN, Golden RNChromium potentiation of antidepressant pharmacotherapy for dysthymic disorder in 5 patientsJ Clin Psychiatry.(1999 Apr)
    57. 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)
    58. 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)
    59. 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)
    60. Depression Symptoms - Davidson JR, Abraham K, Connor KM, McLeod MNEffectiveness of chromium in atypical depression: a placebo-controlled trialBiol Psychiatry.(2003 Feb 1)