What are chromium’s main drawbacks?

    Last Updated: October 25, 2023

    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.[1] 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).[2][3][4][5][6] 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.

    References

    1. ^Institute of Medicine (US) Panel on MicronutrientsDietary Reference Intakes for Vitamin A, Vitamin K, Arsenic, Boron, Chromium, Copper, Iodine, Iron, Manganese, Molybdenum, Nickel, Silicon, Vanadium, and Zinc
    2. ^Cerulli J, Grabe DW, Gauthier I, Malone M, McGoldrick MDChromium picolinate toxicityAnn Pharmacother.(1998 Apr)
    3. ^Wasser WG, Feldman NS, D'Agati VDChronic renal failure after ingestion of over-the-counter chromium picolinate.Ann Intern Med.(1997-Mar-01)
    4. ^Martin WR, Fuller RESuspected chromium picolinate-induced rhabdomyolysis.Pharmacotherapy.(1998)
    5. ^Fowler JFSystemic contact dermatitis caused by oral chromium picolinate.Cutis.(2000-Feb)
    6. ^Bunner SP, McGinnis RChromium-induced hypoglycemia.Psychosomatics.(1998)