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Updated: March 22, History of changes to this fact sheet. Find ODS on:. Strengthening Knowledge and Understanding of Dietary Supplements. Health Information Health Information. Chromium Fact Sheet for Consumers. Table of Contents What is chromium and what does it do? How much chromium do I need? What foods provide chromium? What kinds of chromium dietary supplements are available? What are some effects of chromium supplements on health? Can chromium be harmful?
Does chromium interact with medications or other dietary supplements? Healthful eating Where can I find out more about chromium? Disclaimer This fact sheet by the Office of Dietary Supplements ODS provides information that should not take the place of medical advice.
Health Information. In one study, 96 patients with type 2 diabetes took either micrograms mcg a day of chromium picolinate, mcg a day, or a placebo. Those who took mcg daily saw improvements in endothelial function, lipid profile, and biomarkers of oxidative stress , suggesting that chromium picolinate could benefit patients with type 2 diabetes. Findings published in in Nature , suggest that chromium picolinate, combined with statin medications, might help reduce the symptoms of atherosclerosis in mice.
If so, chromium supplements could help improve heart health, especially in those with diabetes. A further study has supported this. Researchers gave 19 people who were overweight but otherwise healthy a drink containing amino acids and chromium picolinate at breakfast.
Those who consumed the drink had smaller blood sugar spikes, compared with those who did not. Supplements are like medications. They can interact with other substances, and too much can be harmful. Chromium picolinate interferes with the absorption of thyroid medications.
Thyroid medication should be taken at least 3 to 4 hours before or after any chromium supplement. Supplemental chromium can interact with antacids, corticosteroids, H2 blockers, proton pump inhibitors, beta-blockers , insulin , nicotinic acid, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs NSAIDs , and prostaglandin inhibitors.
People who are using any of these drugs, and those with diabetes should speak to their doctor before taking chromium supplements, as these could affect the action of their regular medications. Chromium supplements should not be taken during pregnancy or while breastfeeding, and they should not be given to children.
Studies repeatedly show that isolating nutrients in supplement form will not provide the same health benefits as consuming the nutrient from a whole food. Insulin is essential for metabolism and storage of carbs, fats, and proteins in the body.
How it functions in the body as a supplement is not well known. It is found in a variety of foods but the amount in each type of food is not always easy to determine. It is also difficult to determine if a person is deficient in chromium and whether or not supplements are useful in those cases. Many studies on chromium supplements have been inconclusive but also vary widely on which type of chromium is studied and the doses that are used.
Reviews of multiple studies show that chromium supplements significantly decreased blood sugar and triglyceride levels in people with type 2 diabetes.
A systematic review of 25 studies found that supplementation with micrograms mcg of chromium picolinate improved glycemic control without increased side effects compared to placebo. Although the benefits of using chromium for weight loss are inconclusive, the theory that it could help with weight loss is based on the idea that regulated blood sugar will result in reduced cravings.
Claims that it helps to reduce body fat and increase lean muscle mass have not been supported by scientific studies. There are few known side effects of chromium supplements. In reasonable doses, there does not appear to be any concern for serious side effects. There have been some reports that chromium supplements can cause pain and bloating, kidney damage, muscular problems, and skin reactions when taken in large doses. Chromium does pass through the breastmilk but is typically not considered harmful in typical doses.
It is a necessary element that is also included in baby formula. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your healthcare provider prior to taking any supplements or medications. Certain medications may affect the absorption of chromium in the body or enhance excretion meaning your body gets rid of more of it.
These include:. Other medications may have their effects enhanced by taking chromium. There is no established Recommended Daily Allowance RDA for chromium but "In , the National Academy of Sciences established an 'estimated safe and adequate daily dietary intake' range for chromium. For adults and adolescents that range was 50 to mcg. Chromium occurs naturally in some foods in varying amounts. The exact amount of this mineral that we get from our food varies greatly depending on what you eat.
Chromium supplementation for adjuvant treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus: Results from a pooled analysis. Chromium supplements for glycemic control in type 2 diabetes: limited evidence of effectiveness.
Nutrition reviews. Nutrition therapy recommendations for the management of adults with diabetes. Chromium picolinate supplementation for overweight or obese adults. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. Clinical obesity. Chromium supplementation does not improve weight loss or metabolic and hormonal variables in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome: A systematic review. Nutrition research. Obesity reviews. Chromium picolinate toxicity.
Annals of pharmacotherapy. World Health Organization. Chromium: Chapter 6. The award…. Join us Nov. RT HarvardChanSPH : "One way for people to make healthier choices is for the institutions that provide free food to improve the nutritional….
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