- Chromium is an essential trace element that exists naturally in trivalent and hexavalent states. Trivalent chromium (chromium/Cr III), typically found in foods and supplements, appears to have very low toxicity and a wide margin of safety. Hexavalent chromium (chromic oxide, chromate) is a known toxin and long-term occupational exposure may lead to skin problems, a perforated nasal septum, and lung cancer.
- Although chromium has been suggested for many conditions, there is not enough information to make any strong recommendations at this time. Chromium is available in several forms, such as chromium-enriched yeast and chromium picolinate. Chromium has been studied for its short-term and long-term effects. Chromium picolinate is the most studied synthetic chromium product that is commonly promoted for weight loss, although there is a lack of research to support this.
- Chromium may alter blood sugar levels, which should be closely monitored in people with diabetes.
Ingredients
Chromium (Cr)
Explore the available health information, treatment context, and integrative evidence for Chromium (Cr).
Evidence Ledger: Conditions and Wellness Goals
Evidence by Condition and Wellness Goal
Grades describe the evidence for Chromium (Cr) relative to each listed condition or goal.
Background
References
Natural Standard developed the above evidence-based information based on a thorough systematic review of the available scientific articles. For comprehensive information about alternative and complementary therapies on the professional level, go to . Selected references are listed below.
- Amann BL, Mergl R, Vieta E, et al. A 2-year, open-label pilot study of adjunctive chromium in patients with treatment-resistant rapid-cycling bipolar disorder. J Clin Psychopharmacol 2007 Feb;27(1):104-6.
View Abstract - Anderson RA. Chromium in the prevention and control of diabetes. Diabetes Metab 2000;26(1):22-27.
- Bahijri SM, Mufti AM. Beneficial effects of chromium in people with type 2 diabetes, and urinary chromium response to glucose load as a possible indicator of status. Biol Trace Elem Res 2002;85(2):97-109.
- Balk EM, Tatsioni A, Lichtenstein AH, et al. Effect of chromium supplementation on glucose metabolism and lipids: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials. Diabetes Care 2007 Aug;30(8):2154-63.
View Abstract - Campbell WW, Joseph LJ, Anderson RA, et al. Effects of resistive training and chromium picolinate on body composition and skeletal muscle size in older women. Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab 2002:12(2):125-135.
- Davidson JR. Abraham K, Connor KM, et al. Effectiveness of chromium in atypical depression: a placebo-controlled trial. Biol Psychiatry 2003;53(3):261-264.
- Fowler JF. Systemic contact dermatitis caused by oral chromium picolinate. Cutis 2000;65(2):116.
- Hockney RA, Montgomery P, Williams C, et al. Lack of effect of chromium supplementation on mental state and body weight in people with schizophrenia. J Clin Psychopharmacol 2006 Oct;26(5):544-5.
View Abstract - Hoeger WW, Harris C, Long EM, et al. Four-week supplementation with a natural dietary compound produces favorable changes in body composition. Adv Ther 1998 Sep-Oct;15(5):305-14.
View Abstract - Jovanovic L, Gutierrez M, Peterson CM. Chromium supplementation for women with gestational diabetes mellitus. J Trace Elem Exp Med 1999;12(2):91-97.
- Kleefstra N, Houweling ST, Bakker SJ, et al. Chromium treatment has no effect in patients with type 2 diabetes in a Western population: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Diabetes Care 2007 May;30(5):1092-6.
View Abstract - Lenz TL, Hamilton WR. Supplemental products used for weight loss. J Am Pharm Assoc (Wash DC) 2004;Jan-Feb, 44(1):59-67; quiz, 67-68.
- Lydic ML, McNurlan M, Bembo S, et al. Chromium picolinate improves insulin sensitivity in obese subjects with polycystic ovary syndrome. Fertil Steril 2006 Jul;86(1):243-6.
View Abstract - Pei D, Hsieh CH, Hung YJ, et al. The influence of chromium chloride-containing milk to glycemic control of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Metabolism 2006 Jul;55(7):923-7.
View Abstract - Pittler MH, Ernst E. Dietary supplements for body-weight reduction: a systematic review. Am J Clin Nutr 2004;Apr, 79(4):529-536.