Home
Scan
Ask
Protocols
Profile
HomeIngredientsChromium
Reviewed by the Scan Dose Research Team and Clinical Advisory Board

Chromium

MODERATE EVIDENCEMineralLast updated April 2026

SCAN DOSE SUMMARY

Chromium is a trace mineral involved in insulin signaling and glucose metabolism. Our research shows modest evidence for blood sugar reduction in type 2 diabetes and even weaker evidence for weight loss or body composition. The effect exists but is small — chromium won't replace medication or lifestyle changes. Chromium picolinate is the most studied and most bioavailable form.

EVIDENCE GRADES

Fasting blood glucose (T2D)Moderate — meta-analysis shows small effect (PMID: 24635480)
B-
HbA1c reductionLimited — some trials positive, others null
C+
Weight/body compositionWeak — small effects, mostly in overweight/obese
C
Depression (adjunct)Preliminary — chromium picolinate specifically
C
Insulin sensitivity (non-diabetic)Not supported in healthy individuals
D

OPTIMAL DOSAGE

  • Diabetes support: 200-1,000mcg/day chromium picolinate
  • General supplementation: 200-400mcg/day
  • Weight management: 400-1,000mcg/day (evidence is weak)
  • Adequate intake is only 25-35mcg/day — most supplements provide 5-30x this
Scan a supplement containing Chromium

DRUG INTERACTIONS

Insulin / diabetes medicationsModerate

Additive blood sugar lowering → hypoglycemia risk

LevothyroxineModerate

Chromium picolinate may reduce thyroid hormone absorption. Separate by ≥4 hours.

NSAIDs (ibuprofen)Minor

Chromium may enhance NSAID absorption

SAFETY PROFILE

Drug Interactions

Side Effects

  • Generally well tolerated at standard doses
  • Headache, insomnia, and mood changes reported at high doses
  • Isolated case reports of kidney and liver toxicity at extremely high doses (>1,200mcg/day)
  • Chromium picolinate: one case report of rhabdomyolysis (extremely rare)

Pregnancy & Lactation

  • Adequate intake increases to 29-44mcg/day during pregnancy/lactation. Supplementation at this level is safe.

WADA Status

Not Prohibited

HOW SCAN DOSE SCORES THIS

Chromium picolinate preferred form (most bioavailable, most studied)
Chromium chloride and chromium nicotinate: lower bioavailability
Diabetes medication users: automatic hypoglycemia warning
Products claiming "fat burner" or "metabolism booster" with chromium: flag — evidence doesn't support these claims
Thyroid medication users: separation timing alert

CLINICAL REFERENCES

1.

Suksomboon N et al. Systematic review and meta-analysis of the efficacy and safety of chromium supplementation in diabetes.

PMID: 24635480

2.

Cefalu WT, Hu FB. Role of chromium in human health and in diabetes.

PMID: 16174292

3.

Broadhurst CL, Domenico P. Clinical studies on chromium picolinate supplementation in diabetes mellitus.

PMID: 16973987

RELATED RESEARCH

BoronBoron influences the metabolism of calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and vitamin D
Calcium AEP
Calcium D-Glucarate
CalciumCalcium carbonate
Scan Your Chromium SupplementBrowse all ingredients

Reviewed by the Scan Dose Research Team and Clinical Advisory Board | Last updated: April 2026

Not medical advice. Based on published clinical research and systematic reviews.

Discover More

Explore
Browse All 538 IngredientsBrowse All 20 Conditions