Diabetes trials used 200–1,000 µg/day for 3–6 months; glycemic effects are inconsistent and do not replace care
Reviewed · Published
Chromium
The essentiality and requirement for trivalent chromium remain uncertain; deficiency is rare.
Established functions
- The essentiality and requirement for trivalent chromium remain uncertain; deficiency is rare.
Dietary sources
- whole grains
- meat
- broccoli
Claims and evidence
Claims that Chromium alone prevents or treats disease, or invariably improves health without deficiency, are unsupported.
Japanese reference amounts
- Japanese adults (age and sex as specified): Japanese DRIs do not establish an adult AI or RDA.
Amounts studied
- Diabetes trials used 200–1,000 µg/day for 3–6 months; glycemic effects are inconsistent and do not replace care
Tolerable upper limits
- No UL is established; kidney and liver injury have been reported.
Forms and bioavailability
Supplement forms: chromium picolinate, chromium chloride
- Absorption differs by form, but higher absorption does not prove clinical benefit.
Safety and interactions
Adverse effects
- gastrointestinal symptoms
- kidney injury
- liver injury
Medicine and nutrient interactions
- insulin, diabetes medicines, levothyroxine
Contraindications and cautions
- Avoid high doses with kidney or liver disease and during pregnancy.
Practical selection
- Compare Chromium amount per serving, form, allergens, and batch testing; prefer a single-ingredient product suited to the intended use.
Sources and review
- NIH ODS mineral fact sheetsNIH Office of Dietary Supplements
Daiki Minaki (editorial and evidence review) ·