Minerals
Chromium
Also called: chromium picolinate, chromium polynicotinate
A trace mineral involved in how insulin works.
- Why people take it
- Blood sugar, weight loss, cravings.
- What the evidence says
- Small or no effects on blood sugar in most studies; no meaningful weight loss.
- How it is usually taken
- Usually 200 to 1,000 mcg a day as chromium picolinate.
- Be careful
- Usually safe at normal doses; rare kidney and liver problems with high doses. Can add to diabetes medicines.
- Medicines it can interact with
- May add to the effect of insulin and diabetes medicines; check sugar levels.
Other minerals
Common questions
What is Chromium?
A trace mineral involved in how insulin works.
Why do people take Chromium?
Blood sugar, weight loss, cravings.
Does Chromium work?
Small or no effects on blood sugar in most studies; no meaningful weight loss.
How much Chromium do people take?
Usually 200 to 1,000 mcg a day as chromium picolinate.
Is Chromium safe?
Usually safe at normal doses; rare kidney and liver problems with high doses. Can add to diabetes medicines.
Does Chromium interact with medicines?
May add to the effect of insulin and diabetes medicines; check sugar levels.
Sources and further reading
Last reviewed 31 October 2026. Written by Satya Babu.
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