SYS ONLINE
SUPPLEMENT_SCHOLAR
evidence · mechanism · dose
Supplements/Mineral

Chromium

aka Chromium picolinate

Trace mineral marketed for blood sugar control and carbohydrate cravings.

Blood Sugar ManagementFat Loss

Overview

Trace mineral marketed for blood sugar control and carbohydrate cravings.

Natural sources
  • Broccoli
  • Whole grains
  • Brewer's yeast
Common forms
  • Picolinate
  • Polynicotinate
  • Chloride

Mechanism of action

Enhances insulin receptor signaling via chromodulin (debated).

Pathways
  • · Insulin signaling potentiation

Effects on the body

Supports
Insulin sensitivity (modest)

Organ system effects

Evidence-based benefits

Modest fasting glucose reduction in T2D

Limited evidence

Reduces carbohydrate cravings in atypical depression

Limited evidence

Potential side effects

Common
    Rare
    • · Headache
    Serious

      Drug interactions

      Insulin / sulfonylureas
      Additive hypoglycemia possible.
      minor

      Supplement interactions

      Pairs well with

      None listed.

      Avoid combining with

      No specific avoidances listed.

      Dosing & bioavailability

      Typical dose
      200–400 mcg picolinate

      Where to buy

      Affiliate-style search links to reputable retailers. We don't endorse specific brands — verify third-party testing (USP, NSF, Informed Sport) before purchase.

      Mineral
      Chromium
      Amazon
      Wide selection · fast shipping
      Mineral
      Chromium
      iHerb
      Global delivery · curated brands
      Mineral
      Chromium
      Thorne
      Practitioner-grade · NSF tested

      Scientific evidence (9)

      Systematic reviewExamine.com Supplement Database · 2023

      Chromium: pharmacology, clinical evidence, and safety — narrative review

      Examine.com Research Team

      Curated narrative review of human and preclinical evidence for Chromium, including mechanism, typical dosing, and safety considerations.

      Key findings

      Best-supported outcome: Modest fasting glucose reduction in T2D (evidence: limited). Additional outcomes and limitations summarized in the full profile.

      Open study
      Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

      PubMed: Chromium — Modest fasting glucose reduction in T2D

      Live PubMed search

      Live results for "Chromium Modest fasting glucose reduction in T2D" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

      Key findings

      Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Chromium and "Modest fasting glucose reduction in T2D". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

      Open study
      Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

      PubMed: Chromium — Reduces carbohydrate cravings in atypical depression

      Live PubMed search

      Live results for "Chromium Reduces carbohydrate cravings in atypical depression" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

      Key findings

      Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Chromium and "Reduces carbohydrate cravings in atypical depression". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

      Open study
      Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

      PubMed: Chromium — randomized controlled trial

      Live PubMed search

      Live results for "Chromium randomized controlled trial" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

      Key findings

      Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Chromium and "randomized controlled trial". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

      Open study
      Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

      PubMed: Chromium — meta-analysis

      Live PubMed search

      Live results for "Chromium meta-analysis" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

      Key findings

      Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Chromium and "meta-analysis". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

      Open study
      Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

      PubMed: Chromium — pharmacokinetics

      Live PubMed search

      Live results for "Chromium pharmacokinetics" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

      Key findings

      Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Chromium and "pharmacokinetics". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

      Open study
      Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

      PubMed: Chromium — safety adverse events

      Live PubMed search

      Live results for "Chromium safety adverse events" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

      Key findings

      Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Chromium and "safety adverse events". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

      Open study
      Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

      PubMed: Chromium — dose response

      Live PubMed search

      Live results for "Chromium dose response" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

      Key findings

      Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Chromium and "dose response". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

      Open study
      Systematic reviewGoogle Scholar · 1970

      Google Scholar: Chromium — clinical evidence

      Live Scholar search

      Cross-database citation index for Chromium as it relates to "clinical evidence".

      Key findings

      Includes preprints, theses, and journal articles. Useful for tracking citation counts and follow-on work.

      Open study
      Educational use only. This profile is not medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any supplement, especially if you take prescription medication or have a chronic condition.