Chromium
Evidence Fact Sheet
Chromium (trivalent, Cr III) is an essential trace mineral that potentiates insulin signaling via chromodulin. Researchers have studied supplemental chromium (typically 200-1000 mcg/day) for glycemic control, body weight, lipids, PCOS, and mood; evidence is mixed, with notable null findings on lipids. Permitted under DSHEA; EFSA-authorized claims.
Also known as: Cr · Trivalent chromium · Chromium(III) · Chromium picolinate · Chromium polynicotinate · Chromium chloride · Cromo · Chrome (FR)
Overview
Chromium is an essential trace mineral whose trivalent form (Cr III) is proposed to potentiate insulin signaling through chromodulin (a low-molecular-weight chromium-binding substance), amplifying insulin-receptor tyrosine kinase activity and supporting GLUT4-mediated glucose uptake, alongside a broader cofactor role in macronutrient metabolism. Dietary Adequate Intakes are in the low microgram range (US/IOM 25-35 mcg/day; EFSA 40 mcg/day), while glycemic-support clinical trials have used supplemental doses of roughly 200-1000 mcg/day elemental chromium (commonly as chromium picolinate); no Tolerable Upper Intake Level is established. Trivalent chromium from food and supplements is regarded as low-toxicity at typical intakes (hexavalent Cr VI is a carcinogen and is not used in supplements). Regulatory status: a lawful dietary supplement ingredient in the US under DSHEA (structure/function claims only, with the FDA having issued only a qualified, highly-caveated claim for chromium picolinate); EFSA authorizes two Article 13(1) function claims for blood glucose and macronutrient metabolism; ANVISA and China permit it as a supplement constituent.
Mechanism of Action
Potentiates insulin signaling via chromodulin (low-molecular-weight chromium-binding substance, LMWCr) which amplifies insulin receptor tyrosine kinase activity · Enhances GLUT4 translocation to plasma membrane in insulin-sensitive tissues, improving cellular glucose uptake · Cofactor support for normal macronutrient (carbohydrate, protein, lipid) metabolism · May modulate hepatic gluconeogenesis and improve insulin sensitivity in insulin-resistant states
Body systems: Endocrine & Metabolic · Cardiovascular
Evidence-Based Benefits
Each benefit below is anchored to a specific PubMed-indexed study. Effect sizes, sample sizes, and p-values are reported as published; no values are inferred. Honest negatives and null results are kept alongside the positive findings, and disease-research populations are described as such — Chromium is not characterized as a treatment for any disease.
Glycemic Control in Type 2 Diabetes
Meta-analysis supported- −19.00 mg/dlfasting glucose · P=0.030
- −0.71 %HbA1c · P=0.004
In a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials in adults with type 2 diabetes, chromium supplementation was associated with statistically significant reductions in fasting plasma glucose, HbA1c, fasting insulin, and HOMA-IR versus control, though heterogeneity was high. This is the most-studied chromium research area and aligns with its proposed insulin-potentiating mechanism.
Reported effect: FPG WMD −19.00 mg/dl (95% CI −36.15, −1.85, P=0.030); HbA1c WMD −0.71% (95% CI −1.19, −0.23, P=0.004); insulin WMD −12.35 pmol/l (95% CI −17.86, −6.83, P<0.001); HOMA-IR WMD −1.53 (95% CI −2.35, −0.72, P<0.001)
“significant reduction in FPG (weighted mean difference (WMD): -19.00 mg/dl, 95% CI: -36.15, -1.85, P = 0.030 ... HbA1C (WMD: -0.71 %, 95% CI: -1.19, -0.23, P = 0.004) ... insulin level (WMD: -12.35 pmol/l, 95% CI: -17.86, -6.83, P < 0.001) ... HOMA-IR (WMD: -1.53, 95% CI: -2.35, -0.72, P < 0.001; I2: 89.9%,”
Source: PMID 32730903 · Asbaghi 2020 · Pharmacol Res
Body Weight in Overweight/Obesity
Meta-analysis supported- −0.50 kgweight vs placebo
- −0.97, −0.0395% CI
A meta-analysis pooling randomized trials in overweight or obese adults found a small but statistically significant weight reduction with chromium versus placebo. The authors emphasized that the magnitude is small and the clinical relevance uncertain, with high statistical heterogeneity across studies.
Reported effect: Body weight mean difference −0.50 kg (95% CI −0.97, −0.03)
“mean difference (MD): -0.50 kg; 95% confidence interval (CI): -0.97, -0.03 ... The magnitude of the effect is small, and the clinical relevance is uncertain.”
Source: PMID 23495911 · Onakpoya 2013 · Obes Rev
Blood Lipids (Honest Negative)
Null / no benefit Meta-analysis supported- ES −0.20triglycerides · p=0.185
- ES −0.14total chol · p=0.369
An umbrella review pooling eight prior meta-analyses found no significant overall effect of chromium supplementation on triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL, or HDL. A subgroup signal appeared only at doses above 500 µg/day for triglycerides; the authors concluded chromium cannot be used as a single therapy for lipid abnormalities. This is a prominent null finding tempering broader cardiometabolic claims.
Reported effect: Triglycerides ES −0.20 mg/dl (95% CI −0.50, 0.10, p=0.185); total cholesterol ES −0.14 mg/dl (95% CI −0.43, 0.16, p=0.369); LDL ES −0.08 (95% CI −0.19, 0.03, p=0.142); HDL ES 0.05 (95% CI −0.05, 0.14, p=0.312)
“ES = - 0.20 mg/dl; 95% CI: - 0.50, 0.10, p = 0.185 ... ES = - 0.14 mg/dl, 95% CI: - 0.43, 0.16; p = 0.369 ... ES = - 0.08 mg/dl; 95% CI: - 0.19, 0.03; p = 0.142 ... ES: 0.05 mg/dl, 95% CI: - 0.05, 0.14, p = 0.312 ... chromium supplementation in doses higher than 500 µg/day could significantly decrease TG”
Source: PMID 36376714 · Vajdi 2023 · Biol Trace Elem Res
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
Meta-analysis supported- −2.37 kg/m²BMI · p=0.001
- −0.86 mIU/mlfasting insulin · p=0.001
A meta-analysis of randomized trials in women with PCOS reported that chromium supplementation significantly lowered BMI, fasting insulin, and free testosterone versus control. Notably, it found no beneficial effect on total testosterone, so the picture is partial rather than uniform.
Reported effect: BMI effect size −2.37 kg/m² (95% CI −2.99, −1.76, p=0.001); free testosterone −0.52 pg/mL (95% CI −0.83, −0.23, p=0.001); fasting insulin −0.86 mIU/ml (95% CI −0.67, −0.17, p=0.001); no beneficial effect on total testosterone
“effect size: -2.37 (kg/m2), 95% CI: -2.99, -1.76, p=0.001 ... effect size=-0.52 (pg/mL), 95% CI: -0.83, -0.23, p=0.001 ... effect size: -0.86mIU/ml, 95% CI: -0.67, -0.17; p=0.001 ... no beneficial effects on reducing total testosterone”
Source: PMID 28595797 · Fazelian 2017 · J Trace Elem Med Biol
Atypical Depression / Carbohydrate Craving (Mixed)
Null / no benefit RCT supported- 65% vs 33%response · craving subgroup
In a double-blind RCT of adults with atypical depression, chromium picolinate showed NO significant difference from placebo on the primary HAM-D-29 outcome (both groups improved). A pre-specified high-carbohydrate-craving subgroup did show significantly greater response with chromium than placebo, making this an honest mixed result driven by a subgroup rather than the whole sample.
Reported effect: Primary outcome: no significant difference vs placebo on HAM-D-29 (both improved, p<0.0001 from baseline). High carbohydrate-craving subgroup (n=41): 65% vs 33% response, p<0.05
“There was no significant difference between the CrPic and placebo groups in both the ITT and evaluable populations on the primary efficacy measures, with both groups showing significant improvement from baseline on total HAM-D-29 scores during the course of treatment (p < 0.0001). ... CrPic patients had significantly greater response on total HAM-D-29 scores than the placebo group (65% vs. 33%; p < 0.05)”
Source: PMID 16184071 · Docherty 2005 · J Psychiatr Pract
Dosage (research context · not a recommendation)
Adequate Intake (US/IOM): adult men 35 mcg/day, adult women 25 mcg/day. EFSA AI: 40 mcg/day adults. Supplemental ranges in glycemic-support clinical trials: 200-1000 mcg/day elemental chromium (commonly 200-600 mcg/day chromium picolinate). No established UL (insufficient data); intakes >1000 mcg/day reserved for clinical settings under supervision.
Regulatory Status · 4 Markets
- US · FDA
- United States (FDA): Chromium has NO SSA (Significant Scientific Agreement) authorized health claim under 21 CFR Part 101 Subpart E. Marketed as a dietary supplement under DSHEA (1994); structure/function claims permitted (e.g., "helps maintain healthy blood sugar levels already within normal range") with mandatory DSHEA disclaimer "This statement has not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease." FDA issued a Qualified Health Claim (NOT SSA) via Letter of Enforcement Discretion dated 2005-08-25 (Docket No. 2004Q-0144) for chromium picolinate and reduced risk of insulin resistance / type 2 diabetes: "One small study suggests that chromium picolinate may reduce the risk of insulin resistance, and therefore possibly may reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes. FDA concludes, however, that the existence of such a relationship between chromium picolinate and either insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes is highly uncertain." Conditions: dietary supplements meeting "high" chromium level (>= 24 mcg per RACC). This is enforcement discretion, not an authorized SSA claim. Trivalent chromium is not affirmed GRAS under 21 CFR 184 — it is a lawful dietary supplement ingredient under DSHEA.
- EU · EFSA
- European Union (EFSA / EU Reg 432/2012): Two authorized Article 13(1) general function health claims for chromium per the EU Register and Annex of Commission Regulation (EU) No 432/2012. Conditions: the claim may be used only for food which is at least a source of trivalent chromium per Annex of Reg 1924/2006 (>= 15% of NRV per 100 g/mL or per portion for foods, or per daily portion for supplements). EFSA Scientific Opinions: 2010;8(10):1732 and 2011;9(6):2203. Trivalent chromium only (Cr VI not permitted).
- CN · China
- Established nutrient (SAMR): trivalent chromium is a permitted health-food raw material, with a 'assists in lowering blood glucose' health-food function-claim approval precedent for chromium picolinate
- BR · ANVISA
- Brazil (ANVISA): Cromo (chromium) is permitted as a constituent of suplementos alimentares under Instrução Normativa IN nº 28/2018 (Anexo II — limites de uso) and authorized functional claims are listed in Anexo V. Subsequent updates (e.g., IN nº 304/2024) may revise the list and should be cross-checked before use on Brazilian SKU labels.
Authorized Claims
ANVISA — “O cromo auxilia no metabolismo de proteínas, carboidratos e gorduras.” (ANVISA IN nº 28/2018, Anexo V (alegações de propriedade funcional autorizadas para suplementos alimentares))
Safety
Trivalent chromium (Cr III) from food and supplements is considered low-toxicity at typical intakes. Hexavalent chromium (Cr VI) is a known carcinogen and is NOT used in supplements. Rare case reports of nephrotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, and rhabdomyolysis at high-dose long-term chromium picolinate (>600 mcg/day chronic). Potential interaction with antidiabetic drugs (additive hypoglycemic effect — monitor glucose). Caution in patients with renal or hepatic impairment. Pregnancy/lactation: stay within AI; supplementation beyond AI not recommended without clinical indication. Avoid in patients with chromate allergy.
Related
Goals: weight-management · longevity-stack
Lifestyles: senior-60-plus
References
PubMed-indexed citations anchoring the benefit findings above. Effect sizes are reported as published.
- PMID 32730903 · Asbaghi 2020 · Pharmacol Res — Glycemic Control in Type 2 Diabetes
- PMID 23495911 · Onakpoya 2013 · Obes Rev — Body Weight in Overweight/Obesity
- PMID 36376714 · Vajdi 2023 · Biol Trace Elem Res — Blood Lipids (Honest Negative)
- PMID 28595797 · Fazelian 2017 · J Trace Elem Med Biol — Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
- PMID 16184071 · Docherty 2005 · J Psychiatr Pract — Atypical Depression / Carbohydrate Craving (Mixed)
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is chromium and why is it studied for blood sugar?
Chromium is an essential trace mineral. Its trivalent form (Cr III) is proposed to potentiate insulin signaling through chromodulin, amplifying insulin-receptor activity and supporting glucose uptake. That mechanism is why most research focuses on glycemic measures: a meta-analysis in type 2 diabetes (PMID 32730903) found significant reductions in fasting glucose (−19.00 mg/dl) and HbA1c (−0.71%).
2. Does chromium help with weight loss?
The evidence is small and uncertain. A meta-analysis in overweight/obese adults (PMID 23495911) found a statistically significant but tiny weight difference versus placebo (−0.50 kg, 95% CI −0.97 to −0.03), and the authors themselves noted the magnitude is small and clinical relevance uncertain with high heterogeneity. It is studied in body-composition blends, but the signal is modest.
3. Does chromium improve cholesterol or triglycerides?
Largely no. An umbrella review of eight meta-analyses (PMID 36376714) found no significant overall effect on triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL, or HDL, with a subgroup signal only above 500 µg/day for triglycerides. The authors concluded chromium cannot be used as a single therapy for lipid abnormalities — a prominent honest negative in this field.
4. What doses are used in chromium research, and is it regulated?
Dietary Adequate Intakes are in the low microgram range (US/IOM 25-35 mcg/day; EFSA 40 mcg/day), while glycemic-support trials have used roughly 200-1000 mcg/day elemental chromium, commonly as chromium picolinate; no Tolerable Upper Intake Level is established. It is a lawful supplement ingredient in the US under DSHEA (structure/function claims only), and EFSA authorizes function claims for blood glucose and macronutrient metabolism. This page reports research findings and is not clinical or dosing guidance.
Last evidence review: 2026-06-04