Chromium
Chromium is a trace mineral studied for glycemic control. Clinical effects are mixed and often small.
Overview
What is chromium?
Chromium is an essential mineral involved in carbohydrate, protein, and fat metabolism. In supplements, chromium is typically used to support insulin function and improve insulin sensitivity.
Most research focuses on chromium(III) forms such as chromium picolinate, chromium nicotinate, and chromium-enriched yeast.
Dosage
The daily adequate intake (AI) of chromium is 35 mcg for males aged 19–50 years and 25 mcg for females aged 19–50 years.
The daily AI for males 51 and older is 30 mcg and 20 mcg for females aged 51 and older.
Effect graph
Effect heatmap
SupplementDEX Database
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Database Snapshot
Most chromium research is concentrated in a handful of conditions.
- Diabetes accounts for 42 of 84 studies (50%).
- Obesity accounts for 9 of 84 studies (11%).
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) accounts for 8 of 84 studies (10%).
- Sparse coverage remains for Depression, Metabolic syndrome, Acne.
Dietary Sources
Top dietary sources
Food sources
Sources include Apples, Beef, Brewer's Yeast, Grape Juice, Green Beans, Orange Juice, Tomato Juice, and Whole Wheat Flour.
Safety
Dose windows
Short-term
Chromium is likely safe when used in medicinal doses not exceeding adequate intake levels in the short term.
Frequently Asked Questions
Takeaway
Chromium is an essential mineral that supports insulin function. Evidence suggests chromium may modestly improve glycemic control in some people with type 2 type-2-diabetes, while effects on weight loss and other conditions are small or uncertain.
References
Sources76 references
SupplementDEX uses only high-quality sources to determine supplement effectiveness.
SupplementDEX Database · Diabetes
42 references1.SupplementDEX Database: Diabetes — Effects of chromium supplementation on body composition in patients with type 2 diabetes: A dose-response systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials2023
A 2023 meta-analysis of 14 RCTs found chromium supplementation did not significantly change body weight, BMI, waist circumference, or fat mass in type 2 diabetes overall.
2.SupplementDEX Database: Diabetes — Comparative effects of vitamin and mineral supplements in the management of type 2 diabetes in primary care: A systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials2023
A network meta-analysis of 170 trials (14,223 participants) ranked chromium supplements highest for lowering fasting glucose and insulin resistance among micronutrient options in type 2 diabetes.
3.SupplementDEX Database: Diabetes — Effects of chromium supplementation on lipid profile in patients with type 2 diabetes: A systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials2021
A meta-analysis of 24 RCTs found chromium supplementation modestly lowered triglycerides and total cholesterol and raised HDL in type 2 diabetes, though LDL changes were not significant.
4.SupplementDEX Database: Diabetes — Effect of Chromium Supplementation on Blood Glucose and Lipid Levels in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis2021
A meta-analysis of 10 RCTs (509 patients) found chromium supplements significantly reduced HbA1c in type 2 diabetes but did not significantly improve fasting glucose or lipids.
5.SupplementDEX Database: Diabetes — Effects of chromium supplementation on blood pressure, body mass index, liver function enzymes and malondialdehyde in patients with type 2 diabetes: A systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials2021
A meta-analysis of 15 RCTs found chromium 200–1,000 µg/day significantly reduced diastolic blood pressure and malondialdehyde in type 2 diabetes without affecting BMI or liver enzymes.
6.SupplementDEX Database: Diabetes — Effects of Chromium Picolinate Supplementation on Cardiometabolic Biomarkers in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: a Randomized Clinical Trial2020
In 52 type 2 diabetes patients over 8 weeks, 400 µg/day chromium picolinate improved HOMA-IR, total cholesterol, and LDL versus placebo but did not change fasting glucose or weight.
7.SupplementDEX Database: Diabetes — The Influences of Chromium Supplementation on Metabolic Status in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Coronary Heart Disease2020
In 64 diabetic patients with coronary heart disease over 12 weeks, 200 µg/day chromium reduced weight, fasting glucose, insulin resistance, hs-CRP, and diastolic blood pressure versus placebo.
8.SupplementDEX Database: Diabetes — The effects of chromium and vitamin D3 co-supplementation on insulin resistance and tumor necrosis factor-alpha in type 2 diabetes: a randomized placebo-controlled trial2020
In 92 type 2 diabetes patients over 4 months, chromium plus vitamin D3 prevented HOMA-IR increases seen with vitamin D3 alone, but did not significantly change HbA1c or lipids.
9.SupplementDEX Database: Diabetes — Effects of chromium supplementation on glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials2020
A 2020 meta-analysis of 28 trials found chromium supplementation significantly reduced fasting glucose, insulin, HbA1c, and HOMA-IR in type 2 diabetes.
10.SupplementDEX Database: Diabetes — Beneficial effects of oral chromium picolinate supplementation on glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes: A randomized clinical study2015
In 71 poorly controlled type 2 diabetes patients over 4 months, 600 µg/day chromium picolinate reduced fasting and postprandial glucose and lowered HbA1c more than placebo.
11.SupplementDEX Database: Diabetes — Effect of chromium supplementation on glycated hemoglobin and fasting plasma glucose in patients with diabetes mellitus2015
A meta-analysis of 14 RCTs found brewer's yeast chromium lowered fasting glucose by 19 mg/dL in type 2 diabetes but did not significantly affect HbA1c.
12.SupplementDEX Database: Diabetes — Systematic review and meta-analysis of the efficacy and safety of chromium supplementation in diabetes2014
A 2014 meta-analysis of 25 RCTs found chromium monotherapy significantly improved HbA1c and fasting glucose in diabetes, with greatest effects above 200 µg/day and in poorly controlled patients.
13.SupplementDEX Database: Diabetes — Chromium nicotinate has no effect on insulin sensitivity, glycemic control, and lipid profile in subjects with type 2 diabetes2013
In 56 type 2 diabetes patients over 90 days, chromium nicotinate at 50 or 200 µg/day did not improve glycemic control or insulin sensitivity versus placebo.
14.SupplementDEX Database: Diabetes — Improved meta-analytic methods show no effect of chromium supplements on fasting glucose2013
An updated meta-analysis of 16 trials (809 participants) found chromium supplementation did not significantly improve fasting glucose in diabetic or nondiabetic adults.
15.SupplementDEX Database: Diabetes — Effect of chromium dinicocysteinate supplementation on circulating levels of insulin, TNF-α, oxidative stress, and insulin resistance in type 2 diabetic subjects: randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study2012
In 74 type 2 diabetes patients over 3 months, chromium dinicocysteinate reduced insulin resistance, TNF-α, and oxidative stress versus baseline, while chromium picolinate did not.
16.SupplementDEX Database: Diabetes — Effects of chromium brewer's yeast supplementation on body mass, blood carbohydrates, and lipids and minerals in type 2 diabetic patients2011
In 20 type 2 diabetes patients over 8 weeks, chromium-enriched brewer's yeast 500 µg/day improved beta-cell function but had only weak hypoglycemic effects.
17.SupplementDEX Database: Diabetes — Beneficial effect of chromium supplementation on glucose, HbA1C and lipid variables in individuals with newly onset type-2 diabetes2011
In 40 newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes patients over 3 months, brewer's yeast providing 42 µg/day chromium significantly lowered fasting glucose, HbA1c, and lipids versus placebo.
18.SupplementDEX Database: Diabetes — Characterization of the metabolic and physiologic response to chromium supplementation in subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus2009
In type 2 diabetes patients, 1,000 µg/day chromium improved insulin sensitivity mainly in responders with higher baseline glucose and HbA1c, and reduced myocellular lipids.
19.SupplementDEX Database: Diabetes — Chromium picolinate and biotin combination improves glucose metabolism in treated, uncontrolled overweight to obese patients with type 2 diabetes2008
In 447 poorly controlled type 2 diabetic adults, 90 days of chromium picolinate (600 µg) plus biotin (2 mg) lowered HbA1c by 0.54% versus placebo, with greater fasting glucose reductions in those with baseline HbA1c ≥10%.
20.SupplementDEX Database: Diabetes — Antioxidant effects and insulin resistance improvement of chromium combined with vitamin C and E supplementation for type 2 diabetes mellitus2008
In 30 type 2 diabetes patients over 6 months, chromium yeast alone or with vitamins C and E reduced oxidative stress markers and improved glucose metabolism versus placebo.
21.SupplementDEX Database: Diabetes — Chromium treatment has no effect in patients with type 2 diabetes in a Western population: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial2007
In Western type 2 diabetes patients on oral hypoglycemics, 400 µg/day chromium yeast for 6 months did not improve HbA1c, lipids, or insulin resistance versus placebo.
22.SupplementDEX Database: Diabetes — Phenotype of subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus may determine clinical response to chromium supplementation2007
In 73 type 2 diabetes patients over 6 months, 1,000 µg/day chromium picolinate improved insulin sensitivity in 63% of patients, with baseline insulin sensitivity predicting response.
23.SupplementDEX Database: Diabetes — Chromium picolinate supplementation attenuates body weight gain and increases insulin sensitivity in subjects with type 2 diabetes2006
In 37 type 2 diabetes patients on sulfonylurea over 6 months, 1,000 µg/day chromium picolinate improved insulin sensitivity and attenuated weight and fat gain versus placebo.
24.SupplementDEX Database: Diabetes — The effect of chromium picolinate and biotin supplementation on glycemic control in poorly controlled patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a placebo-controlled, double-blinded, randomized trial2006
In 43 type 2 diabetic patients, 4 weeks of chromium picolinate plus biotin (2 mg/day) reduced 2-h oral glucose tolerance area under the curve and fructosamine versus placebo, without serious adverse events.
25.SupplementDEX Database: Diabetes — Chromium treatment has no effect in patients with poorly controlled, insulin-treated type 2 diabetes in an obese Western population: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial2006
In 46 obese insulin-treated type 2 diabetes patients over 6 months, chromium picolinate up to 1,000 µg/day did not improve HbA1c or other metabolic endpoints versus placebo.
26.SupplementDEX Database: Diabetes — The influence of chromium chloride-containing milk to glycemic control of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial2006
In 60 type 2 diabetes patients over 16 weeks, chromium-fortified milk 400 µg/day lowered fasting glucose and insulin mainly in male patients versus placebo.
27.SupplementDEX Database: Diabetes — Influence of chromium-enriched yeast on blood glucose and insulin variables, blood lipids, and markers of oxidative stress in subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus2006
In 36 type 2 diabetes patients over 12 weeks, 400 µg/day chromium-enriched yeast significantly reduced fasting glucose versus placebo without changing HbA1c.
28.SupplementDEX Database: Diabetes — Chromium supplementation shortens QTc interval duration in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus2005
In 60 type 2 diabetes patients, 1,000 µg/day chromium picolinate for 3 months shortened QTc interval versus delayed crossover to chromium in the control sequence.
29.SupplementDEX Database: Diabetes — Lower toenail chromium in men with diabetes and cardiovascular disease compared with healthy men2004
In 688 men, lower toenail chromium was associated with diabetes plus cardiovascular disease versus healthy controls in this observational cohort.
30.SupplementDEX Database: Diabetes — Effect of chromium supplementation on blood glucose and lipid levels in type 2 diabetes mellitus elderly patients2004
In 39 elderly diabetic rehabilitation patients over 3 weeks, 400 µg/day chromium picolinate reduced fasting glucose, HbA1c, and total cholesterol versus baseline.
31.SupplementDEX Database: Diabetes — Role of chromium supplementation in Indians with type 2 diabetes mellitus2002
In 50 Indian type 2 diabetes patients over 12 weeks, 400 µg/day chromium picolinate improved fasting and postprandial glucose and HbA1c versus placebo.
32.SupplementDEX Database: Diabetes — Potential antioxidant effects of zinc and chromium supplementation in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus2001
In Tunisian type 2 diabetes patients over 6 months, chromium, zinc, or combined supplementation reduced lipid peroxidation markers but did not change HbA1c or glucose.
33.SupplementDEX Database: Diabetes — The effects of inorganic chromium and brewer's yeast supplementation on glucose tolerance, serum lipids and drug dosage in individuals with type 2 diabetes2000
In 78 type 2 diabetes patients, brewer's yeast chromium improved glucose, fructosamine, triglycerides, and HDL more than inorganic chromium chloride over 8 weeks.
35.SupplementDEX Database: Diabetes — Reversal of corticosteroid-induced diabetes mellitus with supplemental chromium1999
In 13 patients, corticosteroid treatment increased urinary chromium losses, and chromium picolinate 600 µg/day lowered fasting glucose in three patients with steroid-induced diabetes.
37.SupplementDEX Database: Diabetes — Chromium picolinate supplementation for diabetes mellitus1998
A case report described HbA1c falling from 11.3% to 7.9% over 3 months after starting chromium picolinate 600 µg/day in a woman with type 1 diabetes.
38.SupplementDEX Database: Diabetes — Elevated intakes of supplemental chromium improve glucose and insulin variables in individuals with type 2 diabetes1997
In 180 type 2 diabetes patients over 4 months, 1,000 µg/day chromium picolinate significantly improved HbA1c, fasting and 2-hour glucose, insulin, and total cholesterol versus placebo.
39.SupplementDEX Database: Diabetes — Age-related decreases in chromium levels in 51,665 hair, sweat, and serum samples from 40,872 patients—implications for the prevention of cardiovascular disease and type II diabetes mellitus1997
An analysis of 51,665 samples from 40,872 patients found chromium levels decline with age in hair, sweat, and serum, potentially linking age-related chromium loss to metabolic and cardiovascular risk.
40.SupplementDEX Database: Diabetes — Beneficial effect of chromium supplementation on serum triglyceride levels in NIDDM1994
In 30 non-insulin-dependent diabetes patients, chromium picolinate for 2 months significantly reduced serum triglycerides by 17.4% versus placebo without changing glucose or LDL/HDL.
41.SupplementDEX Database: Diabetes — The effects of chromium supplementation on serum glucose and lipids in patients with and without non-insulin-dependent diabetes1992
In 76 patients with atherosclerotic disease over 7–16 months, 250 µg/day chromium chloride raised HDL and lowered triglycerides versus placebo without changing glucose or total cholesterol.
42.SupplementDEX Database: Diabetes — Plasma chromium and chromium excretion in diabetes1985
This biochemical study reported altered plasma chromium levels and increased urinary chromium excretion in people with diabetes.
34.Control of steroid-induced diabetes with supplemental chromium. See external sourceExternal source
36.Chromium supplementation for women with gestational diabetes mellitus. See external sourceExternal source
SupplementDEX Database · Obesity
7 references43.SupplementDEX Database: Obesity — The effect of chromium supplementation on cardio-metabolic risk factors in overweight and obese patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials2025
A 2025 meta-analysis of 20 trials found chromium supplementation modestly improved HOMA-IR, insulin, triglycerides, weight, and waist circumference in overweight and obese adults.
44.SupplementDEX Database: Obesity — Chromium picolinate supplementation for overweight or obese adults2013
A Cochrane review of 9 trials (622 participants) found chromium picolinate reduced body weight by about 1.1 kg versus placebo over 12–16 weeks, with debatable clinical relevance.
45.SupplementDEX Database: Obesity — Effects of short-term chromium supplementation on insulin sensitivity and body composition in overweight children: randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study2011
In overweight children over 6 weeks, 400 µg/day chromium chloride with lifestyle counseling improved insulin sensitivity and body composition versus placebo, especially prepubertally.
46.SupplementDEX Database: Obesity — A pilot study of chromium picolinate for weight loss2010
In 80 overweight adults over 24 weeks, 1,000 µg/day chromium picolinate did not reduce BMI or central adiposity versus placebo.
47.SupplementDEX Database: Obesity — In patients with HIV-infection, chromium supplementation improves insulin resistance and other metabolic abnormalities: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial2010
In 46 HIV-positive adults with insulin resistance over 16 weeks, 400 µg/day chromium-nicotinate improved HOMA-IR, insulin, triglycerides, and trunk fat versus placebo.
48.SupplementDEX Database: Obesity — Chromium picolinate supplementation in women: effects on body weight, composition, and iron status2007
In 83 women over 12 weeks on controlled diets, 200 µg/day chromium picolinate did not change body weight, composition, or iron status versus placebo.
49.SupplementDEX Database: Obesity — Chromium picolinate improves insulin sensitivity in obese subjects with polycystic ovary syndrome2006
In five obese women with PCOS, 1,000 µg/day chromium picolinate improved glucose disposal rate by 38% during a hyperinsulinemic clamp.
SupplementDEX Database · Depression
2 references50.SupplementDEX Database: Depression — A double-blind, placebo-controlled, exploratory trial of chromium picolinate in atypical depression: effect on carbohydrate craving2005
In 113 adults with atypical depression, 600 µg/day chromium picolinate for 8 weeks did not improve overall depression scores, but reduced carbohydrate craving and appetite in high-craving subgroups.
51.SupplementDEX Database: Depression — Effectiveness of chromium in atypical depression: a placebo-controlled trial2003
In 15 adults with atypical depression, 600 µg/day chromium picolinate for 8 weeks improved depressive symptoms in 70% versus 0% on placebo.
SupplementDEX Database · High blood pressure
2 references52.SupplementDEX Database: High blood pressure — The effects of chromium supplementation on blood pressure: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials2022
A meta-analysis of 10 RCTs (624 adults) found chromium supplementation did not significantly change systolic or diastolic blood pressure.
53.SupplementDEX Database: High blood pressure — The Impact of Chromium Supplementation on Blood Pressure: A Systematic Review and Dose-Response Meta-Analysis of Randomized-Controlled Trials2021
A meta-analysis of 11 RCTs (637 participants) found chromium supplementation significantly reduced systolic blood pressure by 2.5 mmHg and diastolic by 1.0 mmHg.
54.SupplementDEX Database: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) — Effects of Chromium and Carnitine Co-supplementation on Body Weight and Metabolic Profiles in Overweight and Obese Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: a Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial2020
In 54 overweight women with PCOS over 12 weeks, chromium picolinate plus carnitine reduced weight, fasting glucose, insulin resistance, and lipids versus placebo.
55.SupplementDEX Database: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) — Efficacy of combination therapy of inositols, antioxidants and vitamins in obese and non-obese women with polycystic ovary syndrome: an observational study2019
In women with PCOS, 12 weeks of combined myo-inositol, D-chiro-inositol, chromium, NAC, lycopene, vitamin D, biotin, and folic acid improved menstrual cyclicity, acne, hirsutism, and weight in obese but not lean patients.
56.SupplementDEX Database: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) — The Influences of Chromium Supplementation on Glycemic Control, Markers of Cardio-Metabolic Risk, and Oxidative Stress in Infertile Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Women Candidate for In vitro Fertilization: a Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial2018
In 40 infertile PCOS women over 8 weeks before IVF, 200 µg/day chromium reduced fasting glucose, insulin resistance, triglycerides, and oxidative stress versus placebo.
57.SupplementDEX Database: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) — Chromium picolinate reduces insulin resistance in polycystic ovary syndrome: Randomized controlled trial2016
In 85 women with PCOS over 6 months, 1,000 µg/day chromium picolinate improved insulin resistance, BMI, ovulation, and menstrual regularity versus placebo.
58.SupplementDEX Database: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) — Chromium Supplementation and the Effects on Metabolic Status in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial2015
In 64 women with PCOS over 8 weeks, 200 µg/day chromium picolinate significantly lowered insulin, HOMA-IR, and trended toward lower triglycerides versus placebo.
59.SupplementDEX Database: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) — The Effects of Chromium Supplementation on Endocrine Profiles, Biomarkers of Inflammation, and Oxidative Stress in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: a Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial2015
In 60 women with PCOS over 8 weeks, 200 µg/day chromium reduced acne, hirsutism, hs-CRP, and malondialdehyde and raised total antioxidant capacity versus placebo.
60.SupplementDEX Database: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) — Effect of chromium supplementation on insulin resistance and ovarian and menstrual cyclicity in women with polycystic ovary syndrome2005
In women with PCOS, 200 µg/day chromium picolinate improved glucose tolerance versus placebo but did not improve ovulation or hormonal parameters in this pilot study.
SupplementDEX Database · Prediabetes
4 references61.SupplementDEX Database: Prediabetes — A Dietary Supplement Containing Cinnamon, Chromium and Carnosine Decreases Fasting Plasma Glucose and Increases Lean Mass in Overweight or Obese Pre-Diabetic Subjects: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial2015
In 62 overweight prediabetic adults over 4 months, a cinnamon-chromium-carnosine supplement reduced fasting glucose by 0.24 mmol/L and increased fat-free mass versus placebo.
62.SupplementDEX Database: Prediabetes — Chromium effects on glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity in persons at risk for diabetes mellitus2011
In 59 adults at risk for type 2 diabetes over 6 months, chromium picolinate 500–1,000 µg/day did not improve glucose tolerance, insulin sensitivity, or HOMA-IR versus placebo.
63.SupplementDEX Database: Prediabetes — Chromium supplementation does not improve glucose tolerance, insulin sensitivity, or lipid profile: a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial of supplementation in subjects with impaired glucose tolerance2005
In adults with impaired glucose tolerance, chromium supplementation did not improve glucose tolerance, insulin sensitivity, or lipid profile versus placebo.
64.SupplementDEX Database: Prediabetes — Chromium supplementation in impaired glucose tolerance of elderly: effects on blood glucose, plasma insulin, C-peptide and lipid levels1992
In 26 elderly adults with impaired glucose tolerance over 6 months, 160 µg/day chromium-rich yeast did not improve oral glucose tolerance or serum lipids versus placebo.
SupplementDEX Database · Acne
1 reference65.SupplementDEX Database: Acne — A 12-week, Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Study of the Safety and Efficacy of a Nutraceutical Supplement for Mild to Moderate Non-cystic Acne in Young Adults2024
In a 12-week trial of 40 adults with mild-to-moderate non-cystic acne, a vitamin-mineral-botanical supplement reduced inflammatory and non-inflammatory lesions versus placebo.
66.SupplementDEX Database: Binge eating disorder — A double-blind, randomized pilot trial of chromium picolinate for binge eating disorder: results of the Binge Eating and Chromium (BEACh) study2013
In 24 adults with binge eating disorder over 6 months, chromium picolinate reduced fasting glucose versus placebo but did not significantly reduce binge frequency.
SupplementDEX Database · Bipolar disorder
1 reference67.SupplementDEX Database: Bipolar disorder — A 2-year, open-label pilot study of adjunctive chromium in patients with treatment-resistant rapid-cycling bipolar disorder2007
A 2-year open-label pilot in treatment-resistant rapid-cycling bipolar disorder suggested adjunctive chromium may stabilize mood in some patients, but evidence remains preliminary and uncontrolled.
SupplementDEX Database · Dysthymia
1 reference68.SupplementDEX Database: Dysthymia — Chromium potentiation of antidepressant pharmacotherapy for dysthymic disorder in 5 patients1999
In five patients with antidepressant-refractory dysthymia, adjunctive chromium picolinate led to remission of dysthymic symptoms in open-label observations.
SupplementDEX Database · High cholesterol
2 references69.SupplementDEX Database: High cholesterol — Low dose chromium-polynicotinate or policosanol is effective in hypercholesterolemic children only in combination with glucomannan2013
In 120 hypercholesterolemic children over 8 weeks, low-dose chromium-polynicotinate lowered cholesterol only when combined with glucomannan, not alone.
70.SupplementDEX Database: High cholesterol — Effects of niacin-bound chromium and grape seed proanthocyanidin extract on the lipid profile of hypercholesterolemic subjects: a pilot study2000
In 40 hypercholesterolemic adults over 2 months, niacin-bound chromium plus grape seed extract reduced total cholesterol by 16.5% and LDL by 20% versus placebo.
SupplementDEX Database · Metabolic syndrome
1 reference71.SupplementDEX Database: Metabolic syndrome — Chromium picolinate does not improve key features of metabolic syndrome in obese nondiabetic adults2009
In 63 obese adults with metabolic syndrome over 16 weeks, 1,000 µg/day chromium picolinate increased acute insulin response but did not improve insulin sensitivity, lipids, or weight.
SupplementDEX Database · Muscle size & strength
5 references72.SupplementDEX Database: Muscle size & strength — Effects of resistive training and chromium picolinate on body composition and skeletal muscle size in older women2002
In 17 older women over 12 weeks, 924 µg/day chromium picolinate plus resistance training did not increase strength or muscle fiber area beyond training alone.
73.SupplementDEX Database: Muscle size & strength — The effect of chromium picolinate on muscular strength and body composition in women athletes2001
In 15 female athletes over 6 weeks, 500 µg/day chromium picolinate plus resistance training did not improve strength or body composition versus training alone.
74.SupplementDEX Database: Muscle size & strength — Effect of resistance training with or without chromium picolinate supplementation on glucose metabolism in older men and women1999
In 32 older adults over 12 weeks, resistance training reduced insulin AUC after an oral glucose load, but 924 µg/day chromium picolinate added no benefit.
75.SupplementDEX Database: Muscle size & strength — Chromium picolinate effects on body composition and muscular performance in wrestlers1998
In 20 NCAA wrestlers over 14 weeks, 200 µg/day chromium picolinate did not improve body composition or performance beyond preseason training alone.
76.SupplementDEX Database: Muscle size & strength — Effects of chromium and resistive training on muscle strength and body composition1996
In 16 untrained men over 12 weeks, 200 µg/day chromium picolinate with resistance training increased chromium excretion but did not improve strength or lean mass versus training alone.