Chromium
Product Forms
Dose Distribution
Top Brands
Claims on Labels
Common Co-Ingredients
Top-Rated Chromium Products
Evidence Summary
Chromium is an essential trace element with research primarily focused on its impact on metabolic health, including weight management and blood pressure regulation. Current high-quality evidence, such as Cochrane reviews, remains inconclusive regarding its efficacy for weight loss in humans.
Evidence by Condition
A Cochrane meta-analysis evaluated the use of chromium picolinate supplementation for weight loss in overweight or obese adults (PMID: 24293292).
A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials investigated the effects of chromium supplementation on blood pressure (PMID: 34302131).
Effective Doses
Dose ranges are not specified in the provided research summaries.
Key Findings
- Chromium picolinate supplementation has been studied for weight management in overweight or obese adults (PMID: 24293292).
- A meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials explored the effects of chromium supplementation on blood pressure (PMID: 34302131).
- Dietary chromium supplementation affects blood biochemical parameters in dairy cows (PMID: 37709042).
Limitations
Research is limited by inconclusive results in human clinical trials for weight and blood pressure, with some studies focusing on animal models or environmental exposure.
Safety & Interactions
No specific safety or interaction information was provided in the source text.
AI-generated summary from 212 peer-reviewed studies. Not medical advice. Always consult a healthcare provider.
Dietary Reference Intakes
Source: IOM/NAM Dietary Reference Intakes · Dietary Reference Intakes: Chromium
Drug-Supplement Interactions
⚠️ This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before combining supplements with medications.
Claims vs. Evidence
| Claim Type | % of Products | Evidence Required | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Other | 98% | Tier D (Unclassified) | ✅ Supported |
| Structure/Function | 81% | Tier C (DSHEA Structure/Function (no pre-approval)) | ✅ Supported |
| Nutrient | 36% | Tier D (Unknown) | ✅ Supported |
| Qualified Health | 0% | Tier B (FDA Qualified Health Claim) | ✅ Supported |
| Approved Health | 0% | Tier A (FDA Approved Health Claim (21 CFR 101.9)) | ✅ Supported |
| No Claim | 0% | Tier D (No claim on label) | ✅ Supported |
🏛️ NIH ODS Factsheet
Research by Topic
⚠️ FDA Safety Data
Research Evidence (212)
**Stone et al., 2016** | Lancet | Meta Analysis Stone Gregg W, Gao Runlin, ... Serruys Patrick W. 1-year outcomes with the Absorb bioresorbable scaffold in patients with coronary artery disease: a patient-level, pooled meta-analysis. Lancet. 2016-Mar...
**Hartmann-Boyce et al., 2021** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Meta Analysis Hartmann-Boyce Jamie, Theodoulou Annika, ... Aveyard Paul. Interventions for preventing weight gain after smoking cessation. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2021-Oct-06;10(10):C...
**Eaves et al., 2025** | J Expo Sci Environ Epidemiol | Systematic Review Eaves Lauren A, Lodge Evans K, ... Fry Rebecca C. Prenatal metal(loid) exposure and preterm birth: a systematic review of the epidemiologic evidence. J Expo Sci Environ Epidemi...
**Valgimigli et al., 2014** | BMJ | Meta Analysis Valgimigli Marco, Sabaté Manel, ... Ferrante Giuseppe. Effects of cobalt-chromium everolimus eluting stents or bare metal stent on fatal and non-fatal cardiovascular events: patient level meta-analysi...
**Tian et al., 2013** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Meta Analysis Tian Hongliang, Guo Xiaohu, ... Zhang Zongjiu. Chromium picolinate supplementation for overweight or obese adults. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2013-Nov-29;2013(11):CD010063. doi:10.10...
**Wu et al., 2024** | Environ Res | Meta Analysis Wu Wanxin, Ren Junjie, ... Huang Binbin. Metalloestrogens exposure and risk of gestational diabetes mellitus: Evidence emerging from the systematic review and meta-analysis. Environ Res. 2024-May-01;2...
**Saghazadeh et al., 2020** | Nutr Rev | Meta Analysis Saghazadeh Amene, Mahmoudi Maryam, ... Rezaei Nima. Trace elements in schizophrenia: a systematic review and meta-analysis of 39 studies (N = 5151 participants). Nutr Rev. 2020-Apr-01;78(4):278-3...
**Yuan et al., 2021** | J Environ Sci (China) | Meta Analysis Yuan Xuehong, Xue Nandong, Han Zhiguang. A meta-analysis of heavy metals pollution in farmland and urban soils in China over the past 20 years. J Environ Sci (China). 2021-Mar;101:217-226....
**Ren et al., 2022** | Sci Total Environ | Meta Analysis Ren Shuyi, Song Changqing, ... Gao Peichao. The spatiotemporal variation in heavy metals in China's farmland soil over the past 20 years: A meta-analysis. Sci Total Environ. 2022-Feb-01;806(Pt ...
**Siddig et al., 2025** | Sci Total Environ | Meta Analysis Siddig Magboul M S, Brevik Eric C, Sauer Daniela. Human health risk assessment from potentially toxic elements in the soils of Sudan: A meta-analysis. Sci Total Environ. 2025-Jan-01;958:1781...
**Saghazadeh et al., 2017** | Rev Neurosci | Meta Analysis Saghazadeh Amene, Ahangari Narges, ... Rezaei Nima. Status of essential elements in autism spectrum disorder: systematic review and meta-analysis. Rev Neurosci. 2017-Oct-26;28(7):783-809. doi...
**Pagano et al., 2020** | BMJ Open | Systematic Review Pagano Stefano, Lombardo Guido, ... Cianetti Stefano. Lasers to prevent dental caries: a systematic review. BMJ Open. 2020-Oct-28;10(10):e038638. doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2020-038638 OBJECTIVE: To ass...
**Ghanbari et al., 2022** | Eur J Clin Nutr | Meta Analysis Ghanbari Mahtab, Amini Mohammad Reza, ... Shab-Bidar Sakineh. The effects of chromium supplementation on blood pressure: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. ...
**Simpson et al., 2022** | Sci Total Environ | Meta Analysis Simpson Ian M, Winston Ryan J, Brooker Michael R. Effects of land use, climate, and imperviousness on urban stormwater quality: A meta-analysis. Sci Total Environ. 2022-Feb-25;809:152206. d...
**Malik et al., 2024** | J Dairy Sci | Meta Analysis Malik Muhammad I, Jonker Arjan, ... Sun Xuezhao. Effects of dietary chromium supplementation on blood biochemical parameters in dairy cows: A multilevel meta-analytical approach. J Dairy Sci. 2024-...
**Kang et al., 2016** | JACC Cardiovasc Interv | Systematic Review Kang Si-Hyuck, Chae In-Ho, ... Kim Hyo-Soo. Stent Thrombosis With Drug-Eluting Stents and Bioresorbable Scaffolds: Evidence From a Network Meta-Analysis of 147 Trials. JACC Cardiovasc...
**Ali et al., 2018** | Circulation | Meta Analysis Ali Ziad A, Gao Runlin, ... Stone Gregg W. Three-Year Outcomes With the Absorb Bioresorbable Scaffold: Individual-Patient-Data Meta-Analysis From the ABSORB Randomized Trials. Circulation. 2018-Jan-3...
**Tarrahi et al., 2021** | Pharmacol Res | Meta Analysis Tarrahi Mohammad Javad, Tarrahi Mohammad Aref, ... Mansourian Marjan. The effects of chromium supplementation on lipidprofile in humans: A systematic review and meta-analysis ofrandomized contr...
**Naimi et al., 2022** | Environ Sci Pollut Res Int | Meta Analysis Naimi Nayera, Pilevar Zahra, ... Mousavi Khaneghah Amin. The concentration of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in apple fruit: a global systematic review, meta-analysis, and health ...
**Bangalore et al., 2013** | BMJ | Meta Analysis Bangalore Sripal, Toklu Bora, ... Feit Frederick. Bare metal stents, durable polymer drug eluting stents, and biodegradable polymer drug eluting stents for coronary artery disease: mixed treatment comp...
In recent years, the prevalence and incidence of diabetes mellitus (DM) have increased sharply worldwide. In order to evaluate the effect of chromium supplementation on patients with type 2 diabetes, a meta-analysis was conducted by searching the rel...
**Rajapaksha et al., 2022** | Sci Total Environ | Systematic Review Rajapaksha Anushka Upamali, Selvasembian Rangabhashiyam, ... Ok Yong Sik. A systematic review on adsorptive removal of hexavalent chromium from aqueous solutions: Recent advances. Sc...
**Yu et al., 2026** | Environ Int | Meta Analysis Yu Guoqi, Meng Xi, ... Zhang Cuilin. Gestational exposure to metals and small vulnerable newborns: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Environ Int. 2026-Feb;208:110052. doi:10.1016/j.envint.2026.11...
PURPOSE: Chromium (Cr) as an essential trace element in metabolism of carbohydrate, lipid and protein is currently prescribed to control diabetes mellitus (DM). The objective of this meta-analysis was to compare the effect of Cr versus placebo (Pl) o...
**Kang et al., 2018** | EuroIntervention | Systematic Review Kang Si-Hyuck, Gogas Bill D, ... Kim Hyo-Soo. Long-term safety of bioresorbable scaffolds: insights from a network meta-analysis including 91 trials. EuroIntervention. 2018-Mar-20;13(16):19...
**Tsang et al., 2019** | Clin Obes | Meta Analysis Tsang Catherine, Taghizadeh Mohsen, ... Jafarnejad Sadegh. A meta-analysis of the effect of chromium supplementation on anthropometric indices of subjects with overweight or obesity. Clin Obes. 2019-...
**Shahinfar et al., 2020** | Clin Nutr ESPEN | Meta Analysis Shahinfar Hossein, Amini Mohammad Reza, ... Shab-Bidar Sakineh. The effect of chromium supplementation on apolipoproteins: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trial...
**Bao et al., 2022** | Environ Sci Pollut Res Int | Systematic Review Bao Zhijie, Feng Huiyu, ... Li Qiang. Method and mechanism of chromium removal from soil: a systematic review. Environ Sci Pollut Res Int. 2022-May;29(24):35501-35517. doi:10.1007/...
**Sun et al., 2023** | Lasers Med Sci | Meta Analysis Sun Guangdi, Chen Xue, ... Zhu Song. Effects of Er: YAG, Er,Cr: YSGG, and Nd: YAG laser irradiation and adhesive systems on the immediate and long-term bond strength of dentin: a systematic review...
BACKGROUND: Several authors, mostly on the basis of nonrandomized studies, have suggested dietary trivalent chromium supplementation as an attractive option for the management of type 2 diabetes and for glycemic control in persons at high risk of typ...
**Grant et al., 2013** | Lancet Glob Health | Systematic Review Grant Kristen, Goldizen Fiona C, ... Norman Rosana E. Health consequences of exposure to e-waste: a systematic review. Lancet Glob Health. 2013-Dec;1(6):e350-61. doi:10.1016/S2214-109X(1...
**Baj et al., 2020** | Int J Mol Sci | Systematic Review Baj Jacek, Forma Alicja, ... Karakula-Juchnowicz Hanna. Beyond the Mind-Serum Trace Element Levels in Schizophrenic Patients: A Systematic Review. Int J Mol Sci. 2020-Dec-15;21(24). doi:10.3390...
**Alinaghi et al., 2023** | Contact Dermatitis | Meta Analysis Alinaghi Farzad, Havmose Martin, ... Johansen Jeanne D. Contact allergy to metals in metalworkers: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Contact Dermatitis. 2023-Jan;88(1):1-9. doi:10.11...
**Burgos et al., 2024** | Spine J | Meta Analysis Burgos Jesús, Hevia Eduardo, ... Barrios Carlos. Elevated blood metal ion levels in patients undergoing instrumented spinal surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Spine J. 2024-Jun;24(6):947-...
**Authority**: European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) **Claim Type**: art13.1 **Substance**: chromium **DOI**: 10.2903/j.efsa.2010.1453 **URL**: https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2010.1453
**de et al., 2017** | Environ Sci Pollut Res Int | Systematic Review de Alencar Feliphe Lacerda Souza, Navoni Julio Alejandro, do Amaral Viviane Souza. The use of bacterial bioremediation of metals in aquatic environments in the twenty-first century:...
**Bhattacharya et al., 2019** | Water Sci Technol | Systematic Review Bhattacharya Amrik, Gupta Anshu, ... Malik Darshan. Alleviation of hexavalent chromium by using microorganisms: insight into the strategies and complications. Water Sci Technol. 20...
**Lari et al., 2021** | High Blood Press Cardiovasc Prev | Meta Analysis Lari Abolfazl, Fatahi Somaye, ... Shidfar Farzad. The Impact of Chromium Supplementation on Blood Pressure: A Systematic Review and Dose-Response Meta‑Analysis of Randomized‑Con...
**Jurado-Román et al., 2024** | Catheter Cardiovasc Interv | Meta Analysis Jurado-Román Alfonso, Tébar-Márquez Daniel, ... Moreno Raúl. Meta-long Papyrus: Meta-analysis of mid to long-term outcomes of PK Papyrus covered stent. Catheter Cardiovasc Int...
**Lamo-Espinosa et al., 2026** | Hip Int | Meta Analysis Lamo-Espinosa José María, Mariscal Gonzalo, ... San-Julián Mikel. Meta-analysis of efficacy and safety of modular dual mobility for revision hip arthroplasty. Hip Int. 2026-Jan;36(1):95-104. do...
**Stehle et al., 2016** | Eur J Clin Nutr | Systematic Review Stehle P, Stoffel-Wagner B, Kuhn K S. Parenteral trace element provision: recent clinical research and practical conclusions. Eur J Clin Nutr. 2016-Aug;70(8):886-93. doi:10.1038/ejcn.2016....
**Ferko et al., 2017** | Catheter Cardiovasc Interv | Meta Analysis Ferko Nicole, Ferrante Giuseppe, ... Valgimigli Marco. Cost-effectiveness of percutaneous coronary intervention with cobalt-chromium everolimus eluting stents versus bare metal stent...
BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of chromium supplementation on lipid profile in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). METHODS: A systematic search was performed in Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, the Coch...
**Amini et al., 2023** | Int J Vitam Nutr Res | Meta Analysis Amini Mohammad Reza, Sheikhhossein Fatemeh, ... Shab-Bidar Sakineh. Effects of chromium supplementation on oxidative stress biomarkers. Int J Vitam Nutr Res. 2023-Jun;93(3):241-251. doi:10...
**Revilla-León et al., 2022** | J Prosthet Dent | Meta Analysis Revilla-León Marta, Gómez-Polo Miguel, ... Özcan Mutlu. Adhesion of veneering porcelain to cobalt-chromium dental alloys processed with casting, milling, and additive manufacturing metho...
**Verdonck et al., 2021** | Int J Hyg Environ Health | Systematic Review Verdonck Jelle, Duca Radu-Corneliu, ... Godderis Lode. Systematic review of biomonitoring data on occupational exposure to hexavalent chromium. Int J Hyg Environ Health. 2021-Ju...
**Coradduzza et al., 2024** | Biometals | Systematic Review Coradduzza Donatella, Congiargiu Antonella, ... Medici Serenella. Heavy metals in biological samples of cancer patients: a systematic literature review. Biometals. 2024-Aug;37(4):803-817. do...
**Kim et al., 2022** | Arch Pharm Res | Meta Analysis Kim Yoonhye, Oh Yun Kyoung, ... Kim Eunyoung. Could nutrient supplements provide additional glycemic control in diabetes management? A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled ...
**Monfared et al., 2025** | J Trace Elem Med Biol | Meta Analysis Monfared Vahid, Rashin Hadiseh, ... Hasani Motahareh. The effect of chromium supplementation on cardio-metabolic risk factors in overweight and obese patients. A systematic review and ...
Background: Exercise and nutritional interventions are often recommended to help manage risk related to metabolic syndrome (MetSyn). The co-ingestion of Phyllanthus emblica (PE) with trivalent chromium (Cr) has been purported to improve the bioavaila...
Showing top 50 of 212 sources, sorted by quality score.
Details
Chromium
Overview
Chromium is a essential nutrient tracked in the biomedical knowledge base.
Also known as: cr, chromium picolinate, trivalent chromium, chromium polynicotinate
Role in Health
Detailed overview pending — this entity has sources compiled across multiple verticals.
Related Verticals
See sources-index for all verified sources referencing Chromium.
Safety Considerations
Safety data extraction pending.
Sources
See linked source pages for full provenance.
Related Supplements
Frequently Asked Questions
What is chromium and why do people take it?
Chromium is an essential trace element that is primarily studied for its impact on metabolic health. People often look to chromium supplements to support weight management and blood pressure regulation.
Does chromium help with weight loss?
There is currently insufficient evidence to suggest that chromium picolinate is effective for weight loss in overweight or obese adults. High-quality research, including Cochrane reviews, has found the results to be inconclusive.
Can chromium supplements lower blood pressure?
The evidence regarding chromium and blood pressure regulation is currently weak. Systematic reviews of randomized clinical trials have found insufficient evidence to support its use for this purpose.
What is the recommended daily dose of chromium?
While specific effective supplement doses for weight loss are not clearly defined, the Dietary Reference Intake (DRI) for males aged 19-50 is 35 mcg/day. You should consult a healthcare provider to determine an appropriate dose for your needs.
Does chromium interact with any medications?
Yes, there is a moderate interaction risk with antidiabetic drugs. Chromium may enhance insulin sensitivity, which could potentially add to the effects of diabetes medications.
Is chromium supplementation safe?
The provided research does not specify specific safety risks or an upper tolerable limit (UL) for chromium. However, because it may affect blood sugar, you should always consult a doctor before starting supplementation.
Who should avoid taking chromium supplements?
Individuals taking medication for diabetes should use caution because chromium may enhance insulin sensitivity. Always speak with a medical professional to ensure supplements do not interfere with your existing health conditions or medications.
Answers generated from research evidence. Not medical advice.