Chromium
Also known as chromium picolinate, chromium polynicotinate, cr, trivalent chromium
Key takeaways
- Chromium picolinate does not show a significant effect on weight loss for overweight or obese adults (PMID: 24293292).
- Chromium supplementation may influence blood pressure (PMID: 34302131).
- Environmental and prenatal exposure to metals, including chromium, is being studied for links to preterm birth and gestational diabetes (PMID: 39863768, PMID: 38307186).
What the research shows
AI-synthesized from 212 peer-reviewed sources · Updated 2025
Chromium is an essential trace element often supplemented as chromium picolinate to manage metabolic health. Research evidence is mixed, showing limited efficacy for weight loss and some potential impact on blood pressure, though many studies focus on environmental exposure rather than supplementation.
By condition
Weight Management
Weak
A Cochrane meta-analysis found insufficient evidence to support chromium picolinate for significant weight loss in overweight or obese adults.
Blood Pressure
Moderate
A systematic review and meta-analysis suggests that chromium supplementation may have an effect on blood pressure levels.
Effective doses
Specific dose ranges were not detailed in the provided top study abstracts.
Safety & interactions
Safety data is limited in the provided text; however, one openFDA safety source is noted. Users should consult a provider regarding potential interactions with glucose-lowering medications.
Limitations
Much of the available literature focuses on environmental toxicity and industrial applications (e.g., stents, soil pollution) rather than clinical supplementation. There is a lack of high-quality, large-scale RCTs for specific therapeutic outcomes.
Dietary Reference Intakes
Source: IOM/NAM · Dietary Reference Intakes: Chromium
| Measure | Value | Description |
|---|
Top-rated Chromium products
Ranked by safety score and evidence coverage
Drug–supplement interactions
2 documented interactions
| Drug | Severity | Mechanism | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Antidiabetic Drugs | Moderate | Chromium may enhance insulin sensitivity, potentially additive with diabetes med | possible |
| Levothyroxine | Minor | Chromium picolinate may reduce levothyroxine absorption. | possible |
How it's sold
Data aggregated from 618 product labels
Research evidence
Showing top 10 of 212 sources, sorted by quality
**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…
**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-0…
**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 Envir…
**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 me…
**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.…
**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. 202…
**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;7…
**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;10…
**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-…
**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-0…
Frequently asked questions
What is chromium and what is it used for?
Chromium is an essential trace element often supplemented as chromium picolinate to support metabolic health. While it is commonly marketed for weight management, research evidence is mixed, with some studies focusing on environmental exposure rather than supplementation benefits.
Does chromium help with weight loss?
Evidence for chromium picolinate aiding weight loss is weak. A Cochrane meta-analysis found insufficient evidence to support its use for significant weight loss in overweight or obese adults, so research is limited regarding its effectiveness for this purpose.
Can chromium lower blood pressure?
There is moderate evidence suggesting that chromium supplementation may have an effect on blood pressure levels. However, specific effective doses were not detailed in the provided research abstracts, so results may vary.
What is the recommended daily intake of chromium?
According to the Institute of Medicine (2001), the Adequate Intake (AI) for men aged 19-50 is 35 mcg/day. Specific supplemental dose ranges for therapeutic effects were not detailed in the provided evidence summary.
Does chromium interact with diabetes medications?
Yes, there is a moderate severity interaction possible because chromium may enhance insulin sensitivity, potentially adding to the effects of glucose-lowering medications. Users should consult a provider regarding potential interactions if they are taking antidiabetic drugs.
Does chromium affect thyroid medication absorption?
There is a minor possible interaction where chromium picolinate may reduce the absorption of levothyroxine. It is generally recommended to separate the timing of these supplements to avoid reduced absorption.
Who should avoid taking chromium supplements?
Users should consult a healthcare provider before use, especially if they are on glucose-lowering medications or levothyroxine. Additionally, research is currently studying links between prenatal exposure to metals like chromium and conditions such as preterm birth, so caution is advised for pregnant individuals.