Hair levels might reflect past chromium intakes, and some studies have measured chromium levels in hair, sweat, serum, and toenails. However, because these levels are closely related to recent chromium intakes, they are not good indicators of chromium body stores. Urinary chromium levels are therefore a good indicator of chromium absorption. Ĭhromium is excreted mainly in the urine. Chromium accumulates mainly in the liver, spleen, soft tissue, and bone. In the blood, most chromium is bound to plasma proteins, particularly transferrin, and only about 5% is unbound. However, in 2014, the European Food Safety Authority Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies concluded that no convincing evidence shows that chromium is an essential nutrient and, therefore, setting chromium intake recommendations would be inappropriate. The FNB has not evaluated chromium since 2001. However, recent research has suggested that although chromium might have benefits at pharmacologic amounts (e.g., in the hundreds of mcg), it is not an essential mineral because an absence or deficiency of chromium does not produce abnormalities that can be reversed with the addition of chromium (see the Chromium Deficiency section below). In 2001, the Food and Nutrition Board (FNB) of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine considered chromium to be an essential nutrient based on its effects on insulin action.
Chromium might also have antioxidant effects. Although the precise mechanism for this activity has not been identified, scientists have proposed that chromium binds to an oligopeptide to form chromodulin, a low-molecular-weight, chromium-binding substance that binds to and activates the insulin receptor to promote insulin action. This fact sheet focuses entirely on trivalent chromium.Ĭhromium might play a role in carbohydrate, lipid, and protein metabolism by potentiating insulin action. Chromium also exists as hexavalent (+6) chromium, a toxic by-product of stainless steel and other manufacturing processes. IntroductionĬhromium, as trivalent (+3) chromium, is a trace element that is naturally present in many foods and available as a dietary supplement. For a general overview of Chromium, see our consumer fact sheet on Chromium. Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.This is a fact sheet intended for health professionals. Follow your diet, medication, and exercise routines very carefully. Department of Agriculture's "Dietary Reference Intake" (formerly "Recommended Daily Allowances" or RDA) listings for more information.Ĭhromium picolinate may be only part of a treatment program that may also include diet, exercise, and weight control. You may also consult the National Academy of Sciences "Dietary Reference Intake" or the U.S. Follow your healthcare provider's instructions. The recommended dietary allowance of chromium picolinate increases with age. Do not use more of this product than is recommended on the label.Ĭheck your blood sugar carefully if you are diabetic. If you choose to use chromium picolinate, use it as directed on the package or as directed by your doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider.
You may also consider consulting a practitioner who is trained in the use of herbal/health supplements. When considering the use of herbal supplements, seek the advice of your doctor. Herbal/health supplements should be purchased from a reliable source to minimize the risk of contamination.Ĭhromium picolinate may also be used for purposes not listed in this product guide. There are no regulated manufacturing standards in place for many herbal compounds and some marketed supplements have been found to be contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs. The body needs only trace amounts of chromium, and deficiency of this mineral in humans is rare.Ĭhromium picolinate works together with insulin produced by the pancreas to metabolize carbohydrates.Ĭhromium picolinate has been used in alternative medicine to treat chromium deficiency, as an aid to controlling blood sugar in people with diabetes or prediabetes, to lower cholesterol, and as a weight-loss supplement.Ĭhromium picolinate should not be used in place of medication prescribed for you by your doctor.Ĭhromium picolinate is often sold as an herbal supplement. Chromium is a mineral found in certain foods.
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