An essential trace mineral found in broccoli, whole grains and meat.
Why it’s used: Contributes to the maintenance of normal blood glucose levels.
Chromium is an essential trace mineral needed in only small amounts. Good sources include meat, nuts and cereal grains, and vegetables such as broccoli contain some too. Most people can get all the chromium they need by eating a varied and balanced diet.
Chromium contributes to the maintenance of normal blood glucose levels. That authorised role is why it often appears in formulas designed around balanced energy and blood sugar. It is not a substitute for medical care or prescribed medicine if you have diabetes.
In supplements, chromium usually appears as chromium picolinate or chromium chloride, with the amount of chromium itself listed in micrograms (µg). Research on chromium is still developing, and the NIH notes that while chromium from food and supplements does not appear to cause harm, the research is limited. That is a good reason to stick to the amount on the label and to count chromium from every product you take.
3 findings behind this ingredient. Hover a card for the detail and the source.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of 28 randomised controlled trials found significant reductions in fasting glucose (about 19 mg/dl), insulin, HbA1c (0.71%) and HOMA-IR after chromium supplementation.
A meta-analysis of 25 placebo-controlled trials found chromium lowered HbA1c by 0.55% and also significantly reduced fasting glucose. Effects were seen especially with chromium picolinate and doses above 200 µg a day.
In a double-blind trial, 29 randomised adults with type 2 diabetes on glipizide took 1,000 µg chromium as picolinate or placebo for six months. Chromium improved insulin sensitivity and glycated haemoglobin and limited weight gain.
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Chromium contributes to the maintenance of normal blood glucose levels. It is an essential trace mineral found in meat, nuts and cereal grains, and adults need only around 25 micrograms a day, which most people get from a balanced diet.
Talk to your GP or pharmacist first. Chromium may interact with insulin, metformin and other diabetes medicines, and any change in blood glucose could mean your treatment needs reviewing. Never use a supplement in place of prescribed medicine.
Chromium picolinate is chromium bound to picolinic acid. It is one of the most common forms in supplements, alongside chromium chloride. The amount of chromium itself is shown in micrograms on the label, which is the figure to compare between products.
Information only, not medical advice. If you take medication, are pregnant or breastfeeding, speak to your GP or pharmacist first.
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