Chromium picolinate

Trace mineral, supplement marketed for blood sugar control and weight loss

ATC code: A12CX-CHROMIUM

Brand names: Solgar Chromium Picolinate, GNC Chromium Picolinate, NOW Chromium Picolinate

Updated 1 Jun 2026 · Methodology

Marketing claims without evidence base

The drug is promoted for these uses outside international guidelines. Each entry below is analyzed against AEMPS, FDA, EMA, Cochrane and major RCTs.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus

Not recommended

Chromium picolinate is marketed as a «blood-sugar support». Meta-analyses of in type 2 diabetes are inconsistent: some RCTs show a 0.2–0.6 % reduction, others none. Trial quality is low, chromium doses and forms vary, follow-up is short. Standards of Care 2024 and the Spanish redGDPS 2023 do not recommend chromium for type 2 diabetes because of weak and conflicting evidence. Proven options in type 2 diabetes are metformin, GLP-1 agonists, SGLT2 inhibitors, dietary change and physical activity. If chromium was prescribed instead of or in addition to these, consider seeking a second opinion from an endocrinologist.

Sources

ICD-10: E11 · ICD-11: 5A11

Weight loss

Not recommended

Chromium picolinate is a supplement marketed as a «fat burner» and sugar-craving remedy. The Cochrane review 2013 pooled 9 RCTs (622 participants) and found a statistically significant but clinically trivial weight loss of about 0.5 kg over 12–16 weeks versus placebo. Evidence quality is low, the effect disappears after stopping the supplement, and long-term safety above 200 mcg/day is not established. 2022 does not recommend vitamin or mineral supplements for weight loss or chronic-disease prevention. If chromium picolinate was bought for weight loss, consider seeking a second opinion: caloric deficit, resistance training, and at BMI above 30 GLP-1 medications after physician review are what actually work.

Sources

How to read tiers A–F

AStrong evidence – first or second line in international guidelines
BRecommended in selected cases
CStudy data contradict each other
DBenefit not proven, no documented harm
FDocumented harm, or risk without benefit

Mechanism of action

Chromium picolinate is absorbed in the gut better than inorganic salts. Trivalent chromium contributes to the activity of chromodulin, a small oligopeptide that amplifies autophosphorylation of the insulin receptor and thereby supports cellular glucose uptake. The biological role of chromium in healthy humans is minimal: in 2014 found no convincing evidence of essentiality and withdrew its Dietary Reference Value. Human deficiency is described only with prolonged parenteral nutrition lacking trace elements.

Safety

Contraindications

Known hypersensitivity to chromium picolinate or picolinate compounds
Severe hepatic impairment
Severe renal impairment

Serious adverse effects

Case reports of interstitial nephritis and renal failure with prolonged doses above 600 mcg/day
Hepatitis after months of use (isolated case reports)
Hypoglycaemia in patients on insulin or sulfonylureas when chromium is added

Common adverse effects

Headache
Nausea
Epigastric discomfort
Skin rash

Pregnancy: can you take Chromium picolinate?

Safety of chromium picolinate above dietary levels in pregnancy is not studied. EFSA has set no chromium requirement for pregnant women. AESAN classifies chromium picolinate as a complemento alimenticio without therapeutic indication. Supplementation in pregnancy is not justified; balanced diet plus a standard pregnancy multivitamin with folate and iodine covers baseline needs.

Breastfeeding: can you take Chromium picolinate?

Chromium passes into breast milk in small amounts. Safety of supraphysiological supplement doses for the infant is not studied. Lactating women do not need chromium supplements; a normal diet is sufficient.

Calculate RID

Reference information, not a clinical decision. Discuss feeding pauses or changes with your physician or an IBCLC.

Check interaction with another drug

Opens the checker prefilled with this drug. Pick the second one from your regimen.

Open checker

Summary of a multi-drug list →

Medicine list: everything you take in one place →

Frequently asked

What is Chromium picolinate used for?

Chromium picolinate is evaluated for the following indications with varying evidence strength: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (evidence tier D), Weight loss (evidence tier F). See the full indication matrix with dosing and citations above on this page.

What are the side effects of Chromium picolinate?

Common side effects of Chromium picolinate (≥ 1 in 100): Headache, Nausea, Epigastric discomfort, Skin rash. See the Safety section for uncommon and serious reactions.

Is Chromium picolinate safe during pregnancy?

Is Chromium picolinate compatible with breastfeeding?

Who should not take Chromium picolinate?

Chromium picolinate is contraindicated in: Known hypersensitivity to chromium picolinate or picolinate compounds; Severe hepatic impairment; Severe renal impairment. Full list in the Safety section.

Other drugs in this group

Copper, Magnesium (oral salts: citrate, glycinate, oxide, sulfate), Magnesium L-threonate (Magtein), Magnesium sulfate, Molybdenum, Selenium (oral salts and chelates: selenomethionine, sodium selenite, selenium yeast), Calcium (oral salts: carbonate, citrate, lactate, gluconate), Manganese