Chromium

What is chromium?

Chromium is a trace element found in foods and supplements. Nutrition products use trivalent chromium, or chromium(III); this is different from the toxic hexavalent chromium associated with industrial exposure.

What does chromium support?

Chromium contributes to normal macronutrient metabolism and the maintenance of normal blood glucose levels. These authorised functions do not mean that a supplement treats diabetes, prevents blood-sugar spikes or produces weight loss.

There is an important distinction between a permitted claim and a demonstrated need to take more. In its 2014 review of dietary requirements, EFSA found insufficient evidence to establish a dietary requirement for chromium or an adequate intake for healthy people. The full claim wording and conditions remain available below.

When is a supplement worth considering?

Evidence does not support routine chromium supplementation for diabetes management. Reported weight effects are small and of limited practical importance. If you use insulin or other glucose-lowering medicines, discuss chromium with a clinician; it may add to their effects. Chromium can also interfere with levothyroxine absorption.

Forms, amounts and choosing a product

Labels may list chromium picolinate, chromium chloride or other chromium compounds. Compare the amount of elemental chromium per daily serving, rather than the weight of the compound. A more expensive form or larger amount is not proof of a better result.

The EU label reference value of 40 µg is a labelling benchmark, not an instruction to take that amount as a supplement. Check combined multivitamin and single-mineral products before adding another source.

For most readers, identifying the reason for wanting a supplement is more useful than choosing the highest strength. Read the full label and avoid treating a “blood sugar” or “weight control” product name as evidence of effectiveness.