From the Guidelines
Chromium picolinate (CrPic) supplements are not recommended due to lack of clear evidence of benefit and potential long-term safety concerns. The American Diabetes Association states that benefit from chromium supplementation in individuals with diabetes or obesity has not been clearly demonstrated and therefore cannot be recommended 1. This guideline emphasizes the importance of acquiring daily vitamin and mineral requirements from natural food sources and a balanced diet, rather than relying on supplements.
When considering the use of chromium supplements, it is essential to weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks. While some studies suggest that chromium may help improve glucose metabolism, the evidence is not strong enough to support its use as a supplement. In fact, the ESPEN micronutrient guideline notes that more research on chromium is required, particularly in regards to its absorption and optimal dosing 1.
Key points to consider when evaluating the use of chromium picolinate supplements include:
- Lack of clear evidence of benefit for individuals with diabetes or obesity 1
- Potential long-term safety concerns associated with antioxidant supplementation 1
- Importance of acquiring daily vitamin and mineral requirements from natural food sources and a balanced diet 1
- Need for further research on chromium supplementation, including its absorption and optimal dosing 1
In light of these considerations, it is recommended that individuals prioritize a balanced diet and nutrition counseling over chromium supplementation, unless they have a proven deficiency or are under the guidance of a healthcare provider 1.
From the Research
Guidelines for Using Chromium Picolinate Supplements
The use of chromium picolinate (CrPic) supplements has been studied for its potential benefits in regulating insulin action, carbohydrate, protein, and lipid metabolism. Here are some key points to consider:
- Chromium is an essential mineral that plays a beneficial role in insulin regulation, and people with type 2 diabetes have lower blood levels of chromium than those without the disease 2.
- Chromium picolinate has been shown to reduce insulin resistance and help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes, particularly in overweight individuals 2.
- Supplements containing 200-1,000 mcg chromium as chromium picolinate per day have been found to improve blood glucose control, with chromium picolinate being the most efficacious form of chromium supplementation 2.
Safety Considerations
While chromium picolinate supplements may be beneficial, there are also potential safety concerns to consider:
- High doses of chromium picolinate (6-12 times the recommended daily allowance) have been associated with toxicity, including weight loss, anemia, thrombocytopenia, hemolysis, liver dysfunction, and renal failure 3.
- Chromium supplements may cause serious renal impairment when ingested in excess, and medication histories should include attention to the use of over-the-counter nutritional supplements 3.
- A study in rats found that chromium picolinate supplementation had no significant effect on body weight gain, feed intake, or feed conversion rate, but may increase muscle mass by stimulating protein anabolism or reducing protein catabolism 4.
- A pilot study in HIV-positive subjects found that chromium picolinate improved insulin sensitivity, but with some concerns about safety, including abnormalities of liver function and elevation in blood urea nitrogen 5.
Effects on Lipid Metabolism
Chromium picolinate has also been studied for its effects on lipid metabolism:
- A double-blind crossover study found that chromium picolinate supplementation decreased levels of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and apolipoprotein B, while increasing the concentration of apolipoprotein A-I 6.
- The study suggests that chromium picolinate may be efficacious in lowering blood lipids in humans, although more research is needed to confirm these findings.