SupplementPreliminary evidenceImmunity

Chromium picolinate

Trace mineral with preliminary RCT signal for fasting glucose and HbA1c in type 2 diabetes, EFSA withdrew authorised claim citing insufficient evidence.

Why

Chromium is a trace mineral previously thought to be essential for insulin signalling. The picolinate form has the most published trial data. The Suksomboon 2014 meta-analysis (28 RCTs) found modest reductions in HbA1c (0.55%) and fasting glucose in type 2 diabetes, but EFSA withdrew its authorised macronutrient-metabolism claim in 2014 citing insufficient evidence, and the US FDA classifies it only as a structure-function supplement.

How it works

Chromium proposed to modulate insulin receptor signalling via chromodulin (LMWCr) interaction with the insulin receptor, though whether chromium is essential remains contested. Picolinate form has better intestinal absorption than inorganic chromium salts.

Expected onset · Glycaemic effects over 8–12 weeks

How to take

Dosage

200–1,000 µg/day. Most trials use 200–600 µg/day.

Timing

Once daily with food

On the label

Chromium picolinate (better-absorbed form), stated micrograms of elemental chromium per dose, not picolinate salt weight.

Ideal for

Adults with type 2 diabetes or prediabetes exploring nutrient adjuncts, with realistic expectations given the regulatory withdrawal.

Safety

Generally well tolerated at typical doses. Case reports of nephrotoxicity at very high doses (>1,000 µg/day). May potentiate hypoglycaemia with insulin and sulphonylureas. Theoretical mood effect (small RCT signal for atypical depression, McLeod 1999). Pregnancy and breastfeeding data limited.

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Evidence

At a glance

Suksomboon 2014 meta-analysis (28 RCTs, n=1,295): chromium picolinate reduced HbA1c by 0.55% and fasting glucose vs control. EFSA's 2014 withdrawal of the authorised health claim, based on insufficient evidence for macronutrient-metabolism causation, limits the regulator-grade anchor. Preliminary, RCTs exist in non-tier-1 journals but are small or short-duration. No Cochrane review, EMA monograph or EFSA-authorised claim covers the indication.

Limitations

Preliminary, RCTs exist in non-tier-1 journals but are small or short-duration. No Cochrane review, EMA monograph or EFSA-authorised claim covers the indication.

Where to get it

Shop Chromium picolinate on Amazon

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