Chromium is an essential mineral that you absorb from the foods you eat. It plays a role in how your body breaks down fats and carbohydrates.

Chromium picolinate is a supplement that some people take as a complementary and alternative therapy to help a chromium deficiency, control blood sugar levels, lower cholesterol, or lose weight.

The human body requires only tiny amounts of chromium, so a deficiency is rare.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved all uses for chromium picolinate. You shouldn’t use this supplement in place of standard medical care.

When chromium picolinate is sold as a supplement, there aren’t universal manufacturing standards in place. You should purchase this product from a reliable source.

warnings

What is the most important information I should know about Chromium Picolinate (CRM)?

Before using chromium picolinate, talk to your healthcare provider. You may not be able to use chromium picolinate if you have certain medical conditions.

liver disease;
kidney disease;
diabetes (especially if you use insulin);
an allergy to leather products;
mental illness;
a thyroid disorder; or
if you use steroid medicine (fluticasone, beclomethasone, prednisone, and others).

It is not known whether chromium picolinate will harm an unborn baby. Do not use this product without medical advice if you are pregnant.

Chromium picolinate may pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this product without medical advice if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Do not give any herbal/health supplement to a child without medical advice.

Side Effects

What are the side effects of Chromium Picolinate (CRM)?

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using chromium picolinate and call your doctor at once if you have:

thinking problems, trouble concentrating;
problems with balance or coordination; or
liver problems--nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, tired feeling, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Common side effects may include:

headache;
sleep problems (insomnia); or
mood changes, feeling irritable.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Dosage Guidelines & Tips

How to take Chromium Picolinate (CRM)?

Use Chromium Picolinate (CRM) exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

When considering the use of herbal supplements, seek the advice of your doctor. You may also consider consulting a practitioner who is trained in the use of herbal/health supplements.

If you choose to use chromium picolinate, use it as directed on the package or as directed by your doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider. Do not use more of this product than is recommended on the label.

Check your blood sugar carefully if you are diabetic.

The recommended dietary allowance of chromium picolinate increases with age. Follow your healthcare provider's instructions. You may also consult the National Academy of Sciences "Dietary Reference Intake" or the U.S. Department of Agriculture's "Dietary Reference Intake" (formerly "Recommended Daily Allowances" or RDA) listings for more information.

Chromium picolinate may be only part of a treatment program that may also include diet, exercise, and weight control. Follow your diet, medication, and exercise routines very carefully.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What should I do if I missed a dose of Chromium Picolinate (CRM)?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.