Chromium helps your body break down proteins and fats, utilize sugar properly and maintain proper nerve function. You can ingest chromium through foods, such as brewer's yeast, calf liver and wheat germ or receive supplementary doses either orally--no prescription necessary--or via injection if so prescribed by your doctor. Supplemental chromium comes in a variety of forms, one of which is chromium picolinate, a biologically active form of chromium.
Step 1
Check the nutritional facts on your bottle of chromium picolinate to determine how many micrograms are in each pill. According to the Mayo Clinic, normal daily intakes of chromium are from 50 to 200 mcg per day; this amount is typically taken to combat dietary deficiencies.
Step 2
Divide the number of micrograms you intend to take--you may start with a moderate dose, such as 100, or work your way up from the lowest dose of 50--by the number of micrograms in each pill. The resulting number is how many pills you should take to achieve a full daily dose. So if you want to take a dose of 150 mcg and each pill has 75 mcg, you need to take two pills each day.
Step 3
Take the designated number of pills each day at about the same time. Taking the pills with food is optional.
Tips and Warnings
- According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, Type II diabetics may experience some benefit from chromium doses as high as 1,000 mcg daily, but long-term safety is not known. Antacids, especially those with calcium carbonate, may interfere with chromium absorption. Don't take the two products at the same time.
- Chromium supplements may interact with diabetes medications. Always consult your doctor before taking chromium if you have diabetes.
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