Hepatitis is the swelling and inflammation of the liver. Hepatitis may be caused by alcohol abuse, infections from viruses such as hepatitis A, B and C, ingesting poisonous substances, and medication such as an overdose of acetaminophen. Chromium picolinate, an essential trace mineral, improves the body's use of glucose and can lower cholesterol, according to Drugs.com. Ingestion of high doses of chromium picolinate may cause hepatitis.
Liver Problems
Chromium picolinate is normally sold as a herbal supplement and is commonly used by diabetics to help control blood sugar levels. Drugs.com advises patients with a history of liver disease to consult with the doctor before taking over-the-counter chromium supplements. Patients with past liver problems require frequent liver tests while taking chromium. Patients who ingest excess chromium picolinate at once may develop inflammation of the liver. Chronic liver inflammation may also occur in patients who take large doses for a long period. Liver inflammation may later advance into liver failure.
Admnistration
Chromium picolinate supplements are available as over-the-counter in pharmacies. Healthy patients should only ingest the recommended dose of chromium picolinate, which is found on the supplements bottle. Patients who consume a balanced diet rich in whole grains, vegetables, meats and dairy products do not require chromium picolinate supplements because the diet provides the recommended daily intake of the vitamin. Certain medications, such as insulin and antacids, may interact with chromium picolinate. Use of chromium together with diabetes medication may cause low blood sugar levels. Diabetics who take chromium require dose adjustment of diabetes medication.
Hepatitis
Hepatitis causes a variety of symptoms, including lower right abdominal pain, swollen abdomen, nausea, vomiting, malaise, yellowing of the skin, dark urine, itching, loss of appetite, fatigue, fever, pale clay colored stools, weight loss and breast development in men, according to PubMedHealth. There is no specific treatment for hepatitis caused by using chromium picolinate. The doctor usually advises patients with hepatitis to avoid drugs or substances that cause liver inflammation.
Hepatitis Complications
Patients with hepatitis may develop complications, such as permanent liver damage due to cirrhosis, liver failure, liver cancer, esophageal varices and bacterial peritonitis, according to PubMedHealth. Cirrhosis occurs when scars form on the liver, due to chronic irritation from chromium picolinate. A scarred liver cannot perform its functions well, and this leads to liver failure. Most patients with cirrhosis and liver failure require a liver transplant. Patients who notice symptoms of hepatitis should seek medical treatment so as to avoid developing complications.
