Chromium picolinate is a type of chromium supplement. When chromium is combined with picolinate it may be better absorbed than some other types of supplemental chromium, according to the Linus Pauling Institute. Chromium picolinate may help improve blood sugar and cholesterol levels. Chromium picolinate may also help with weight loss, though the effect is very small, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Dosage
The adequate intake level, or AI, for chromium is 25 mcg per day for females between 19 and 50 years old and 35 mcg per day for males in this age group. Pregnant women need 30 mcg per day and breastfeeding women need 45 mcg per day of chromium. For disease prevention, a typical dose is 200 mcg taken one to three times per day, and people taking chromium to treat type 2 diabetes sometimes take 1,000 mcg per day, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Side Effects
Some people experience an allergic reaction after taking chromium picolinate, including hives, swelling and difficulty breathing. High doses of chromium picolinate, such as 600 mcg per day or higher, may cause liver or kidney problems in some people. Other possible side effects include itching, flushing, irregular heartbeat, headache, dehydration, dizziness, chest pain and stomach irritation.
Interactions
A number of medications interact with chromium picolinate, including diabetes medications, insulin, NSAIDs, aspirin, beta-blockers, proton-pump inhibitors, nicotinic acid, steroid medications and stomach acid reducers. Speak with your doctor before taking chromium picolinate if you take any of these medications, as it may affect the effectiveness.
Considerations
Although some people take chromium picolinate to increase their muscle mass, little evidence exists to support this use, according to the Linus Pauling Institute. Speak with a doctor before taking chromium picolinate supplements to determine whether this is safe for you and what dose you should take.
Member Comments