The mineral chromium is an essential nutrient, which means you need to obtain it through food or supplements. The mineral is a common addition to multivitamin products, and you also can take it as an individual supplement. The mineral is available in forms such as chromium picolinate and chromium polynicotinate. Although the Swedish Medical Center notes that side effects appear to be rare in the low doses included in multivitamins, consult a qualified health care provider before taking any products that contain chromium.
Minor Side Effects
Taking chromium in doses of 200 mcg or less per day is considered safe, according to the Swedish Medical Center. Side effects are generally associated with high-dose supplements rather than with the amount included in vitamin pills. The most likely side effects of chromium are relatively minor. As listed by eMedTV, they include headaches, sleeping problems, irritability, diarrhea and vomiting.
Serious Side Effects
Some people experience an allergic reaction to supplemental chromium. Signs of an allergic reaction can include a rash, hives, itching, wheezing or other difficulty breathing, and facial or mouth swelling. Evidence of an allergic reaction calls for immediate medical attention. One incidence of a severe skin reaction is connected with supplemental chromium picolinate, advises the Swedish Medical Center. Other unlikely side effects that call for immediate medical attention include seizures, blood in the stool or vomiting blood.
Diabetes Considerations
Chromium might increase the effectiveness of medications that regulate blood sugar, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. This could lead to hypoglycemia. If you take insulin for type 1 diabetes, or metformin or another medicine for type 2 diabetes, you might need to adjust your dosage when taking supplements that include chromium. Consult your health care provider to determine a suitable dose.
Neurotransmitter Changes
People with certain health disorders involving neurotransmitter functioning might not be able to take chromium picolinate safely, warns the Swedish Medical Center. Picolinate can alter neurotransmitter levels, which could have negative effects for people with bipolar disorder, schizophrenia or clinical depression. Choose a multivitamin with a different form of chromium if you have any of these conditions.
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