Chromium is a trace mineral that you must get from your diet. It is most commonly found in brewer's yeast, but it is also found in processed meats, cheese, whole grain bread and oatmeal. The picolinate version of this mineral is studied for weight loss with conflicting, rather weak results. If you plan to add this supplement to your diet, check with your doctor first, especially if you are diabetic. Chromium picolinate may lower your blood sugar and interfere with your diabetes medications.
Weight Loss
The evidence for chromium picolinate and weight loss is contradictory. A study published in "Current Therapeutic Research" in 1996 showed that participants taking the supplement over 72 days lost 2 1/2 pounds and gained lean body mass while those on the placebo lost a 1/4 pound, according to the New York University Langone Medical Center. Many participants dropped out of the study, though, and that puts the results into question. A study published in the "Journal of the American College of Nutrition" in 2001 showed no statistical benefit to taking the supplement. Other studies fail to show any benefit or are not large enough to provide a statistically significant sample.
Diabetes
One primary use for chromium picolinate is to control blood sugar and diabetes. A study published in "Diabetes" in 1997 showed that taking the supplement lowered hemoglobin A1C levels, a marker for long-term blood sugar control, and helped diabetics lower fasting blood sugar levels. Several other studies showed similar benefits. However, other studies failed to find any benefit from taking this supplement. It has shown promise in diabetes in pregnancy, elevated blood sugar related to corticosteroid usage and pre-diabetes, or mildly elevated blood sugar. More studies are needed to make a recommendation for chromium's use in diabetes.
Safety and Interactions
Chromium is a heavy metal, and high doses of it could theoretically cause it to accumulate in the body, according to the New York University Langone Medical Center. However, it is rare and only likely to happen in people with kidney or liver diseases. It might interact with diabetes medications by lowering your blood sugar too far, especially if you are on a sulfonylurea, such as glipizide, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Chromium picolinate can also interfere with neurotransmitters and cause interactions for people with depression, bipolar disorder or schizophrenia. Antacids and steroids tend to deplete chromium levels.
Dosages
A wide variety of dosages are used in studies. The dosages range from 200 to 1,000 micrograms, but consult with your doctor before taking a chromium supplement this high. The typical dosage is 200 micrograms one to three times per day, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, but it is higher for usage in diabetes studies. The recommended daily allowance for females ages 19 to 50 is 25 micrograms per day and males ages 19 to 50 is 25 micrograms per day.
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