Chromium Picolinate
Chromium(III) picolinate
Also known as: Chromium(III) picolinate, CrPic, Chromax, CrP, Chromax II
Evidence Strength: MODERATE
This ingredient is classified as unclassified risk (GIRI score: 3.5/10). The classification is based on mechanistic and clinical evidence: chromium Picolinate enhances the action of insulin by facilitating the uptake of….
Safety Profile
Common Adverse Effects
- Nausea
- diarrhea
- headache
- dizziness
- skin rash
Serious Adverse Effects
- Renal impairment
- liver dysfunction
- hemolysis
- rhabdomyolysis
Contraindications
- Renal impairment
- liver disease
- type 1 diabetes
- psychiatric disorders
- People taking Insulin
Interactions
| Drug / Nutrient | Interaction Mechanism | Warning |
|---|---|---|
| Insulin | enhanced hypoglycemic effect — monitor blood glucose levels. NSAIDs: increased chromium absorption — monitor for toxicity. Antacids: reduced chromium absorption — separate administration by 2 hours. | Monitor |
Evidence and Scientific Findings
Ingredient Overview
Biological and Chemical Classification
- Chemical Class
- Coordination compound
- Biological Class
- Trace element
- Natural Source
- Endogenous source, trace mineral in foods
- Scientific Name
- Chromium(III) picolinate
- Chemical Formula
- C18H12CrN3O6
- CAS Number
- 14639-25-9
Mechanism of Action
Clinical Evidence of Effectiveness
| Indication | Evidence Level | Summary |
|---|---|---|
| General | Moderate | Clinical studies on Chromium Picolinate have shown mixed results. Some trials suggest modest improvements in glucose control and insulin sensitivity in individuals with type 2 diabetes, while others show minimal or no effects. The quality of evidence varies, with some studies lacking rigorous design or having small sample sizes. Overall, the evidence supports a potential benefit in metabolic health, but further research is needed to confirm these effects. |
Pharmacokinetics
Recommended Dosage
| Condition / Use | Typical Dose |
|---|---|
| Type 2 Diabetes | 200-1000 mcg daily. Metabolic Syndrome: 200-500 mcg daily. Weight Management: 200-400 mcg daily. |
Dosage ranges are based on clinical studies and commonly used supplement formulations. Individual requirements may vary.
SETI — Scientific Evidence Transparency Index
Executive Summary — Ingredient Assessment
- 10 studies reviewed
- 0 high-quality studies (meta-analysis or RCT)
- Main clinical benefit observed: Chromium Picolinate is a chemical compound often used in dietary supplements to improve glucose metabolism and enhance insulin…
- Evidence consistency: High consistency across studies (100%)
- Chromium Picolinate is generally considered safe at recommended doses, but high doses may lead to serious adverse effects such as renal and liver damage. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should use caution, as safety data in these populations are limited. Individuals with pre-existing kidney or liver conditions should avoid high doses due to potential exacerbation of these conditions.
- USA/FDA — Approved
The available scientific evidence for Chromium Picolinate indicates notable safety signals that warrant caution. Use should be considered carefully and monitored, particularly in sensitive populations or alongside other medications.
Total SETI Score
High risk| Evidence quality | 10/40 |
| Evidence consistency | 20/20 |
| Safety signals | 0/20 |
| Study recency | 10/10 |
| Evidence transparency | 10/10 |
Evidence Summary
- 10 studies reviewed
- 0 high-quality studies (meta-analysis or systematic review)
- 0 studies identified benefits or no safety concern (GREEN)
- 10 studies reported limited or advisory safety evidence (YELLOW)
Evidence Policy
Only peer-reviewed scientific literature indexed in PubMed or comparable databases is included in this evaluation. Commercial websites, blogs, and marketing materials are excluded. All references include direct traceable links to source documents.
Last updated: 06 მარ 2026, 12:00
Evidence Distribution
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Observational / other LOW evidence YELLOWDietary nanou2011chromium picolinate enhances interferon-gamma expression in heat-stressed broilers vaccinated against Newcastle disease. ↗Hajializadeh F et al.. Dietary nanou2011chromium picolinate enhances interferon-gamma expression in heat-stressed broilers vaccinated against Newcastle disease.. Res Vet Sci. 2026. PMID:41468791.PMID 41468791 ↗Journal Res Vet SciYear 2026Study type Observational / otherEvidence strength LOW evidencePubMed link https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41468791/
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Animal study LOW evidence YELLOWImpact of Chromium Picolinate on Leydig Cell Steroidogenesis and Antioxidant Balance Using an In Vitro Insulin Resistance Model. ↗Moreira R et al.. Impact of Chromium Picolinate on Leydig Cell Steroidogenesis and Antioxidant Balance Using an In Vitro Insulin Resistance Model.. Antioxidants (Basel). 2023. PMID:38247463.PMID 38247463 ↗Journal Antioxidants (Basel)Year 2023Study type Animal studyEvidence strength LOW evidencePubMed link https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38247463/
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Observational / other LOW evidence YELLOWDietary Effects of Chromium Picolinate and Chromium Nanoparticles in Wistar Rats Fed with a High-Fat, Low-Fiber Diet: The Role of Fat Normalization. ↗Majewski M et al.. Dietary Effects of Chromium Picolinate and Chromium Nanoparticles in Wistar Rats Fed with a High-Fat, Low-Fiber Diet: The Role of Fat Normalization.. Nutrients. 2022. PMID:36501167.PMID 36501167 ↗Journal NutrientsYear 2022Study type Observational / otherEvidence strength LOW evidencePubMed link https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36501167/
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Observational / other LOW evidence YELLOWOxidative, epigenetic changes and fermentation processes in the intestine of rats fed high-fat diets supplemented with various chromium forms. ↗Dworzau0144ski W et al.. Oxidative, epigenetic changes and fermentation processes in the intestine of rats fed high-fat diets supplemented with various chromium forms.. Sci Rep. 2022. PMID:35701510.PMID 35701510 ↗Journal Sci RepYear 2022Study type Observational / otherEvidence strength LOW evidencePubMed link https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35701510/
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Observational / other LOW evidence YELLOWDetermination of chromium(III) picolinate in dietary supplements by flow injection - electrospray ionization - tandem mass spectrometry, using cobalt(II) picolinate as internal… ↗Arroyo Negrete MA et al.. Determination of chromium(III) picolinate in dietary supplements by flow injection - electrospray ionization - tandem mass spectrometry, using cobalt(II) picolinate as internal standard.. Talanta. 2022. PMID:34953383.PMID 34953383 ↗Journal TalantaYear 2022Study type Observational / otherEvidence strength LOW evidencePubMed link https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34953383/
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Observational / other LOW evidence YELLOWEffect of a high-fat diet and chromium on hormones level and Cr retention in rats. ↗Stu0119pniowska A et al.. Effect of a high-fat diet and chromium on hormones level and Cr retention in rats.. J Endocrinol Invest. 2022. PMID:34550535.PMID 34550535 ↗Journal J Endocrinol InvestYear 2022Study type Observational / otherEvidence strength LOW evidencePubMed link https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34550535/
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Observational / other LOW evidence YELLOWEffects of Supplemental Chromium Nanoparticles on IFN-u03b3 expression of Heat Stress Broilers. ↗Hamidi O et al.. Effects of Supplemental Chromium Nanoparticles on IFN-u03b3 expression of Heat Stress Broilers.. Biol Trace Elem Res. 2022. PMID:33598892.PMID 33598892 ↗Journal Biol Trace Elem ResYear 2022Study type Observational / otherEvidence strength LOW evidencePubMed link https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33598892/
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Observational / other LOW evidence YELLOWEffects of Different Chromium Compounds on Hematology and Inflammatory Cytokines in Rats Fed High-Fat Diet. ↗Dworzau0144ski W et al.. Effects of Different Chromium Compounds on Hematology and Inflammatory Cytokines in Rats Fed High-Fat Diet.. Front Immunol. 2021. PMID:33717096.PMID 33717096 ↗Journal Front ImmunolYear 2021Study type Observational / otherEvidence strength LOW evidencePubMed link https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33717096/
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Animal study LOW evidence YELLOWAssessment of DNA Methylation and Oxidative Changes in the Heart and Brain of Rats Receiving a High-Fat Diet Supplemented with Various Forms… ↗Dworzau0144ski W et al.. Assessment of DNA Methylation and Oxidative Changes in the Heart and Brain of Rats Receiving a High-Fat Diet Supplemented with Various Forms of Chromium.. Animals (Basel). 2020. PMID:32825649.PMID 32825649 ↗Journal Animals (Basel)Year 2020Study type Animal studyEvidence strength LOW evidencePubMed link https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32825649/
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Observational / other LOW evidence YELLOWChromium(III) Glycinate Complex Supplementation Improves the Blood Glucose Level and Attenuates the Tissular Copper to Zinc Ratio in Rats with Mild Hyperglycaemia. ↗Kru00f3l E et al.. Chromium(III) Glycinate Complex Supplementation Improves the Blood Glucose Level and Attenuates the Tissular Copper to Zinc Ratio in Rats with Mild Hyperglycaemia.. Biol Trace Elem Res. 2020. PMID:30826908.PMID 30826908 ↗Journal Biol Trace Elem ResYear 2020Study type Observational / otherEvidence strength LOW evidencePubMed link https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30826908/
Score Transparency
0 of 10 approved references (score saturates at 10). More peer-reviewed studies = stronger evidence base.
Method: Q = number of approved references ÷ 10 (capped at 1.0)
Limited — mostly case reports or animal studies
Method: L = mean study-level weight across approved references. Level 1 (meta-analysis / systematic review) = 1.0; Level 2 (RCT) = 0.8; Level 3 (cohort/case-control) = 0.6; Level 4 (case report) = 0.4; Level 5 (animal / in-vitro) = 0.2.
Mixed or neutral — roughly equal benefit and risk signals
Method: D = (sum of risk-scored references − sum of benefit-scored references) ÷ total evidence score, then scaled from [−1, 1] to [0, 1]. 0.0 = pure benefit; 0.5 = neutral; 1.0 = pure risk.
One or more monitoring-level safety signals active
Method: S = 0.5 (neutral baseline) + sum of active signal severity deltas ÷ 10. Severity deltas: Critical = +2.0, High = +1.5, Moderate = +1.0, Low = +0.5. Capped at 1.0.
Final GIRI Score for Chromium Picolinate. Risk level thresholds: Low 0–3.0 · Moderate 3.0–5.5 · High 5.5–7.5 · Critical 7.5–10.
Full methodology & data sources
The GIRI Score is computed entirely from structured data — no editorial scoring or subjective weighting is applied at any step.
- References: Only approved references are counted. Each reference is assigned an evidence level (L1–L5) and a direction (risk / neutral / benefit) by the reference manager or AI classifier.
- Safety Signals: Sourced from regulatory agencies (FDA, EMA, Health Canada, TGA, and others) and pharmacovigilance databases. Only active signals count toward the score.
- Formula version: GIRI Score v3.7.0 — Q × L × D × S × 10.
- Limitations: The score reflects published evidence and recorded signals as of the last update date. It is not a clinical risk assessment and should not replace advice from a qualified healthcare professional.
Risk Level Classification
Based on available regulatory signals and scientific evidence, this ingredient presents a low safety concern under normal conditions of use.
0–3.0
3.0–5.5
5.5–7.5
7.5–10
The score pin shows exactly where this ingredient falls on the fixed risk scale.
What drove the Low classification for Chromium Picolinate
A score of 3.5 places this ingredient in the Low band. Thresholds: Low 0–3.0 · Moderate 3.0–5.5 · High 5.5–7.5 · Critical 7.5–10.
0 approved references.
Limited — mostly case reports or animal studies (Level 4–5).
Neutral or mixed — benefit and risk signals roughly balanced.
No active signals — S component is at neutral baseline (0.5), contributing no extra risk weight.
1 jurisdiction has active restrictions or advisories. Regulatory signals are recorded as Safety Signals and raise the S component.
How are the Low / Moderate / High / Critical thresholds defined?
The four risk levels are fixed score bands. A score is assigned to exactly one level based on where it falls:
| Level | Score | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| LOW | 0.0 – 2.9 | Sparse or predominantly beneficial evidence. No active safety alerts. |
| MODERATE | 3.0 – 5.4 | Mixed signals — some risk alongside benefit. Caution at high doses or in sensitive groups. |
| HIGH | 5.5 – 7.4 | Multiple studies or regulatory alerts documenting adverse effects. Professional oversight recommended. |
| CRITICAL | 7.5 – 10 | Regulatory restrictions in one or more major jurisdictions. Serious documented harm. Avoid without specialist supervision. |
Thresholds are fixed constants (GIRI_Score_Utils::LEVEL_THRESHOLDS). They do not change per ingredient and are never subject to editorial adjustment.