By Myprotein Writer
Nathan Travell
Chromium is a mineral needed in trace (very little) amounts to ensure good health. Chromium helps to move blood sugar from the blood into cells to be used for energy and turning existing cell carbohydrates/fat/proteins into energy (1). Essentially it is important for metabolism!
Chromium is found in two forms; trivalent - which is found in food, and hexavalent – a toxic form which is found in industrial work places (2). Then next section will cover what foods rich in the trivalent form of chromium.
Chromium Food sources
For people older than 9 years old, it has been stated that the adequate intake is 21-25 micrograms per day for females and 25-35 micrograms for men.
Foods rich in chromium (and their amounts):| Food/drink | Amount | Chromium |
| Broccoli | 1 cup | 22 micrograms (3) |
| Table | 3 ounces | 10.4 micrograms |
| Table | 5 ounces | 10 micrograms |
| Table | 1/3 cup | 8 micrograms (4) |
Dangers of Chromium Deficiency
An estimated 25-50% of the U.S. population is mildly deficient in chromium.
It is thought that diets high in sugar (>35% of calories) can increase chromium excretion in the urine (5).
Other reasons for chromium deficiency can be illness, over-training, pregnancy and stress.
It has been stated that even mild deficiencies of chromium can produce problems in blood sugar metabolism and long term glucose tolerance.
The Chromium mineral can slow the loss of calcium, and thus might be useful for women during menopause. (6)
Some researchers contend the usefulness in chromium however, and the evidence appears to be mixed. (7,8)
Dangers of excess consumptionTaking excessive chromium supplements (in addition to having a diet rich in chromium) can lead to stomach problems and low blood sugar (9) .
Though these are quite shocking, this isn’t too much to worry about as the side effects are rare and are more seen with the toxic form seen in industrial use (i.e. in factories).
To reiterate how safe it can be – the estimated safe end range has been established to be as high as 200 micrograms. (10)
InteractionsChromium supplementation can have interactions with a few key compounds – these interactions can be mildly harmful or they may just impair/increase the absorption of chromium. To ensure your safety it is highly recommended that you speak to your doctor.
The main interaction of note is the interactions with prostaglandin inhibitors (those that reduce inflammation such as aspirin or ibuprofen)(11). As athletes, we are usually on some sort of anti-inflammatory medicine (DOMS- am I right?), so this is especially relevant.
The Office of Dietary Supplements estimates very little of our dietary chromium (0.4 to 2.5) percent actually finds its way into the bloodstream. Vitamin C and niacin assists in its absorption. (12) Antacids (including calcium carbonate) interfere with the absorption of chromium. (13)
Chromium for Aesthetics?
Bodybuilders and athletes have been known to take chromium picolinate to enhance performance and increase energy.
It is thought that the increase in metabolic health can assist in weight loss, muscle growth and performance. Evidence for the usefulness of this is mixed, however. (16,17,18)
Mixed Evidence
The evidence for supplementing with chromium producing any benefits appears to be mixed – sometimes good results are seen and sometimes nothing is seen at all. I suspect that populations deficient in the supplement will receive the most benefits (as with most supplements).
Such populations are likely to be seen in first world countries (those that are probably most likely to be interested in supplementation) as these populations are more likely to have high-sugar diets.
For instance, a large portion of my diet is fast food (IIFYM) – I would probably be a better candidate for supplementation with chromium. Other populations of note are those under stress/suffering from illness that could cause a deficiency.
Women in particular (especially those that are going/have gone through menopause, are more commonly prone to have problems with their bones – oestrogen is a key compound in regulating bone density – so chromium supplementation is more likely to be of use to them.
Take Home Message
The benefits cannot be proven to consistently occur with supplementation, but when they do appear, there seems to be indications that improved insulin tolerance can lead to better nutrient-shuttling to cells - which may lead to improved fat loss and muscle gain.
More research will need to be done in healthy, weight-training populations to determine if chromium is useful in improving body composition.
1) Mertz, W., (1969), Chromium occurrence and function in biological systems, Physiological Reviews, pages unknown
2) Author Unkown, (2006) Occupational Exposure to Hexavalent Chromium, Federal Register: Department of Labor, 10100-10385 3) Higdon, J., (2001) Chromium, Micronutrient Information Center, [Online: Accessed 11/09/2016]
4) Richard, A., (1991), Dietary Chromium Intake, Biological Trace Element Reseach, 117-121
5) Kozlovsky, A., (1986) Effects of diets high in simple sugars on urinary chromium losses. Metabolism, 515-518
6) Author Unknown (2014), Chromium Topic Overview, Healthwise: WebMD [Accessed 09/09/2016]
7) Vincent, J., (2011). Chromium is not an essential trace element for mammals: effects of a "low-chromium" diet. Journal of Biological Inorganic Chemistry, 381–390.
8) Vincent, J., (2013). Chromium: is it essential, pharmacologically relevant, or toxic?, Metal ions in life sciences.171–98.
9) Ehrlich, S., (2014), Chromium, University of Maryland Medical Center [Accessed 08/09/2016]
10) Author Unknown (1989), Recommended Dietary Allowances, National Research Council, Food and Nutrition Board, Pages Unknown
11) Author Unknown, (2013) Chromium Dietary Supplement Fact Sheet, Nation Institutes of Health [Accessed 13/09/2016)
12) Author Unknown (2001). Dietary reference intakes for vitamin A, vitamin K, boron, chromium, copper, iodine, iron, manganese, molybdenum, nickel, silicon, vanadium, and zinc, Food and Nutrition Board, Institute of Medicine 197-223.
13) Ehrlich, S., (2014), Chromium, University of Maryland Medical Center [Accessed 13/09/2016]
14) Althuis, M., (2002) Glucose and Insulin Responses to Dietary Chromium Supplements: A Meta-Analysis, American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 158-155
15) Evert, A., (2013), Nutritional Therapy for the Management of Adults with Diabetes, American Diabetes Association, 3821-3842
16) Nissen, S., (2003), Effect of dietary supplements on lean mass and strength gains with resistance exercise: a meta-analysis, Journal of Applied Physiology, 651-659
17) Grunewald, K., (1993), Commerically Marketed Supplements for Bodybuilding Atheletes, Sports Medicine, 90-103
18) Pittler, M., (2005), Adverse Events of Herbal Food Supplements for Body Weight Reduction: Systematic Review, Obesity Reviews, 89-92
Our articles should be used for informational and educational purposes only and are not intended to be taken as medical advice. If you're concerned, consult a health professional before taking dietary supplements or introducing any major changes to your diet.
