Philip J. Goscienski, M.D.
July 2010
Chromium is a nutrient that doesn't get much attention but we couldn't get along without it. In medical terms it is an essential trace mineral, meaning that we need small amounts in order to maintain good health. If chromium levels are too low we aren't able to use glucose (blood sugar) for energy, growth and most other body functions. True chromium deficiency is rare because it's present in common foods, including whole grains, meat and dairy products.
The current worldwide epidemics of obesity and type 2 diabetes have drawn attention to chromium because of claims that it can help persons with these conditions. The reality is that it may be of value in the management of diabetes but it is of little value in helping persons to lose weight.
Chromium levels are slightly lower in persons with type 2 diabetes than in normal individuals and adding chromium to the diet results in lower blood glucose levels. Supplementation with chromium picolinate, the most common form, can reduce the need for diabetes drugs. Yet, there has been no rush on the part of the medical community to apply chromium picolinate to the treatment regimen of patients with type 2 diabetes. Perhaps this is because research data have not been convincing and the total numbers of diabetic patients in peer-reviewed studies is not large. Without patent protection there is little incentive for the pharmaceutical industry to make a large investment in research.
There is little solid evidence that chromium picolinate has a significant influence on fat loss in overweight and obese persons. The results are even more mixed among the trials that evaluated muscle gain, even in young athletes. This is consistent with the observation that persons who are not diabetic show little response to chromium.
The wide availability of chromium picolinate and the large amounts in some preparations have raised concerns about toxicity. Very high doses in laboratory animals have caused chromosomal damage but there are no studies in humans. The few reports of toxic effects in humans have been inconclusive. It's likely that the commonly recommended dose of 200 micrograms or less per day is safe.
Diabetics who take a chromium picolinate supplement must inform their physician. Persons who are prediabetic or overweight would get far more benefit from a brisk walk every day.
Philip J. Goscienski, M.D. is the author of Health Secrets of the Stone Age, Better Life Publishers 2005. Contact him at drphil@stoneagedoc.com.