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 Chromium Be aware that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and dietary supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products containing or claiming to contain chromium. Decisions to use herbs or supplements should be carefully considered. Individuals using prescription drugs should discuss taking herbs or supplements with a pharmacist or health care professional before starting. Scientists have studied chromium for the following health problems:
Chromium has been suggested for many other uses, based on tradition or on scientific theories. However, these uses have not been thoroughly studied in humans, and there is limited scientific evidence about safety or effectiveness. Some of these suggested uses are for conditions that are potentially very serious and even life-threatening. You should consult a health care professional before using chromium for any unproven use.
Allergies People with allergies to chromate or leather may be more likely to have allergic reactions to chromium. Side Effects Few side effects have been reported from trivalent chromium at recommended doses, but hexavalent chromium may be toxic. The most common complaints include stomach discomfort and nausea or vomiting. Very rarely, skin rashes, insomnia or sleep disturbances, headaches, mood changes, muscle damage or anemia may occur. In theory, it is possible that chromium may lower blood sugar levels. As a result, it should be used cautiously in patients taking drugs for diabetes. It is also possible that chromium may have adverse effects on the heart, kidneys or liver. Preliminary data show that chromium in combination with copper may have a potential suppressive effect on the immune system. Caution should be used if you have a suppressed immune system (for example, if you have HIV or have received a transplant). Pregnancy And Breast-Feeding Many natural medicine experts and textbooks state that chromium is safe if taken by pregnant or breast-feeding women in the amount of 45 micrograms per day by mouth. However, studies have not proven safety and effectiveness. Interactions with drugs, herbs and other supplements have not been thoroughly studied. The interactions listed below have been reported in scientific publications. If you are taking prescription drugs, speak with a health care professional or pharmacist before using herbs or dietary supplements. Interactions With Drugs Chromium may lower blood sugar levels. Caution is advised if you are also taking drugs that may lower blood sugar levels. Patients taking oral drugs for diabetes or using insulin should be monitored closely by a health care professional while using chromium. Additionally, lithium and nicotinic acid may also increase the tendency for blood sugar levels to become low. In contrast, when chromium is used with corticosteroids, such as prednisone, increases in blood sugar levels may occur. If you are taking any of these drugs and are considering using chromium, you should discuss this with a health care professional, because dosing adjustments may be necessary. Chromium may modify serotonin function in the brain and therefore may interact with prescription antidepressants such as sertraline (Zoloft) and fluoxetine (Prozac). In theory, some drugs may decrease chromium levels in the body and may interfere with chromium's activities. Examples include drugs that reduce acid in the stomach, such as esomeprazole (Nexium), ranitidine (Zantac), antacids and corticosteroids (for example, prednisone). In contrast, aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) and naproxen (Naprosyn, Aleve, Anaprox), may increase chromium levels in the body, which could lead to a tendency for increased side effects. In theory, picolinic acid, a component often found with chromium, may alter the metabolism of certain chemicals in the brain. If these chemicals are altered, the doses of some drugs used to treat conditions such as depression or Parkinson's disease may need to be changed. Interactions With Herbs And Dietary Supplements Very few interactions between chromium and herbs and supplements have been reported. Chromium may alter blood sugar levels. People using herbs or other supplements that may alter blood sugar levels, such as bitter melon (Momordica charantia), should be monitored closely by a health care professional while using chromium. Dosing adjustments may be necessary. In theory, zinc may decrease chromium levels in the body and may interfere with chromium's activities. It is possible that vitamin C may also alter chromium levels. Chromium has been shown to decrease serotonin levels and may interact with herbs and supplements that effect serotonin. The doses listed below are based on scientific research, publications or traditional use. Because most herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly studied or monitored, safety and effectiveness may not be proven. Brands may be made differently, with variable ingredients even within the same brand. Combination products often contain small amounts of each ingredient and may not be effective. Appropriate dosing should be discussed with a health care professional before starting therapy; always read the recommendations on a product's label. The dosing for unproven uses should be approached cautiously, because scientific information is limited in these areas. Adults (Aged 18 Or Older) Capsules/tablets: Studies in humans have used doses of 200 to 1,000 micrograms of chromium per day by mouth. It should be noted, however, that some natural medicine experts believe that adequate dietary intake of chromium is only 24 to 45 micrograms per day. Children (Younger Than 18) The dosing and safety of chromium have not been studied thoroughly in children, and use of high doses of chromium is generally not recommended. Although chromium has been suggested for many conditions, there is not enough information to recommend it for any health condition at this time. Chromium may alter blood sugar levels. It you have diabetes and are considering using chromium, you should discuss this with a health care professional. Consult a health care professional immediately if you experience side effects. The information in this monograph was prepared by the professional staff at Natural Standard, based on thorough systematic review of scientific evidence. The material was reviewed by the Faculty of the Harvard Medical School with final editing approved by Natural Standard.
Selected Scientific Studies: Chromium Natural Standard reviewed more than 415 articles to prepare the professional monograph from which this version was created. Some of the more recent studies are listed below:
Last updated June 29, 2005 ©©1996-2000 InteliHealth Inc. All rights reserved. Source: Inteli-Health Inc. All information is intended for your general knowledge only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions. You should seek prompt medical care for any specific health issues and consult your physician before starting a fitness regimen. Use of this online service is subject to InteliHealth's disclaimer and the terms and conditions .
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