Chromium is a mineral that humans require in trace amounts, although its mechanisms of action in the body and the amounts needed for optimal health are not well defined. It is found primarily in two forms: 1) trivalent (chromium 3+), which is biologically active and found in food, and 2) hexavalent (chromium 6+), a toxic form that results from industrial pollution. This fact sheet focuses exclusively on trivalent (3+) chromium.

Chromium is known to enhance the action of insulin1 2 3 a hormone critical to the metabolism and storage of carbohydrate, fat, and protein in the body.4 In 1957, a compound in brewers' yeast was found to prevent an age-related decline in the ability of rats to maintain normal levels of sugar (glucose) in their blood.5 Chromium was identified as the active ingredient in this so-called "glucose tolerance factor" in 1959.6

Chromium also appears to be directly involved in carbohydrate, fat, and protein metabolism,7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 but more research is needed to determine the full range of its roles in the body. The challenges to meeting this goal include:

  • Defining the types of individuals who respond to chromium supplementation;
  • Evaluating the chromium content of foods and its bioavailability;
  • Determining if a clinically relevant chromium-deficiency state exists in humans due to inadequate dietary intakes; and
  • Developing valid and reliable measures of chromium status.15

Related Links:  What is Chromium? |

Disclaimer

Reasonable care has been taken in preparing this document and the information provided herein is believed to be accurate. However, this information is not intended to constitute an "authoritative statement" under Food and Drug Administration rules and regulations.

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enhanced quality of life and health for the U.S. population.

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Health professionals and consumers need credible information to make thoughtful decisions about eating a healthful diet and using vitamin and mineral supplements. These Fact Sheets provide responsible information about the role of vitamins and minerals in health and disease. Each Fact Sheet in this series received extensive review by recognized experts from the academic and research communities.

The information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. It is important to seek the advice of a physician about any medical condition or symptom. It is also important to seek the advice of a physician, registered dietitian, pharmacist, or other qualified health
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Footnotes

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  1. Mertz W. Chromium occurrence and function in biological systems. Physiol Rev 1969;49:163-239. [↩]
  2. Mertz W. Chromium in human nutrition: a review. J Nutr 1993;123:626-33. [↩]
  3. Mertz W. Interaction of chromium with insulin: a progress report. Nutr Rev 1998;56:174-7. [↩]
  4. Porte Jr. D, Sherwin RS, Baron A (editors). Ellengerg & Rifkin's Diabetes Mellitus, 6th Edition. McGraw-Hill, New York, 2003. [↩]
  5. Mertz W. Interaction of chromium with insulin: a progress report. Nutr Rev 1998;56:174-7. [↩]
  6. Schwarz K, Mertz W. Chromium(III) and the glucose tolerance factor. Arch Biochem Biophys 1959;85:292-5. [↩]
  7. Mertz W. Chromium occurrence and function in biological systems. Physiol Rev 1969;49:163-239. [↩]
  8. Mertz W. Chromium in human nutrition: a review. J Nutr 1993;123:626-33. [↩]
  9. Hopkins Jr. LL, Ransome-Kuti O, Majaj AS. Improvement of impaired carbohydrate metabolism by chromium(III) in malnourished infants. Am J Clin Nutr 1968;21:203-11. [↩]
  10. Jeejeebhoy KN, Chu RC, Marliss EB, Greenberg GR, Bruce-Robertson A. Chromium deficiency, glucose intolerance, and neuropathy reversed by chromium supplementation in a patient receiving long-term total parenteral nutrition. Am J Clin Nutr 1977;30:531-8. [↩]
  11. Anderson R. Chromium. In: Trace Elements in Human and Animal Nutrition (edited by Mertz M). Academic Press, San Diego, CA, 1987, pp. 225-244. [↩]
  12. Lukaski HC. Chromium as a supplement. Annu Rev Nutr 1999;19:279-302. [↩]
  13. Stoecker BJ. Chromium. In: Present Knowledge in Nutrition, 8th Edition (edited by Bowman B, Russell R). ILSI Press, Washington, DC, 2001, pp. 366-372. [↩]
  14. Vincent JB. The potential value and toxicity of chromium picolinate as a nutritional supplement, weight loss agent and muscle development agent. Sports Med 2003;33:213-30. [↩]
  15. Lukaski HC. Chromium as a supplement. Annu Rev Nutr 1999;19:279-302. [↩]

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