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When taken by mouth: Chromium is LIKELY SAFE for most adults in medicinal amounts, short-term. Up to 1000 mcg per day of chromium has been used safely for up to 6 months. When taken by mouth in these doses for longer periods of time, chromium is POSSIBLY SAFE for most adults. Chromium has been used safely in a small number of studies using doses of 200-1000 mcg daily for up to 2 years. Some people experience side effects such as skin irritation, headaches, dizziness, nausea, mood changes, impaired thinking, judgment, and coordination. High doses have been linked to more serious side effects including blood disorders, liver or kidney damage, and other problems. It is not known for sure if chromium is the actual cause of these side effects.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy: Chromium is
LIKELY SAFE to use during pregnancy when taken by mouth in amounts that do not exceed "adequate intake" (AI) levels. The AI for pregnant women 14 to 18 years-old is 29 mcg daily. For pregnant women 19 to 50 years-old, it is 30 mcg daily. Chromium is
POSSIBLY SAFE to use during pregnancy in amounts higher than the AI levels. However, pregnant women should not take chromium supplements during pregnancy unless advised to do so by their healthcare provider.
Breast-feeding: Chromium is
LIKELY SAFE to use while breast-feeding when taken by mouth in amounts that do not exceed "adequate intake" (AI) levels. The AI for breast-feeding women 14 to 18 years-old is 44 mcg daily. For breast-feeding women 19 to 50 years-old it is 45 mcg daily. There is not enough reliable information about the safety of taking higher amounts of chromium if you are breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
Children: Chromium is
LIKELY SAFE when taken by mouth in amounts that do not exceed the "adequate intake" (AI) levels for children. For infants to 6 months-old, the AI is 0.2 mcg daily; 7 to 12 months, 5.5 mcg. For children 1 to 3 years-old, the AI is 11 mcg; 4 to 8 years-old, 15 mcg. For boys 9 to 13 years-old, the AI is 25 mcg; 14 to 18 years-old, 35 mcg. For girls 9 to 13 years-old, the AI is 21 mcg; 14 to 18 years-old, 24 mcg. Taking chromium by mouth is
POSSIBLY SAFE for children when used in amounts that exceed the AI levels.
Behavioral or psychiatric conditions such as depression, anxiety, or schizophrenia: Chromium might affect brain chemistry and might make behavioral or psychiatric conditions worse. If you have one of these conditions, be careful when using chromium supplements. Pay attention to any changes in how you feel.
Chromate/leather contact allergy: Chromium supplements can cause allergic reactions in people with chromate or leather contact allergy. Symptoms include redness, swelling, and scaling of the skin.
Diabetes: Chromium might lower blood sugar levels too much if taken along with diabetes medications. If you have diabetes, use chromium products cautiously and monitor blood glucose levels closely. Dose adjustments to diabetes medications might be necessary.
Kidney disease: There are at least three reports of kidney damage in patients who took chromium picolinate. Don't take chromium supplements, if you already have kidney disease.
Liver disease: There are at least three reports of liver damage in patients who took chromium picolinate. Don't take chromium supplements, if you already have liver disease.
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