Trace minerals
Chromium
Glucose metabolism
Insulin signaling support; glucose uptake.
What Chromium does
Chromium has been promoted aggressively for blood sugar control and weight loss; the evidence is weaker than the marketing implies. Trials of chromium picolinate at 200–1,000 mcg show modest, inconsistent effects on insulin sensitivity in people with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes, with no clear benefit in metabolically healthy adults. There is no known frank deficiency syndrome in humans outside of a few historical TPN cases. The DV exists, but realistic supplementation upside is small.
Food sources of Chromium
Approximate Chromium content per serving. Whole-food intake counts toward your daily total alongside any supplemental dose.
| Food | Serving | Chromium |
|---|---|---|
| Broccoli (cooked) | 1/2 cup | 11 mcg |
| Grape juice | 1 cup | 8 mcg |
| Whole-wheat English muffin | 1 | 4 mcg |
| Beef (cooked) | 3 oz | 2 mcg |
| Brewer's yeast | 1 tbsp | 10 mcg |
Signs of Chromium deficiency
- ●Reported only in long-term chromium-free total parenteral nutrition: glucose intolerance, peripheral neuropathy, weight loss
- ●No reliable deficiency biomarker exists for outpatient assessment
Who needs more Chromium
Groups and situations where Chromium requirements rise or status commonly runs low:
- ●Long-term total parenteral nutrition without trace-mineral supplementation
- ●Otherwise: not clearly indicated — claimed benefits in healthy adults are not well supported
How Chromium appears on labels
Supplement labels list Chromium under several names depending on the chemical form used. Any of these on an ingredients panel counts toward your Chromium intake:
- chromium
- chromium picolinate
- chromium polynicotinate
- chromium chloride
Best supplements for Chromium
Top-scoring supplements in our catalog that list Chromium on the label. Each product is graded on Formulate's ingredient-level rubric — dose accuracy, form, transparency, and third-party testing.
Deep dive
For mechanism of action, dosing protocols, evidence grade, and interaction warnings on Chromium, see the full encyclopedia entry:
Chromium encyclopedia entry →Frequently asked questions
What is the daily target for Chromium?
What foods are highest in Chromium?
What is the best form of Chromium to supplement?
What are the signs of Chromium deficiency?
Who is most at risk for low Chromium?
Related trace minerals
Track your full intake
Formulate's free web app aggregates Chromium (and ~40 other nutrients) across every supplement in your stack — flagging underdoses, overlaps, and upper-limit overshoots in one view.
Track your intake free →Medical disclaimer. This page is educational and does not replace advice from a qualified healthcare provider. Targets and upper limits are general adult reference values; individual needs vary by age, sex, pregnancy status, and clinical context.