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What are Chromium Picolinate Side Effects?

Henry Gaudet
Henry Gaudet

Chromium picolinate is a nutritional supplement frequently used for weight loss and to increase muscle mass. Research into the side effects of this compound is limited, and there is some debate concerning its safety. There have been some reports linking high dosages to serious medical conditions, but most experts consider the evidence to be anecdotal and inconclusive.

A study by Dartmouth College in 1995 raised concerns regarding chromium picolinate side effects when high doses were found to cause genetic damage in hamsters. Later studies found that oxidative stress caused by the supplement damaged the genetic material. Some analysts, however, have dismissed these findings based on the exceptionally high doses administered.

One possible side effect is a headache.
One possible side effect is a headache.

At low doses, below 1.6 milligram daily, side effects from this supplement are uncommon and mild, and most people experience none at all. For those who do, they tend to be more of a nuisance than a cause for concern. Headaches, irritability insomnia and nausea are all possible side effects.

Higher doses can trigger more serious chromium picolinate side effects. Reported symptoms include tiredness, loss of appetite, inability to concentrate, disturbed sleep, rash, dizziness and blistering. Unexplained bleeding might occur, such as a nosebleed or bruising, and blood might also be present in the stool or vomit. Allergic reactions are possible as well, and symptoms of liver distress, such as dark urine, jaundice or stomach pains, also might be present. People displaying any of these symptoms should stop using the supplement and seek immediate medical attention.

Insomnia is one possible side effect of chromium picolinate.
Insomnia is one possible side effect of chromium picolinate.

Chromium helps insulin regulate blood sugar, so it can react with diabetic medications and cause glucose levels to dip. Chromium picolinate also can react with other medications, including over-the-counter painkillers such as aspirin and ibuprofen. Concerns regarding reactions with other medications should be directed to a medical professional.

There is some evidence that this supplement might affect neurotransmitters. This link is not conclusive and further research is needed, but experts recommend that people suffering from depression, bipolar disorder or schizophrenia avoid the supplement.

Nausea is one possible side effect of taking picolinate.
Nausea is one possible side effect of taking picolinate.

Cases of people taking chromium picolinate supplements developing serious conditions such as kidney failure, liver damage and anemia also have been reported. The supplement is suspected to be responsible, but it remains unclear if these conditions were directly caused by the compound, by a reaction with other medications or by other, unrelated factors. Further study regarding its side effects and long term health risks are needed to help determine whether any real danger is present.

Discussion Comments

anon993480

I was just advised by my endocrinologist (a fellow in the field) to start taking chromium piccolinate. I trust her.

anon990593

I get a headache, nausea and a hammering noise on my left ear every time I take a dose. And is true that you can lose weight and gain muscle because I did. But I had to stop taking them because of the side effects.

SarahGen

@burcinc-- I don't agree with you, chromium is not useless. It's a necessary supplement for people who have a chromium deficiency like myself. I have to take it and I have benefited from it.

The only side effect I've experienced is nausea and that too rarely.

burcinc

@fify-- I have not used it and I don't plan to. I personally haven't heard anything good about chromium. It's only drug companies that talk about the so called benefits of this supplement.

I've read several studies about it and they all mentioned risk of kidney and liver damage and cancer. Those are not risks that anyone would willingly take. These studies also did not find any benefits of chromium for diabetes or for athletes! So you don't have anything to gain but lots to lose from this supplement!

fify

I have diabetes and I read about chromium picolinate's benefits for insulin and blood glucose levels. But I didn't realize that it has so many potential side effects.

Has anyone here taken this supplement? Did you experience side effects?

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    • One possible side effect is a headache.
      By: Picture-Factory
      One possible side effect is a headache.
    • Insomnia is one possible side effect of chromium picolinate.
      By: Sandor Kacso
      Insomnia is one possible side effect of chromium picolinate.
    • Nausea is one possible side effect of taking picolinate.
      By: Alliance
      Nausea is one possible side effect of taking picolinate.
    • Irritability is one possible side effect of chromium picolinate.
      By: pressmaster
      Irritability is one possible side effect of chromium picolinate.
    • Chromium picolinate interacts with ibuprofen and aspirin.
      By: Bob Rannells
      Chromium picolinate interacts with ibuprofen and aspirin.
    • Research suggests that people who have depression or bipolar disorder should not take chromium picolinate.
      By: Antonioguillem
      Research suggests that people who have depression or bipolar disorder should not take chromium picolinate.
    • Higher doses of chromium picolinate may cause an inability to concentrate.
      By: Petro Feketa
      Higher doses of chromium picolinate may cause an inability to concentrate.
    • Chromium picolinate may be used to help build muscle mass.
      By: CURAphotography
      Chromium picolinate may be used to help build muscle mass.
    • Chromium picolinate side effects may include liver damage.
      By: pankajstock123
      Chromium picolinate side effects may include liver damage.