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Herbs & Supplements
Chromium Picolinate
Scientific Name: Chromium
Other Names: Chromium 3, Chromium Acetate, Chromium Chloride, Trivalent Chromium
What side effects should I watch for?
Major Side Effects
Few side effects have been reported from the types and amounts of chromium ordinarily consumed in the diet or from dietary supplements. The U.S. government has not set an upper limit (UL) for its routine use. An UL is the maximum amount of a nutrient that probably will not cause any side effects for most individuals taking it.
However, supplemental chromium has been reported to cause major side effects--especially when it is taken in very high amounts and/or for prolonged periods. In one case, an individual who took between 6 times and 12 times the recommended daily dose of chromium each day for several months developed anemia, kidney failure, and liver damage. In another case, after taking a supplement containing chromium and several other substances for two weeks, an individual suffered severe damage to the tiny tubes that collect urine in the kidneys. Kidney failure followed rapidly. A third individual suffered a breakdown of muscle tissue after taking 1200 mcg of chromium in only two days. Emergency care that included kidney dialysis and blood transfusions allowed all the affected individuals to recover.
In laboratory studies, some evidence of DNA damage has been seen from giving laboratory animals very high doses of chromium or giving it for extended periods. While no cases of damage to human DNA have been reported, chromium is believed to react within the body to form hydroxyl radicals, chemicals that may cause breaks in chromosomes.
Less Severe Side Effects
Other side effects reported from supplemental chromium include:
- Headache
- Insomnia
- Mood changes
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Note: The above information is not intended to replace the advice of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It is not meant to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you.
In general, herbal products are not subject to review or approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). They are not required to be standardized, meaning that the amounts of active ingredients or contaminants they contain may vary between brands or between different batches of the same brand. Not all of the risks, side effects, or interactions associated with the use of herbal products are known because few reliable studies of their use in humans have been done.
This information is provided for your education only. Please share this information with your healthcare provider and be sure that you talk to your doctor and pharmacist about all the prescription and non-prescription medicines you take before you begin to use any herbal product.
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What side effects should I watch for? 
