10 of the Best Chromium Supplements

A quick look at the best chromium supplements

• Best overall: Thorne Chromium Picolinate
• Best for insulin sensitivity: Life Extension Optimized Chromium with Crominex 3+
• Best high dose supplement: Amazing Nutrition Chromium Picolinate
• Best low dose supplement: Superior Labs Chromium Picolinate
• Best budget-friendly supplement: NOW Foods GTF Chromium
• Best easy-to-swallow supplement: PurePremium Chromium Picolinate
• Best organic supplement: Nutrigold Chromium Gold
• Best for blood sugar regulation: Best Naturals Cinnamon with Chromium
• Best vegan supplement: Pure Encapsulations ChromeMate GTF 600
• Best for metabolism support: JSHealth Metabolism + Sugar Support Formula

How to choose

When selecting a chromium supplement, it’s important to consider several factors.

Ingredients

First, be sure to check the ingredient list. Look for products without artificial ingredients, additives, or fillers.

You’ll also want to pay attention to the form. Chromium supplements are available in several forms:

• chromium picolinate
• chromium chloride
• chromium nicotinate/polynicotinate
• chromium chelavite
• chromium citrate

Although some older studies suggest that your body may absorb chromium picolinate best, there’s concern that this form may also cause oxidative damage to your cells (4Trusted Source).

Certain supplements may also contain additional ingredients to enhance their potential health benefits, such as cinnamon or other medicinal herbs (5Trusted Source).

Third-party testing

You should also look for products that have undergone third-party testing, are certified by organizations such as U.S. Pharmacopeia (USP) or NSF International, and are manufactured in facilities that adhere to Current Good Manufacturing Practices (CGMPs), a set of standards issued by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Dose

Finally, it’s important to check the product dose carefully.

Although daily needs vary based on age and sex, the recommended Daily Value (DV) for chromium is 35 mcg. However, many supplements pack significantly larger amounts, with doses ranging from 200–1,000 mcg (2Trusted Source).

Currently, chromium has no established Tolerable Upper Intake Level, which is the highest amount of a nutrient you can take without risk of adverse health effects (2Trusted Source).

Potential drug interactions

Chromium may interact with certain medications, including antacids, beta-blockers, proton pump inhibitors, insulin, and corticosteroids (2Trusted Source).

If you’re taking any of these medications or have any underlying health conditions, consult a healthcare professional before taking chromium.

How we chose these products

We considered several factors to determine the best chromium supplements on the market.

Supplements in this article were selected based on the following criteria:

• Form. All products contain forms of chromium that are well-absorbed by the body.
• Ingredients. Products are free of unnecessary fillers, additives, and preservatives. Some products contain other ingredients in addition to chromium, which may help increase the potential health benefits.
• Dose. Though supplements vary in the amount of chromium they provide, most contain 62–1,000 mcg of chromium per serving.
• Third-party testing. Many products have been tested by an independent lab to verify safety, strength, and purity.
• Certifications. Several products are certified vegan, organic, or gluten-free or produced in facilities that are third-party certified.
• Vetting. All the products included have been vetted by our team of health experts to ensure that they meet Healthline’s medical and business standards.

Healthline’s picks of the best chromium supplements

Best overall

Thorne Chromium Picolinate

• Dose: 1 capsule contains 500 mcg of chromium
• Price: $$$

Thorne Research is known for producing high quality supplements that are free of fillers and contaminants.

In addition to undergoing four rounds of testing, this chromium picolinate supplement is derived from sustainably sourced ingredients and manufactured in facilities that are certified by NSF International.

This form of the mineral pairs chromium with picolinic acid and is thought to be more easily absorbed than other forms (2Trusted Source).

What’s more, this product is completely free of gluten, dairy, soy, and artificial flavors, earning the top spot as Healthline’s best overall chromium supplement.

Best for insulin sensitivity

Life Extension Optimized Chromium with Crominex 3+

• Dose: 1 capsule contains 500 mcg of chromium
• Price: $$

This Life Extension chromium supplement can help support healthy insulin levels and contains a proprietary blend of ingredients such as Indian gooseberry extract and shilajit.

Indian gooseberry is a fruit that has been well studied for its effects on blood sugar regulation, and shilajit is a substance that may enhance muscle strength and is commonly used in natural medicine (6Trusted Source, 7Trusted Source).

Life Extension’s products are manufactured in facilities certified by NSF International, and each product’s certificate of analysis (COA) provides details on its purity and strength.

Best high dose supplement

Amazing Nutrition Chromium Picolinate

• Dose: 1 capsule contains 1,000 mcg of chromium
• Price: $$

This supplement is a good choice for anyone looking for a high dose product.

It’s free of artificial sweeteners, colors, and preservatives, as well as gluten, lactose, and eggs.

Furthermore, it’s manufactured in a facility that is CGMP certified, which helps ensure supplement quality.

Best low dose supplement

Superior Labs Chromium Picolinate

• Dose: 1 capsule contains 62 mcg of chromium
• Price: $$

Free of synthetic additives and fillers, this supplement is a great choice for those seeking a pure and potent product.

Each serving contains just 62 mcg of chromium, which may be preferable for those who prefer a low dose supplement.

In addition to being free of genetically modified organisms (GMOs), it’s manufactured in facilities certified by NSF International.

Best budget-friendly supplement

NOW Foods GTF Chromium

• Dose: 1 capsule contains 200 mcg of chromium
• Price: $

Chromium is also sometimes referred to as glucose tolerance factor (GTF), which is the biologically active form of chromium originally identified in brewer’s yeast (2Trusted Source).

Unlike most other supplements on the market, this NOW Foods product contains chromium chelavite, a form that may improve insulin sensitivity, according to one 2008 study (8Trusted Source).

This means that it may help enhance your body’s ability to use insulin, the hormone responsible for carrying sugar from your blood to your cells (9Trusted Source).

NOW Foods GTF Chromium is also produced in a CGMP-certified facility and verified by Underwriters Laboratories (UL), a third-party organization that sets standards for supplement manufacturing. What’s more, it’s non-GMO, nut-free, and suitable for vegans and vegetarians.

Best easy-to-swallow supplement

PurePremium Chromium Picolinate

• Dose: 1 capsule contains 200 mcg of chromium
• Price: $$

PurePremium’s Chromium Picolinate is perfect for those seeking a lower dose product with capsules that are easy to swallow.

It’s also high quality and manufactured in CGMP-certified facilities that are inspected by the FDA.

Additionally, PurePremium offers a simple, no-questions-asked refund policy if you decide that a product isn’t right for you.

Best organic supplement

Nutrigold Chromium Gold

• Dose: 1 capsule contains 200 mcg of chromium
• Price: $$

This supplement is unique in that it’s derived from whole food sources and made with chromium from a blend of sprouted legumes and plants.

It’s not only certified organic but also vegan, kosher, and gluten-free.

According to the company’s website, this product has also been tested by an independent lab to ensure safety and purity.

Nutrigold Chromium Gold boasts 450 mg of an organic sprouted blend of ingredients such as navy beans, lentils, and moringa, a plant with medicinal properties that’s native to India.

Best for blood sugar regulation

Best Naturals Cinnamon with Chromium

• Dose: 2 capsules contain 400 mcg of chromium
• Price: $$

This supplement pairs chromium with cinnamon to help promote better blood sugar management.

Although studies on cinnamon’s effects on blood sugar are mixed, some research notes that pairing cinnamon with other lifestyle therapies and blood sugar medications may be beneficial (10Trusted Source).

Each 2-capsule serving provides 1,000 mg of cinnamon.

Additionally, it’s produced in a CGMP-certified facility and has been tested by a third-party lab for quality.

Best vegan supplement

Pure Encapsulations ChromeMate GTF 600

• Dose: 1 capsule contains 600 mcg of chromium
• Price: $$

This supplement is made from chromium polynicotinate, a form that’s bound to niacin.

While more recent research in humans is needed, several older animal studies suggest that combining chromium with niacin protects against cell damage and enhances this mineral’s potential health benefits (11Trusted Source, 12Trusted Source, 13Trusted Source).

Pure Encapsulations is certified by NSF International and is CGMP registered. The company tests all products through third-party labs and exceeds the standards of USP, an organization that evaluates the quality of dietary supplements.

ChromeMate GTF 600 is also certified gluten-free, vegan, and non-GMO.

Best for metabolism

JSHealth Metabolism + Sugar Support Formula

• Dose: 2 tablets contain 450 mcg of chromium
• Price: $$$

Formulated with chromium chloride hexahydrate, chromium picolinate, and a blend of other ingredients such as zinc, magnesium, and cinnamon, this supplement is designed to promote metabolism and stabilize blood sugar levels.

It also contains Gymnema sylvestre, a medicinal plant being researched for its potential to improve insulin sensitivity and support weight management (14Trusted Source, 15Trusted Source).

In addition to being vegan, gluten-free, and non-GMO, this supplement is free of dairy, nuts, and sugar.

Plus, it’s produced by manufacturers certified by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), the Australian government agency responsible for regulating the safety of supplements and medications.

Comparing chromium supplements

Chromium supplement benefits

Chromium is a trace mineral that plays a key role in the metabolism of proteins, fats, and carbs (2Trusted Source).

For this reason, chromium supplements are commonly used to support blood sugar management in people with type 2 diabetes.

According to one review of 28 studies, chromium supplements were effective at improving fasting blood sugar levels, insulin resistance, and hemoglobin A1C — a marker of long-term blood sugar control — in people with type 2 diabetes (16Trusted Source).

Some research suggests that chromium supplements may also help support weight loss and loss of body fat.

For instance, one review of 19 studies concluded that chromium supplementation could help reduce body weight and body fat percentage in people with obesity, especially when used for at least 12 weeks and in doses of at least 400 mcg per day (17Trusted Source).

Chromium is also sometimes used by athletes and is thought to promote strength and endurance. However, research results are conflicting and more recent, high quality studies are needed (18Trusted Source).

Chromium supplement side effects

There is currently no established Tolerable Upper Intake Level for chromium, and chromium supplements are generally considered safe for healthy adults when used as directed (2Trusted Source).

However, there have been case reports of adverse side effects associated with the use of chromium supplements, including (2Trusted Source):

• weight loss
• liver problems
• kidney failure
• skin irritation
• low blood sugar levels
• rhabdomyolysis, or muscle breakdown
• low blood platelet count

People with liver disease or kidney disease may be more susceptible to side effects caused by high chromium intake (2Trusted Source).

Chromium may also interact with several types of medications, including drugs used to treat diabetes or thyroid problems (2Trusted Source).

Be sure to use chromium supplements only as directed and talk with a healthcare professional before starting supplementation, especially if you are taking other medications.

Frequently asked questions

How much chromium should you take daily?

Though individual needs for chromium can vary based on many factors, including age and sex, the recommended DV for chromium is 35 mcg (2Trusted Source).

Because most supplements provide a much larger amount, it’s best to talk with a healthcare professional before taking chromium to determine the right dosage for you.

What is the difference between chromium and chromium picolinate?

Chromium picolinate is a specific type of chromium often found in supplements. It contains both chromium and picolinic acid and is believed to be more easily absorbed than other forms of chromium (2Trusted Source).

What is the most absorbable form of chromium?

Chromium picolinate is considered one of the most well-absorbed forms of chromium. However, there are many other forms available, including chromium chloride, chromium nicotinate, chromium chelavite, and chromium citrate (2Trusted Source).

Who should not take chromium picolinate?

Chromium can interact with several types of medications, including insulin, corticosteroids, proton pump inhibitors, beta-blockers, and antacids. Additionally, it may not be suitable for those with kidney disease or liver disease (2Trusted Source, 19Trusted Source).

For this reason, if you have any underlying health conditions or are taking other medications, it’s best to talk with a healthcare professional before taking chromium supplements.

Can I take chromium with other supplements?

Chromium can interact with certain supplements and medications. To avoid any adverse effects, you should consult a healthcare professional before taking chromium supplements (19Trusted Source).

The bottom line

The numerous chromium supplements on the market vary in dosage and form.

Some contain added ingredients, such as cinnamon or other herbs and spices, which may amplify their potential benefits.

Keep in mind that all the supplements listed above contain far more than the recommended DV of 35 mcg. If you’re concerned about proper dosage — or if you’re taking any other medications — be sure to consult a healthcare professional before taking chromium.

It’s also important to pair these supplements with a nutritious and balanced diet.