Key takeaways

  • People may take chromium supplements to help manage their blood sugar levels. Some research also suggests that chromium supplements may help weight management.
  • Chromium picolinate is a type of chromium common in supplements. The body may absorb this form more easily than other forms of chromium.
  • Thorne Chromium Picolinate is our top choice as it’s free from gluten, dairy, soy, and artificial flavors. Amazing Nutrition is another option that people may prefer if they need a lactose-free supplement.

Chromium is a mineral that plays a key roleTrusted Source in nutrient metabolism. It’s naturally found in a variety of foods, including ham, green beans, and orange juice.

Some people take chromium as a supplement to help manage their blood sugar levels or prevent metabolic syndromeTrusted Source, a group of symptoms that increases the risk of heart disease and diabetes.

Athletes and bodybuilders may also use chromium for its purported performance-boosting benefits. However, most of the benefits of chromium require further research.

Not all manufacturers create chromium supplements equally, and selecting a product that’s safe and effective can be challenging.

This article reviews nine of the best chromium supplements, along with the key factors to consider to determine which one is right for you.

A note on price

General price ranges with dollar signs ($ to $$$) are indicated below. One dollar sign means the product is rather affordable, whereas three dollar signs indicate a higher price range.

Generally, prices range from $0.06 to $0.27 per serving, or $7.07 to $37.20 per container, though this may vary depending on where you shop.

Pricing guide

  • $ = under $0.10 per serving
  • $$ = $0.10 to $0.20 per serving
  • $$$ = over $0.20 per serving
Product
Price per serving
Capsules per bottle
Type of chromium
Dose
Certifications
Thorne Chromium Picolinate
$0.27
60
chromium picolinate
500 mcg
• NSF certified facility
• TGA approved
Amazing Nutrition Chromium Picolinate
$0.12
120
chromium picolinate
1,000 mcg
CGMP certified facility
Superior Labs Chromium Picolinate
$0.14
120
chromium picolinate
62 mcg
CGMP certified facility
NOW Foods GTF Chromium
$0.06
250
chromium nicotinate glycinate
200 mcg
CGMP certified facility
PurePremium Chromium Picolinate
$0.10
100
chromium picolinate
200 mcg
FDA inspected facility
Best Naturals Cinnamon with Chromium
$0.17
180
chromium picolinate
400 mcg
CGMP certified facility
Pure Encapsulations ChromeMate GTF 600
$0.22 to $0.27
60 or 180
chromium polynicotinate
600 mcg
• NSF certified facility
• certified gluten-free
JSHealth Metabolism + Sugar Support Formula
$1.00
60
chromium picolinate
chromium hexahydrate
450 mcg
CGMP certified facility
Double Wood Supplements Chromium
$0.13
300
chromium picolinate
1,000 mcg
• CGMP certified facility
• gluten-free
• soy-free

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 to 1,000 mcg of chromium per serving.
  • Third-party testing: We try to include products that have undergone testing 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 they meet Healthline’s medical and business standards.

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

  • Ingredients: You may wish to look for products without artificial ingredients, additives, or fillers. Chromium supplements are also available in several forms. Some researchTrusted Source suggests that your body may absorb chromium picolinate best, but the absorption rate isn’t much different between forms.
  • 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 FDA.
  • Dose: Consider a dose that’s right for you. While the recommended daily value (DV) for chromium is 35 mcg, this may differ depending on factors such as sex, age, and if someone is pregnant. Some supplements contain larger amounts from 200 to 1,000 mcg. 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.
  • Potential drug interactions: Chromium might interact with certain medications, including antacids, beta-blockers, proton pump inhibitors, insulin, and corticosteroids. If you’re taking any of these medications or have any underlying health conditions, consult a healthcare professional before taking chromium.

Chromium is a trace mineralTrusted Source that plays a key role in the metabolism of proteins, fats, and carbs.

For this reason, some people with diabetes may take chromium supplements to support blood sugar management.

It’s worth noting that chromium does not have FDA approval for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Therefore, it should not replace prescribed diabetes medication.

According to one 2023 clinical trial, chromium supplements were effective at managing fasting blood sugar levels, insulin resistance, and hemoglobin A1C — a marker of long-term blood sugar control — in people with type 2 diabetes.

A 2024 reviewTrusted Source also suggests chromium may support people with type 2 diabetes, but researchers recognize that more high quality research is necessary to understand chromium as a dietary supplement.

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

For instance, one review of 19 studiesTrusted Source 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.

However, a more recent 2024 reviewTrusted Source didn’t find strong evidence that chromium supplementation reduced body weight or fat mass in people with type 2 diabetes. The authors note that more, larger-scale research is necessary to understand this correlation.

Athletes sometimes take chromium to promote strength and endurance. However, older research results are conflicting, and there’s a lack of more recent, high quality studies to confirm this.

If you’re interested in trying chromium supplements, talk with your doctor before making any changes to your current treatment plan.

There’s currently no established tolerable upper intake level for chromium. These supplements are generally considered safeTrusted Source for healthy adults when used as directed.

However, there have been case reports of adverse side effects associated with the use of chromium supplements, including:

  • weight loss
  • liver problems
  • skin irritation
  • low blood sugar levels
  • rhabdomyolysis (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.

Chromium may also interactTrusted Source with several types of medications, including:

  • diabetes drugs
  • drugs for thyroid problems
  • antacids
  • beta-blockers
  • proton pump inhibitors
  • corticosteroids

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

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 mcgTrusted 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. The body may absorb this form more easily.

What is the most absorbable form of chromium?

Some people suggest that chromium picolinate is the most well-absorbed form of chromium, but the difference may not be significantTrusted Source. However, there are many other forms available, including chromium chloride, chromium nicotinate, chromium chelavite, and chromium citrate.

Who should not take chromium picolinate?

Chromium can interact with several types of medications, including insulin, corticosteroids, proton pump inhibitors, beta-blockers, thyroid drugs, and antacids. Additionally, it may not be suitableTrusted Source for those with kidney disease or liver disease.

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 interactTrusted Source with certain supplements and medications. To avoid any adverse effects, consult a healthcare professional before taking chromium supplements.

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 in this article 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.