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    Chromium Picolinate

    Also known as: Cr picolinate, Chromium

    Trivalent chromium chelated to picolinic acid for absorption; chromium is a cofactor in chromodulin, enhancing insulin receptor signalling.

    Last reviewed: 2026-06-23 · 1 indexed study

    Evidence Score
    58/100
    Glucose supportCravingsBody composition
    Data Completeness3/4 · 75%
    Evidence ScoreDosageSafetyLinked Studies

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    Overview

    Chromium picolinate is a bioavailable form of trivalent chromium that supports insulin action and may modestly reduce carbohydrate cravings.

    Mechanism & Function

    Mechanism of Action

    Supports insulin receptor tyrosine kinase activity, improving glucose disposal modestly.

    Physiological Role

    Useful in metabolic health stacks; large doses show small reductions in food cravings and weight in some RCTs.

    Primary Pathways

    Chromodulin signallingInsulin receptor tyrosine kinase activationGLUT4 translocation

    Performance / Health Relevance

    Mixed RCT evidence; modest glycaemic improvements; binge-eating data supportive in subset.

    Evidence Review

    Overall58/100
    Human Clinical62/100
    Meta-Analysis62/100
    Mechanistic75/100
    Real-World52/100
    Safety85/100

    Practical Use & Dosage

    Minimum Effective Dose
    100 mcg/day
    Optimal Range
    200–500 mcg/day
    Upper / Caution Level
    ~1000 mcg/day
    Timing
    With meals
    Best Format
    Capsule, tablet
    Bioavailability
    Picolinate ~1–3% — higher than oxide.
    Absorption Considerations
    Active and passive intestinal absorption.

    Safety & Interactions

    Side Effects

    • •Mild GI upset
    • •Headache
    • •Rare cognitive effects at high doses

    Contraindications

    • Severe kidney disease

    Drug Interactions

    • •Insulin
    • •Thyroxine

    Who Should Avoid

    • •Pregnancy at high doses

    Monitoring

    Blood glucose if diabetic.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Auto-generated from indexed evidence — dosage, safety, interactions, and more.

    When is Chromium Picolinate typically used or indicated?

    Chromium Picolinate is most commonly used for: Glucose support, Cravings, Body composition. Useful in metabolic health stacks; large doses show small reductions in food cravings and weight in some RCTs.

    How does Chromium Picolinate work?

    Supports insulin receptor tyrosine kinase activity, improving glucose disposal modestly.

    What is the recommended dose of Chromium Picolinate?

    The optimal range is 200–500 mcg/day. with a minimum effective dose of 100 mcg/day. Best taken: With meals. Upper / caution level: ~1000 mcg/day.

    What are the side effects of Chromium Picolinate?

    Reported side effects include: Mild GI upset; Headache; and Rare cognitive effects at high doses. Monitoring: Blood glucose if diabetic.

    Does Chromium Picolinate interact with medications?

    Known or theoretical interactions: Insulin; and Thyroxine. Always check with a clinician before combining with prescription medication.

    Who should avoid Chromium Picolinate?

    Chromium Picolinate is generally not recommended for: Pregnancy at high doses; and Severe kidney disease.

    How strong is the evidence for Chromium Picolinate?

    Evidence level: Moderate (overall score 58/100), based on 1 indexed study on SuppIndex.

    Research & References (1)

    Chromium picolinate for glucose control: meta-analysis

    Meta-Analysis2014Moderate
    PubMed

    Significant reduction in HbA1c in T2DM (~0.3%) and fasting glucose.

    Trademark Ingredients

    CrPIX branded ingredient logo by VitaActives

    CrPIX

    Manufacturer: VitaActives

    Related Ingredients

    Other top-rated ingredients in Minerals.

    Magnesium Glycinate

    84/100

    An amino acid chelate of magnesium providing elemental Mg²⁺ bound to two glycine molecules, offering superior bioavailability and minimal gastrointestinal side effects.

    Calcium Citrate

    75/100

    Calcium bound to citric acid; ~24% elemental Ca by mass; absorbed across the small intestine via active transport and paracellular diffusion regardless of gastric pH.

    Zinc

    74/100

    Systematic reviews and meta-analyses of human trials show that oral zinc supplementation reduces duration and increases recovery rates in acute and persistent watery diarrhoea in children; lowers inflammatory lesion counts in acne; reduces pain severity in primary dysmenorrhea; and in small trials (20–30 mg/day) improved fasting glucose and 2‑hr OGTT in people with prediabetes. Adverse effects reported include increased vomiting in children receiving zinc for diarrhoea.

    Research Overview

    Moderate Evidence
    1Total Studies
    0Human Trials
    1Meta-Analyses
    2014Latest Study
    0Animal / In Vitro
    0Athlete Studies
    Primary data sourceClinical Patients
    Pooled evidence (meta-analysis / systematic review)Yes

    Cite this ingredient

    One-click citation export in APA, MLA, Chicago, BibTeX, or HTML. The URL below is stable and safe to link.

    Stable URL

    https://thesuppindex.com/ingredients/chromium-picolinate

    SuppIndex. (2026). Chromium Picolinate: Evidence summary, dosage and clinical studies. Retrieved October 16, 2026, from https://thesuppindex.com/ingredients/chromium-picolinate

    Based on 1 indexed studies · Evidence level: Moderate.

    Goal Ratings

    Metabolic Health
    Fat Loss

    Stack Compatibility

    Pair with berberine, alpha-lipoic acid, dihydroberberine.

    BerberineAlpha-Lipoic AcidDihydroberberine