Chromium

Introduction

As a functional medicine nurse practitioner in Florida, I help patients grasp the impact of key nutrients. Chromium is a trace mineral vital for healthy blood sugar regulation, lipid balance, and metabolic resilience.

Background of Chromium

Chromium (III) occurs in foods like broccoli, grape juice, and cinnamon but is lost during refining. In blood, it travels bound to transferrin, enhancing insulin action and glucose uptake by cells.

Clinical Implications

Glucose Metabolism

Chromium supports normal insulin function. Low levels contribute to dysglycemia and insulin resistance. Supplementation (200–1,000 µg/day) has been shown to improve fasting glucose and HbA1C in at-risk individuals.

Lipid Metabolism

Insufficient chromium can worsen dyslipidemia, raising VLDL and triglycerides while lowering HDL. Studies report that supplementation lowers triglycerides and raises HDL cholesterol.

Obesity & Metabolic Syndrome

Lower chromium levels correlate with obesity and metabolic syndrome. Addressing chromium insufficiency may improve weight-related metabolic disturbances.

Ranges & Optimal Levels

• Standard: 0.10–1.20 µg/L (1.92–23.08 nmol/L)
  
• Optimal: 0.60–1.20 µg/L (11.54–23.08 nmol/L)

   

Elevations may indicate excess intake or impaired clearance (e.g., metal-on-metal implants). Low levels warrant evaluation in patients with blood sugar regulation issues.

Interfering Factors & Drug Associations

• Dietary loss: Refining whole grains depletes chromium.
  
• Urinary excretion: High sugar diets increase chromium loss.
  
• Medications:
  
  • Proton pump inhibitors & acid blockers impair absorption
    
  • Glucocorticoids may decrease chromium status

     

Supplementation Evidence

• Meta-analysis (≥200 µg/day) shows significant improvements in fasting glucose, HbA1C, and insulin sensitivity.
  
• RCTs in type 2 diabetes demonstrate reductions in glucose, fructosamine, triglycerides, and increases in HDL, sometimes allowing medication reduction.

   

Safety & Toxicity

Trivalent chromium is safe within recommended doses. Elevated levels in blood—particularly hexavalent chromium—can be toxic. Monitor kidney and liver function if high-dose supplementation is used.

Conclusion

Chromium is fundamental to blood sugar regulation and lipid metabolism. As a functional medicine telehealth practitioner, I integrate chromium status into a holistic plan—combining targeted nutrition, lifestyle changes, and advanced therapies like medical weightloss—to optimize metabolic health, address root causes, and support long-term wellness.

Contact us at 904-799-2531 or schedule online.

Further Reading

• Broadhurst, C. L., & Domenico, P. (2006). Clinical studies on chromium picolinate supplementation in diabetes mellitus—a review. Diabetes Technology & Therapeutics, 8(6), 677–687. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17109600/

• Yin, R. V., & Phung, O. J. (2015). Efficacy and safety of chromium supplementation in diabetes: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics, 39(3), 292–306. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24635480/

• Ghosh, S., & Sinha, J. K. (2025). Chromium Deficiency. In StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35881755/

• Suksomboon, N., Poolsup, N., & Yuwanakorn, A. (2020). Effects of chromium supplementation on glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes: A meta-analysis. Nutrition, 78, 110818. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32730903/