What Are the Dangers of Chromium Polynicotinate?

Chromium picolinate is a mineral found in many dietary supplements and weight-loss products. Though chromium picolinate is considered safe for most people, it may be potentially harmful for people with liver disease, kidney disease, diabetes, hypoglycemia, mental illness or particular allergies. In addition, it may not be safe for pregnant or breastfeeding women.

Free-Radical Cellular Damage

• Though not yet conclusive, there is evidence that chromium picolinate causes free-radical damage to cells. For this reason, it should be avoided by anyone suffering from cellular-related diseases or any condition that potentially compromises the body's immune system.

Diabetes and Hypoglycemia

• Because chromium picolinate affects blood-sugar levels, people suffering from diabetes or hypoglycemia may wish to avoid chromium picolinate.

Mental Illness

• Similarly, chromium picolinate can alter the excretion of brain chemicals. For this reason, people suffering from mental illness should consult their doctor before taking chromium picolinate. Though for some, chromium's effect on brain chemicals is positive, others may experience adverse effects, depending on the type of mental illness and medications already prescribed.

Allergic Reactions

• Chromium picolinate may cause severe allergic reactions in people allergic to leather or chromate, hence people afflicted with such allergies should not take chromium picolinate.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

• While the current recommendation for pregnant and nursing women is 30 to 45mcg of chromium per day, the long term affects of chromium in high doses are not yet known.