What Are the Benefits of Chromium Picolinate?

Chromium picolinate is a metal found naturally in the human body in very small amounts. Many people take chromium picolinate as a dietary supplement because of its supposed benefits.

Function

• In your body, chromium picolinate works with insulin to break down sugars in the food you eat, releasing it into energy. Because of this, people with hypoglycemia often benefit from the use of chromium as a dietary supplement.

Major Claim: Weight Loss

• A number of chromium picolinate supplements advertise the effects of the metal as "metabolism-boosting," saying it helps patient lose weight. There is no scientific evidence to support this claim.

Requires Amounts

• Each day your body requires 11 to 45 micrograms of chromium picolinate.

Sources of Chromium

• Good dietary sources of chromium picolinate include romaine lettuce, raw onions, tomatoes, broccoli, grape juice, whole grains, potatoes, orange juice and turkey.

Risks

• Potential side effects of chromium picolinate include rashes, headaches, dizziness, mood changes, difficulty concentrating and lack of coordination. There is also a risk of developing liver or kidney damage in some patients.