Chromium picolinate
Brand Names
Chromium picolinate, Cr-GTF, CRM, Chromium GTFWhat is Chromium picolinate
Chromium is a metallic mineral that is generally used in multivitamins and other supplements. It can be found in everyday foods like meat, poultry, fish and whole-grain breads. Chromium picolinate is a combination of the element chromium and picolinic acid. Chromium picolinate is a nutritional supplement that increases the effectiveness of insulin to optimal levels.
Side effects of Chromium picolinate
The most common side effects of chromium picolinate include the followings:
- Headaches
- Insomnia or other sleeping problems
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Irritability
These side effects can be serious so do not continue taking this medicine and call your doctor as soon as possible:
- Blood in the stool or vomiting blood
- Problems thinking or concentrating
- Signs of kidney damage such as increased or decreased urine production (unrelated to fluid intake)
- Anemia
- Signs of liver problems such as dark urine, yellowing of the whites of the eyes or skin (jaundice) or upper right abdominal pain (stomach pain)
- Seizures
- Signs of an allergic reaction such as a rash, hives, itching, swelling of the mouth or throat, wheezing or difficulty breathing
Indication
Chromium picolinate is used in a variety of purposes such as to:
- Lower blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes
- Increase blood sugar in people with hypoglycemia
- Aid in weight loss
- Help in athletic training (such as for body building)
- Treat polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
- Help with depression or other mood disorders
Precautions
It is very important to tell your doctor if you have:
- liver disease
- diabetes
- cancer
- a weak immune system
- are pregnant, plan to become pregnant or breastfeeding
Dosage forms
The recommended starting dose of Chromium picolinate is 5.5-44 mcg per day, it depends on your age, sex and health. However, there is little risk of overdose and supplements usually provide 200 - 800 mcg of chromium GTF per pill. You should swallow the chromium GTF pill or pills with the water in order to help the pill dissolve in your stomach.
