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What is the most important information I should know about chromium picolinate?

Not all uses for chromium picolinate have been approved by the FDA. Chromium picolinate should not be substituted for prescription medications.

Chromium picolinate is often sold as an herbal supplement. There are no regulated manufacturing standards in place for many herbal compounds and some marketed supplements have been found to be contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs. Herbal/health supplements should be purchased from a reliable source to minimize the risk of contamination.

Use chromium picolinate as directed on the label, or as your doctor has prescribed. Do not use this product in larger amounts or for longer than recommended.

Your healthcare provider may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results from chromium picolinate. The recommended dietary allowance of chromium increases with age. Follow your healthcare provider's instructions.

Your dose needs may change if you have an injury, illness, or infection, if you are pregnant, if you are under stress, or if you exercise more than usual.

Chromium picolinate is only part of a complete program of treatment that may also include diet, exercise, and weight control. Follow your diet, medication, and exercise routines very closely.

Tell your healthcare provider about all other medications you use, especially insulin or diabetes medications you take by mouth, steroid medications, nicotinic acid, stomach acid reducers, asthma or blood pressure medications, aspirin, or an NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug).

What is chromium picolinate?

Chromium is a mineral found in certain foods. The body needs only trace amounts of chromium, and deficiency of this mineral in humans is rare.

Chromium picolinate works together with insulin produced by the pancreas to metabolize carbohydrates.

Chromium picolinate has been used in alternative medicine as an aid to lowering cholesterol or improving the body's use of glucose (sugar). It is also commonly touted as a weight-loss supplement that aids in reducing body fat and increasing lean muscle.

Not all uses for chromium picolinate have been approved by the FDA. Chromium picolinate should not be substituted for prescription medications.

Chromium picolinate is often sold as an herbal supplement. There are no regulated manufacturing standards in place for many herbal compounds and some marketed supplements have been found to be contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs. Herbal/health supplements should be purchased from a reliable source to minimize the risk of contamination.

Chromium picolinate may also be used for other purposes not listed in chromium picolinate guide.