Chromium Picolinate
Molecule Description
Chromium Picolinate is a ‘diet supplement’ of the chromium mineral which is req
uired in our normal diet. Its primary function is to help in processing glucose and improve blood sugar control.
Uses of Chromium Picolinate
- As a supportive treatment in combination with oral diabetic medicines
- Diabetes
- High cholesterol
- As a supplement for weight loss
Contraindications of Chromium Picolinate
When should one not use Chromium Picolinate
Allergy to Chromium Picolinate or any components of the medicine.
Side effects of Chromium Picolinate
Common side effects of this drug are:
- Headache, irritability, sleep disturbances, mood swings
- Serious allergic reactions causing swelling of face, lips, tongue, throat, breathing and swallowing difficulties with or without skin rashes itching; difficulty in concentrating, inability to balance or coordinate, liver problems causing stomach pain, yellow skin and eyes (jaundice), loss of hunger, dark urine and stools (serious, but rare)...
Precautions and Warnings of Chromium Picolinate
Pregnancy
Q:
Can I take Chromium Picolinate during pregnancy?
A:
Enough data is not available. Chromium Picolinate should only be used in pregnancy if it is necessary and no other alternatives are available under the supervision of a medical practitioner.
Breast Feeding
Q:
Can I take Chromium Picolinate while breastfeeding?
A:
Chromium Picolinate has the potential to be secreted in breast milk and it is probably unsafe to take this medicine if you are breastfeeding. You are best advised to avoid.
Driving
Q:
Can I drive if I have consumed Chromium Picolinate?
A:
Chromium Picolinate is not known to affect your driving ability. Exercise caution if you experience side effects such as headache, poor concentration, loss of balance, etc.
Alcohol
Q:
Can I consume alcohol with Chromium Picolinate?
A:
Chromium reacts with alcohol and produces toxic products (such as aldehydes) which are not beneficial for the body and may prove to be harmful. It is advised to avoid alcohol with any chromium products.
Other General Warnings
Talk to your doctor if
- Inform your doctor if you have or develop:
- Liver or kidney problems
- Insulin-dependent diabetes
- Thyroid problems
- Problems with mental health (depression, anxiety, nervousness, etc.)
- If you are using any medicines that can suppress the immune system (corticosteroids – prednisolone, beclomethasone)
- You cause serious allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis (life-threatening condition). Be informed to your concerned doctor immediately if you have conditions like rash or itching to skin, abnormal voice changes, trouble to breathe or swallow or in case any swelling to your hands, face, or mouth while taking this medicine...
- Before surgery regarding all the products you use (including prescription medicines, non- prescription medicines and herbal products)
Mode of Action of Chromium Picolinate
How Does It Work?
Chromium plays a vital role in efficient metabolism (conversion of foods into energy) of protein, fat, and glucose and increases the efficacy of insulin and helps in lowering blood sugar levels.
Interactions of Chromium Picolinate
Interactions with other medicines
- Use with caution:
- Antacids (that lower stomach acidity- aluminum, magnesium, etc.)
- Medicines that can suppress the immune system (Corticosteroids – Prednisolone, Beclomethasone)
- Levothyroxine
- Avoid: Insulin
Interactions with food items
It is best advised to take Chromium Picolinate close to a meal (just before or after).
Dietary Restrictions of Chromium Picolinate
Drink plenty of fluids and avoid high sugar diet.
Dosage of Chromium Picolinate
Overdose
Occasional overdose with Chromium Picolinate is not harmful. Vomiting, loose motions, blood in cough, urine, or stools are some of the symptoms of overdose and you are advised to consult the doctor if you experience any....
Missed a Dose
Try your best not to miss a dose to derive the best benefits of the medicine. If you missed any dose, take it as early as you remember. If it is time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with the next dose. Do not take a double dose of medicine to compensate for the missed dose....
Content Details
WRITTEN BY
Dr. Mansi Savla
B. Pharm, PharmD
REVIEWED BY
Dr. Ritu Budania
MBBS, MD (Pharmacology)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How does Chromium Picolinate help me?
- Chromium helps the body in efficient processing of foods into glucose and together with insulin can effectively control blood sugars
- Chromium Picolinate does not cause the pancreas to secrete more insulin unlike some other medicines. It improves the efficiency of insulin by making more insulin available for processing glucose, by enhancing the body’s ability to respond to insulin better and also plays a minor role in metabolizing glucose and fats...
- Chromium levels are found to be low in long-standing diabetics and in old aged patients. It is required by the body in small amounts, but high blood sugar and cholesterol levels cause increased excretion of chromium. These depleted levels cause poor control of blood sugars...
- Oats, barley, potatoes, beans, oranges, meat, tomatoes, eggs and cow’s milk are some of the good sources of chromium
- Studies have found that increasing chromium levels will help in better control of blood glucose and reduce the risk of heart diseases, high blood pressure and other complications due to elevated blood sugar levels (especially in overweight and obese individuals)...
- Chromium Picolinate is the best absorbable and most potential form of chromium and is usually safe
Q: Can I take Chromium Picolinate for weight loss?
- Chromium Picolinate will not aid weight loss in all patients. It may be of some benefit in patients whose weight gain is related to altered glucose metabolism
- Studies have been done and data is published about the efficacy of Chromium Picolinate in overweight, obese people and for mental disorders like depression
- But Chromium Picolinate has to be taken at a much higher doses for weight loss and though some people have benefited from this, such higher doses for a more extended period may outweigh the benefits
References
View All
Recent articles
Disclaimer
The information provided herein is supplied to the best of our abilities to make it accurate and reliable as it is published after a review by a team of professionals. This information is solely intended to provide a general overview on the product and must be used for informational purposes only. You should not use the information provided herein to diagnose, prevent, or cure a health problem. Nothing contained on this page is intended to create a doctor-patient relationship, replace or be a substitute for a registered medical practitioner's medical treatment/advice or consultation. The absence of any information or warning to any medicine shall not be considered and assumed as an implied assurance. We highly recommend that you consult your registered medical practitioner for all queries or doubts related to your medical condition. You hereby agree that you shall not make any health or medical-related decision based in whole or in part on anything contained in the Site. Please click here for detailed T&C.
Top-Tests we cover:
Top-Selling Healthcare Products:
Top-Selling Medicines:
Top-Searched Medicines: