Chromium is a mineral that plays a key role in nutrient metabolism. It’s found naturally in a variety of foods, including broccoli, garlic, and potatoes (1, 2).

Many people take chromium as a supplement to help improve their blood sugar levels or prevent metabolic syndrome, a group of symptoms that increases the risk of heart disease and diabetes (3).

Athletes and bodybuilders also commonly use chromium for its purported performance-boosting benefits (3).

However, not all chromium supplements are created equal, and selecting a product that is safe and effective can be challenging.

This article will review 10 of the best chromium supplements, along with the key factors you should consider to determine which one is right for you.

A quick look at the best chromium supplements

How to choose

When selecting a chromium supplement, it’s important to consider several factors.

Ingredients

First, be sure to check the ingredient list. Look for products without artificial ingredients, additives, or fillers.

You’ll also want to pay attention to the form. Chromium supplements are available in several forms:

  • chromium picolinate
  • chromium chloride
  • chromium nicotinate/polynicotinate
  • chromium chelavite
  • chromium citrate

Although some older studies suggest that your body may absorb chromium picolinate best, there’s concern that this form may also cause oxidative damage to your cells (4).

Certain supplements may also contain additional ingredients to enhance their potential health benefits, such as cinnamon or other medicinal herbs (5).

Third-party testing

You should also look for products that have undergone third-party testing, are certified by organizations such as U.S. Pharmacopeia (USP) or NSF International, and are manufactured in facilities that adhere to Current Good Manufacturing Practices (CGMPs), a set of standards issued by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Dose

Finally, it’s important to check the product dose carefully.

Although daily needs vary based on age and sex, the recommended Daily Value (DV) for chromium is 35 mcg. However, many supplements pack significantly larger amounts, with doses ranging from 200–1,000 mcg (2).

Currently, chromium has no established Tolerable Upper Intake Level, which is the highest amount of a nutrient you can take without risk of adverse health effects (2).

Potential drug interactions

Chromium may interact with certain medications, including antacids, beta-blockers, proton pump inhibitors, insulin, and corticosteroids (2).

If you’re taking any of these medications or have any underlying health conditions, consult a healthcare professional before taking chromium.

How we chose these products

We considered several factors to determine the best chromium supplements on the market.

Supplements in this article were selected based on the following criteria:

  • Form. All products contain forms of chromium that are well-absorbed by the body.
  • Ingredients. Products are free of unnecessary fillers, additives, and preservatives. Some products contain other ingredients in addition to chromium, which may help increase the potential health benefits.
  • Dose. Though supplements vary in the amount of chromium they provide, most contain 62–1,000 mcg of chromium per serving.
  • Third-party testing. Many products have been tested by an independent lab to verify safety, strength, and purity.
  • Certifications. Several products are certified vegan, organic, or gluten-free or produced in facilities that are third-party certified.
  • Vetting. All the products included have been vetted by our team of health experts to ensure that they meet Healthline’s medical and business standards.

A note on price

General price ranges with dollar signs ($–$$$) are indicated below. One dollar sign means the product is rather affordable, whereas three dollar signs indicate a higher price range.

Generally, prices range from $0.06–$0.27 per serving, or $7.07–$37.20 per container, though this may vary depending on where you shop.

Most products below have a recommended serving size of 1 capsule daily.

Pricing guide

  • $ = under $0.10 per serving
  • $$ = $0.10–$0.20 per serving
  • $$$ = over $0.20 per serving

Healthline’s picks of the best chromium supplements

Best overall

Thorne Chromium Picolinate

Thorne Chromium Picolinate supplement
  • Dose: 1 capsule contains 500 mcg of chromium
  • Price: $$$

Thorne Research is known for producing high quality supplements that are free of fillers and contaminants.

In addition to undergoing four rounds of testing, this chromium picolinate supplement is derived from sustainably sourced ingredients and manufactured in facilities that are certified by NSF International.

This form of the mineral pairs chromium with picolinic acid and is thought to be more easily absorbed than other forms (2).

What’s more, this product is completely free of gluten, dairy, soy, and artificial flavors, earning the top spot as Healthline’s best overall chromium supplement.

Pros

  • formulated to increase absorption
  • manufactured in a third-party certified facility
  • free of gluten, dairy, soy, and artificial flavors

Considerations

  • not tested by an independent lab
  • expensive

Best for insulin sensitivity

Life Extension Optimized Chromium with Crominex 3+

  • Dose: 1 capsule contains 500 mcg of chromium
  • Price: $$

This Life Extension chromium supplement can help support healthy insulin levels and contains a proprietary blend of ingredients such as Indian gooseberry extract and shilajit.

Indian gooseberry is a fruit that has been well studied for its effects on blood sugar regulation, and shilajit is a substance that may enhance muscle strength and is commonly used in natural medicine (67).

Life Extension’s products are manufactured in facilities certified by NSF International, and each product’s certificate of analysis (COA) provides details on its purity and strength.

Pros

  • contains herbal ingredients such as Indian gooseberry extract and shilajit
  • manufactured in a third-party certified facility
  • COA available upon request
  • vegetarian, gluten-free, and non-GMO

Considerations

  • some may prefer a single-ingredient supplement

Best high dose supplement

Amazing Nutrition Chromium Picolinate

  • Dose: 1 capsule contains 1,000 mcg of chromium
  • Price: $$

This supplement is a good choice for anyone looking for a high dose product.

It’s free of artificial sweeteners, colors, and preservatives, as well as gluten, lactose, and eggs.

Furthermore, it’s manufactured in a facility that is CGMP certified, which helps ensure supplement quality.

Pros

  • produced in a third-party certified facility
  • free of artificial ingredients, gluten, lactose, and eggs

Considerations

  • high dose may not be suitable for everyone
  • not third-party tested

Best low dose supplement

Superior Labs Chromium Picolinate

  • Dose: 1 capsule contains 62 mcg of chromium
  • Price: $$

Free of synthetic additives and fillers, this supplement is a great choice for those seeking a pure and potent product.

Each serving contains just 62 mcg of chromium, which may be preferable for those who prefer a low dose supplement.

In addition to being free of genetically modified organisms (GMOs), it’s manufactured in facilities certified by NSF International.

Pros

  • free of synthetic ingredients and GMOs
  • manufactured in a third-party certified facility

Considerations

  • some may prefer higher dose of chromium

Best budget-friendly supplement

NOW Foods GTF Chromium

  • Dose: 1 capsule contains 200 mcg of chromium
  • Price: $

Chromium is also sometimes referred to as glucose tolerance factor (GTF), which is the biologically active form of chromium originally identified in brewer’s yeast (2).

Unlike most other supplements on the market, this NOW Foods product contains chromium chelavite, a form that may improve insulin sensitivity, according to one 2008 study (8).

This means that it may help enhance your body’s ability to use insulin, the hormone responsible for carrying sugar from your blood to your cells (9).

NOW Foods GTF Chromium is also produced in a CGMP-certified facility and verified by Underwriters Laboratories (UL), a third-party organization that sets standards for supplement manufacturing. What’s more, it’s non-GMO, nut-free, and suitable for vegans and vegetarians.

Pros

  • produced in a third-party certified facility
  • vegan-friendly, non-GMO, and nut-free
  • formulated to improve insulin sensitivity
  • affordable

Considerations

  • not tested by an independent lab
  • some reports of negative side effects

Best easy-to-swallow supplement

PurePremium Chromium Picolinate

  • Dose: 1 capsule contains 200 mcg of chromium
  • Price: $$

PurePremium’s Chromium Picolinate is perfect for those seeking a lower dose product with capsules that are easy to swallow.

It’s also high quality and manufactured in CGMP-certified facilities that are inspected by the FDA.

Additionally, PurePremium offers a simple, no-questions-asked refund policy if you decide that a product isn’t right for you.

Pros

  • easy to swallow
  • manufactured in a third-party certified facility

Considerations

  • not third-party tested

Best organic supplement

Nutrigold Chromium Gold

  • Dose: 1 capsule contains 200 mcg of chromium
  • Price: $$

This supplement is unique in that it’s derived from whole food sources and made with chromium from a blend of sprouted legumes and plants.

It’s not only certified organic but also vegan, kosher, and gluten-free.

According to the company’s website, this product has also been tested by an independent lab to ensure safety and purity.

Nutrigold Chromium Gold boasts 450 mg of an organic sprouted blend of ingredients such as navy beans, lentils, and moringa, a plant with medicinal properties that’s native to India.

Pros

  • contains a blend of herbal ingredients
  • certified organic, vegan, and kosher
  • derived from whole food sources
  • third-party tested

Considerations

  • not ideal for those who prefer a single-ingredient supplement

Best for blood sugar regulation

Best Naturals Cinnamon with Chromium

  • Dose: 2 capsules contain 400 mcg of chromium
  • Price: $$

This supplement pairs chromium with cinnamon to help promote better blood sugar management.

Although studies on cinnamon’s effects on blood sugar are mixed, some research notes that pairing cinnamon with other lifestyle therapies and blood sugar medications may be beneficial (10).

Each 2-capsule serving provides 1,000 mg of cinnamon.

Additionally, it’s produced in a CGMP-certified facility and has been tested by a third-party lab for quality.

Pros

  • provides cinnamon to support blood sugar control
  • produced in a third-party certified facility
  • third-party tested

Considerations

  • recommended dosage of 2 capsules per day
  • not ideal for those who prefer a single-ingredient supplement

Best vegan supplement

Pure Encapsulations ChromeMate GTF 600

  • Dose: 1 capsule contains 600 mcg of chromium
  • Price: $$

This supplement is made from chromium polynicotinate, a form that’s bound to niacin.

While more recent research in humans is needed, several older animal studies suggest that combining chromium with niacin protects against cell damage and enhances this mineral’s potential health benefits (111213).

Pure Encapsulations is certified by NSF International and is CGMP registered. The company tests all products through third-party labs and exceeds the standards of USP, an organization that evaluates the quality of dietary supplements.

ChromeMate GTF 600 is also certified gluten-free, vegan, and non-GMO.

Pros

  • certified gluten-free
  • vegan-friendly and non-GMO
  • produced in a third-party certified facility
  • pairs chromium with niacin to boost potential benefits
  • tested by an independent lab

Considerations

  • relatively expensive

Best for metabolism

JSHealth Metabolism + Sugar Support Formula

  • Dose: 2 tablets contain 450 mcg of chromium
  • Price: $$$

Formulated with chromium chloride hexahydrate, chromium picolinate, and a blend of other ingredients such as zinc, magnesium, and cinnamon, this supplement is designed to promote metabolism and stabilize blood sugar levels.

It also contains Gymnema sylvestre, a medicinal plant being researched for its potential to improve insulin sensitivity and support weight management (14, 15).

In addition to being vegan, gluten-free, and non-GMO, this supplement is free of dairy, nuts, and sugar.

Plus, it’s produced by manufacturers certified by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), the Australian government agency responsible for regulating the safety of supplements and medications.

Pros

  • vegan-friendly, gluten-free, and non-GMO
  • contains a blend of nutrients to support metabolism
  • produced by third-party certified manufacturers

Considerations

  • expensive
  • not suitable for those who prefer a single-ingredient supplement
  • recommended dosage of 2 capsules per day
  • not third-party tested

Comparing chromium supplements

Price per servingCapsules per bottleType of chromiumDoseCertifications
Thorne Chromium Picolinate$0.2760chromium picolinate500 mcg• NSF-certified facility
• TGA-approved
Life Extension Optimized Chromium with Crominex 3+$0.1160Crominex 3+500 mcgNSF-certified facility
Amazing Nutrition Chromium Picolinate$0.12120chromium picolinate1,000 mcgCGMP-certified facility
Superior Labs Chromium Picolinate$0.14120chromium picolinate62 mcgNSF-certified facility
NOW Foods GTF Chromium$0.06250chromium nicotinate glycinate200 mcg• CGMP-certified facility
• UL-verified manufacturing processes
PurePremium Chromium Picolinate$0.10100chromium picolinate200 mcgCGMP-certified facility
Nutrigold Chromium Gold$0.1990whole-food chromium200 mcg• certified organic
• certified vegan
• certified kosher
Best Naturals Cinnamon with Chromium$0.17180chromium picolinate400 mcgCGMP-certified facility
Pure Encapsulations ChromeMate GTF 600$0.22–$0.2760 or 180chromium polynicotinate600 mcg• NSF-certified facility
• certified gluten-free
JSHealth Metabolism + Sugar Support Formula$1.0060chromium picolinate
chromium hexahydrate
450 mcg• CGMP-certified facility
• TGA-approved

Useful supplement shopping guides

Check out these two articles to help make supplement shopping a breeze:

Chromium supplement benefits

Chromium is a trace mineral that plays a key role in the metabolism of proteins, fats, and carbs (2).

For this reason, chromium supplements are commonly used to support blood sugar management in people with type 2 diabetes.

According to one review of 28 studies, chromium supplements were effective at improving fasting blood sugar levels, insulin resistance, and hemoglobin A1C — a marker of long-term blood sugar control — in people with type 2 diabetes (16).

Some research suggests that chromium supplements may also help support weight loss and loss of body fat.

For instance, one review of 19 studies concluded that chromium supplementation could help reduce body weight and body fat percentage in people with obesity, especially when used for at least 12 weeks and in doses of at least 400 mcg per day (17).

Chromium is also sometimes used by athletes and is thought to promote strength and endurance. However, research results are conflicting and more recent, high quality studies are needed (18).

Chromium supplement side effects

There is currently no established Tolerable Upper Intake Level for chromium, and chromium supplements are generally considered safe for healthy adults when used as directed (2).

However, there have been case reports of adverse side effects associated with the use of chromium supplements, including (2):

  • weight loss
  • liver problems
  • kidney failure
  • skin irritation
  • low blood sugar levels
  • rhabdomyolysis, or muscle breakdown
  • low blood platelet count

People with liver disease or kidney disease may be more susceptible to side effects caused by high chromium intake (2).

Chromium may also interact with several types of medications, including drugs used to treat diabetes or thyroid problems (2).

Be sure to use chromium supplements only as directed and talk with a healthcare professional before starting supplementation, especially if you are taking other medications.

Frequently asked questions

How much chromium should you take daily?

Though individual needs for chromium can vary based on many factors, including age and sex, the recommended DV for chromium is 35 mcg (2).

Because most supplements provide a much larger amount, it’s best to talk with a healthcare professional before taking chromium to determine the right dosage for you.

What is the difference between chromium and chromium picolinate?

Chromium picolinate is a specific type of chromium often found in supplements. It contains both chromium and picolinic acid and is believed to be more easily absorbed than other forms of chromium (2).

What is the most absorbable form of chromium?

Chromium picolinate is considered one of the most well-absorbed forms of chromium. However, there are many other forms available, including chromium chloride, chromium nicotinate, chromium chelavite, and chromium citrate (2).

Who should not take chromium picolinate?

Chromium can interact with several types of medications, including insulin, corticosteroids, proton pump inhibitors, beta-blockers, and antacids. Additionally, it may not be suitable for those with kidney disease or liver disease (2, 19).

For this reason, if you have any underlying health conditions or are taking other medications, it’s best to talk with a healthcare professional before taking chromium supplements.

Can I take chromium with other supplements?

Chromium can interact with certain supplements and medications. To avoid any adverse effects, you should consult a healthcare professional before taking chromium supplements (19).

The bottom line

The numerous chromium supplements on the market vary in dosage and form.

Some contain added ingredients, such as cinnamon or other herbs and spices, which may amplify their potential benefits.

Keep in mind that all the supplements listed above contain far more than the recommended DV of 35 mcg. If you’re concerned about proper dosage — or if you’re taking any other medications — be sure to consult a healthcare professional before taking chromium.

It’s also important to pair these supplements with a nutritious and balanced diet.