Chromium
Chromium is a vital trace mineral that plays a significant role in the body's metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is most notably recognized for its ability to enhance the action of insulin, a key hormone responsible for regulating blood glucose levels by facilitating the uptake of glucose into cells. The most bioavailable form for supplementation is trivalent chromium (Cr3+), commonly found as chromium picolinate, chromium polynicotinate, or chromium chloride. While the precise mechanism is still under investigation, chromium is believed to form part of a molecule called chromodulin, which helps insulin bind more effectively to cell receptors, thereby improving the efficiency of glucose utilization. Due to its influence on insulin sensitivity, chromium is often researched for its potential benefits in supporting healthy blood sugar management, especially in individuals with insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes. It also contributes to maintaining healthy lipid profiles and may have a role in appetite regulation and body weight management.
Whole grainsBroccoliGreen beansPotatoesMeat (beef, poultry)ApplesBananasGrapesOrange juiceSome spices
Cheapest Chromium supplements
Discover the most affordable Chromium supplements to support your metabolism boost and weight loss goals.
Best Chromium Supplements
Explore the best Chromium supplements to support metabolism boost and weight loss goals.
Value Chromium Supplements
Compare top value Chromium mineral supplements to support your metabolism boost and weight loss goals, helping you find the best option for your health needs.
RDA (Men)35 mcg
RDA (Women)25 mcg
RDI35 mcg
Minimum100 mcg
Maximum400 mcg
Upper Limit (UL)1000 mcg
Toxicity Threshold1200 mcg
Toxicity EffectKidney damage, liver dysfunction
Impact
Situational effect
Typical dose:200–1000 mcg
Chromium is a component of a molecule called chromodulin, which helps insulin bind to its receptors on cells. This improves glucose uptake and utilization, which can help manage cravings and prevent the metabolic slowdown associated with poor blood sugar control.
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Impact
Situational effect
Typical dose:200–500 mcg
Chromium is a component of 'glucose tolerance factor,' a molecule that enhances the action of insulin. For individuals with some degree of insulin resistance, supplementation can lead to more stable blood sugar, reducing the energy crashes that often trigger cravings for sugary foods.
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add_circle_outline Positive Interactions
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Zinc
High doses of zinc may interfere with chromium absorption due to competition for absorption pathways.
Calcium
Very high intakes of calcium may potentially interfere with chromium absorption or metabolism, though this interaction is less commonly observed with typical dietary intakes.
78 Best 
Ancient Multi Immune+
Ancient Nutrition
4.8
★★★★★
(685 ratings)
Chromium: 600 mcg
This is a well-rounded multivitamin and mineral supplement focused on daily wellness and immune support, featuring active nutrient forms and a specialized immune blend, though some ingredient specifics are not fully disclosed.
68 Budget 
One Daily Men's Health
Equate
4.7
★★★★★
(2147 ratings)
Chromium: 120 mcg
This is a comprehensive and budget-friendly multivitamin for men, providing a wide array of essential vitamins and minerals for daily nutritional support.
80 Best 
MetaGlycemX
Metagenics
4.8
★★★★★
(12 ratings)
Chromium: 600 mcg
MetaGlycemX provides a targeted blend of vitamins, minerals, and botanicals, specifically formulated to support metabolic function, energy production, and healthy blood sugar balance.
78 Best 
Chromium Picolinate 1000 mcg
Best Naturals
4.8
★★★★★
(656 ratings)
Chromium: 1000 mcg
A high-dose supplement offering 1000 mcg of Chromium Picolinate, providing concentrated support for metabolic processes.
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Chromium Picolinate 200 mcg
Swanson
4.8
★★★★★
(11618 ratings)
Chromium: 200 mcg
A direct and economical supplement providing 200 mcg of Chromium Picolinate, a common form for metabolic support.
68 Value 
Therapeutic-M
21st Century
4.7
★★★★★
(615 ratings)
Chromium: 50 mcg
Therapeutic-M is a cost-effective multivitamin-mineral supplement designed to offer broad, everyday nutritional support for general wellness.
78 Best 
Chromium Picolinate 1000 mcg
AN Amazing Nutrition Amazing Formulas
4.7
★★★★★
(142 ratings)
Chromium: 1000 mcg
A very high-dose chromium picolinate supplement offered at a budget-friendly price, fitting for those needing higher intake.
82 Best 
Pure Food Men's 50+
Natural Factors Whole Earth & Sea
4.7
★★★★★
(1543 ratings)
Chromium: 400 mcg
A well-rounded multivitamin for men over 50, featuring essential nutrients, vision-supporting antioxidants, and Saw Palmetto for men's health.
88 Value 
Sentry Senior
21st Century
4.7
★★★★★
(15069 ratings)
Chromium: 50 mcg
A comprehensive and affordable daily multivitamin for seniors, providing essential vitamins, minerals, plus Lutein and Lycopene for broad health and vision support.
66 Budget 
MultiVites
vitafusion
4.7
★★★★★
(2010 ratings)
Chromium: 35 mcg
A convenient gummy multivitamin that supplies basic daily nutrients, suitable for individuals seeking an easy-to-take supplement.
70 Value 
Complete Multivitamin Adults 50+
Equate
4.7
★★★★★
(2059 ratings)
Chromium: 50 mcg
This multivitamin for adults 50+ offers a foundational blend of essential vitamins, minerals, and key carotenoids like Lutein and Lycopene, supporting general health, bone density, and vision at a very accessible price.
68 Budget 
Daily Vits
NOW
4.7
★★★★★
(11036 ratings)
Chromium: 120 mcg
This multivitamin is a convenient, basic option covering fundamental vitamin needs with some well-absorbed minerals, although doses for key minerals like calcium and magnesium are quite low.
85 Budget 
Chromium Picolinate
Swanson
4.8
★★★★★
(838 ratings)
Chromium: 200 mcg
A Swanson Chromium Picolinate supplement with 200mcg of the branded Chromax form, supporting glucose metabolism and general metabolic health at a good value.
87 Value 
GTF Chromium 200 mcg
NOW
4.7
★★★★★
(7992 ratings)
Chromium: 200 mcg
This supplement offers 400mcg of chromium in two forms, including a chelate, focused on supporting glucose metabolism and overall metabolic function.
75 Value 
Chromium Picolinate 200 mcg
Best Naturals
4.6
★★★★★
(225 ratings)
Chromium: 200 mcg
A straightforward and budget-friendly supplement containing 200 mcg of Chromium Picolinate for daily metabolic support.
86 Best 
Chromax 1000 1000 mcg
Swanson
4.8
★★★★★
(232 ratings)
Chromium: 1000 mcg
A high-dose 1000mcg Chromax Chromium Picolinate supplement from Swanson, intended for robust support of glucose metabolism and weight management.
89 Value 
Albion Chelated Chromium 200 mcg
Swanson Ultra
4.8
★★★★★
(366 ratings)
Chromium: 200 mcg
A highly absorbable and exceptionally affordable chelated chromium supplement (TRAACS Nicotinate Glycinate Chelate) from Swanson Ultra, focused on effective metabolic support.
88 Best 
ChromeMate GTF 600
Pure Encapsulations
4.8
★★★★★
(21 ratings)
Chromium: 600 mcg
This Pure Encapsulations supplement provides a high dose of 600 mcg of ChromeMate chromium, a premium and potentially well-absorbed form, intended for enhanced metabolic and blood sugar support.
75 Budget 
One Daily Women's Health
Equate
4.7
★★★★★
(5571 ratings)
Chromium: 120 mcg
This multivitamin provides essential vitamins and minerals in a convenient daily tablet, formulated to help meet the general nutritional needs of women.
85 Best 
Chromium Picolinate (Trivalent) 500 mcg
Solgar
4.8
★★★★★
(13396 ratings)
Chromium: 1000 mcg
A high-potency chromium picolinate supplement from Solgar, providing 1000 mcg per serving, suitable for individuals seeking robust metabolic and potential weight management support.
86 Best 
Chromium Picolinate (Trivalent) 500 mcg
Solgar
4.7
★★★★★
(42286 ratings)
Chromium: 1000 mcg
A high-potency Solgar chromium picolinate supplement delivering 1000 mcg per serving, now in a larger, more economical size, making it a very popular choice for metabolic and weight management support.
76 Value 
Chromium Picolinate 200 mcg
NOW
4.7
★★★★★
(106 ratings)
Chromium: 200 mcg
A very affordable and simple supplement from NOW Foods, providing 200 mcg of chromium picolinate for straightforward metabolic and blood sugar support.
94 Best 
Glucose Stabili-T
LifeSeasons
4.6
★★★★★
(579 ratings)
Chromium: 800 mcg
A very extensive and highly-rated blend of minerals and standardized herbal extracts, explicitly formulated for comprehensive glucose metabolism support.
70 Budget 
One Daily Women's
21st Century
4.7
★★★★★
(34510 ratings)
Chromium: 25 mcg
This women's multivitamin offers a comprehensive, budget-friendly blend of essential vitamins and minerals, including a high dose of Biotin, to support daily health and specific needs like hair and nail wellness.
72 Budget 
Women's One Daily
INNATE Response Formulas
4.5
★★★★★
(334 ratings)
Chromium: 40 mcg
An exceptionally affordable daily multivitamin for women, delivering essential vitamins and well-absorbed mineral forms, providing great value despite lacking calcium and having modest Vitamin D3 for bone health.
86 Value 
GTF Chromium 200 mcg
NOW
4.7
★★★★★
(127 ratings)
Chromium: 200 mcg
This supplement offers 400mcg of chromium in two forms, including a chelate, focused on supporting glucose metabolism and overall metabolic function.
Average$32.47
Median$27.99
Average$0.84
Median$0.66
Average$2.28
Median$0.67
Reference amount: 100 mcg
Chromium picolinate is a compound of chromium and picolinic acid. It is one of the most widely used forms of chromium in supplements due to its enhanced bioavailability compared to other forms. It is frequently investigated for its potential to improve insulin sensitivity, glucose metabolism, and impact on weight and body composition.
- Highly bioavailable
- Widely studied
- Common in supplements
- Some historical concerns about picolinate affecting DNA in very high doses (not typically seen with standard use)
- Efficacy for weight loss is often inconsistent in studies
Avg$26.16
Med$22.72
Avg$0.69
Med$0.52
Avg$1.45
Med$0.46
Price distribution
Chromium polynicotinate, also known as chromium niacin-bound, is a complex where chromium is bound to niacin (nicotinic acid). This form is believed to offer good bioavailability and is sometimes preferred over picolinate due to concerns some have about picolinic acid. It is associated with supporting healthy glucose metabolism.
- Good bioavailability
- Avoids picolinate concerns
- Potential synergistic effect with niacin
- Less extensively studied than chromium picolinate
Avg$44.48
Med$37.39
Avg$1.19
Med$0.83
Avg$1.03
Med$0.69
Price distribution
Chromium Nicotinate Glycinate Chelate is a complex form of chromium where the mineral is bound to both niacin (nicotinic acid) and the amino acid glycine. This dual chelation strategy is intended to maximize absorption and utilization within the body, aiming to provide superior support for insulin function, glucose metabolism, and overall metabolic health compared to simpler forms.
- High bioavailability due to dual chelation
- Combines benefits of nicotinate and glycinate
- Less research specifically on this combined chelate compared to single chelates
Avg$32.84
Med$32.99
Avg$0.66
Med$0.53
Avg$0.84
Med$0.64
Price distribution
Chromium nicotinate is a chromium complex with nicotinic acid. It is structurally similar to chromium polynicotinate and is designed for improved absorption compared to inorganic chromium salts. It is used in supplements to support healthy blood sugar levels and fat metabolism.
- Good bioavailability
- Avoids picolinate concerns
- Less common and less studied than picolinate
Avg$35.70
Med$32.99
Avg$0.69
Med$0.63
Avg$0.51
Med$0.39
Price distribution
Chromium glutamate is a chelated form of chromium where it is bound to the amino acid glutamate. Chelation with amino acids is a common strategy to enhance mineral absorption, as amino acids can facilitate transport across intestinal walls. This form aims to support normal metabolic functions.
- Improved absorption due to amino acid chelation
- Limited research specific to this form
- Less common in supplements
Avg$38.27
Med$36.29
Avg$0.70
Med$0.73
Avg$0.46
Med$0.38
Price distribution
Chromium chloride is a simple inorganic salt of chromium. While it is a source of elemental chromium, its absorption in the human body is significantly lower than that of organic or chelated forms. It is less commonly used in supplements for its metabolic benefits due to this poor bioavailability.
- Cost-effective
- Very poor bioavailability
- Less effective for supplementation compared to other forms
Avg$18.82
Med$14.99
Avg$0.85
Med$0.55
Avg$0.35
Med$0.13
Price distribution
Fermented Chromium Glycinate is a modern form of chromium supplement that combines the amino acid glycine as a chelating agent with the benefits of fermentation. Glycinate chelates are known for their high bioavailability. The fermentation process can further enhance the nutrient's absorbability and digestibility, aiming for superior efficacy in supporting metabolic health.
- Very high bioavailability
- Gentle on the digestive system
- Often uses natural fermentation processes
- Newer form, so less long-term research than picolinate
- Potentially higher cost
Avg$37.52
Med$35.99
Avg$0.68
Med$0.60
Avg$0.49
Med$0.41
Price distribution
Chromium amino acid chelate is a broad category encompassing various forms where chromium is complexed with amino acids (e.g., glycine, methionine, cysteine). This chelation protects the mineral from interference during digestion and facilitates its transport across the intestinal wall, thereby improving bioavailability and effectiveness for metabolic support.
- Improved bioavailability compared to inorganic forms
- Generally well-tolerated
- Specific amino acid(s) used are not always specified, which can lead to variability in quality and absorption
Avg$30.23
Med$23.89
Avg$0.77
Med$0.66
Avg$1.79
Med$0.83
Price distribution
S. cerevisiae refers to chromium that has been organically bound and integrated into the yeast cell during fermentation. This 'food-form' or 'yeast-bound' chromium is believed to have good bioavailability, as the body may recognize and absorb it more readily in a natural matrix. It is used to support glucose metabolism and general health.
- Food-form, natural source
- Good bioavailability
- Provides other cofactors from yeast
- Individuals with yeast allergies should avoid
- Less precise dosing compared to synthetic chelates
Avg$40.96
Med$35.69
Avg$0.84
Med$1.00
Avg$0.19
Med$0.12
Price distribution
Chromium nicotinate is a chromium complex with nicotinic acid. It is structurally similar to chromium polynicotinate and is designed for improved absorption compared to inorganic chromium salts. It is used in supplements to support healthy blood sugar levels and fat metabolism.
- Good bioavailability
- Avoids picolinate concerns
- Less common and less studied than picolinate
Avg$39.00
Med$36.00
Avg$1.34
Med$1.05
Avg$1.29
Med$0.65
Price distribution