Chromium
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Feb 17, 2025.
What are other common names?
- Brewer's Yeast
- Chrome
- Chrome 3+
- Chrome FTG
- Chrome III
- Chrome Trivalent
- Chromic Chloride
- Chromium 3+
- Chromium Acetate
- Chromium Chloride
- Chromium III
- Chromium III Picolinate
- Chromium Nicotinate
- Chromium Picolinate
- Chromium Polynicotinate
- Chromium Proteinate
- Chromium Trichloride
- Chromium Tripicolinate
- Cr
- Cr III
- Cr3+
- Cromo
- Kali Bichromicum
- Potassium Bichromate
- Trivalent Chromium
What is this product used for?
Chromium is found in many foods. It is also sold as a dietary supplement. It is used by some people as a medicine. Using chromium for any health problem is not supported by medical studies.
What are the precautions when taking this product?
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Always check with your doctor before you use a natural product. Some products may not mix well with drugs or other natural products.
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Be sure to tell your doctor that you take this product if you are scheduled for surgery or tests.
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Do not use this product if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant soon. Use birth control you can trust while taking this product.
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Do not use this product if you are breastfeeding.
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Take extra care if you are taking drugs to help with swelling or inflammation. These are drugs like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids, aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, dexamethasone, and hydrocortisone.
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Take extra care if you are taking drugs called beta-blockers. These are drugs like atenolol and propranolol.
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Take extra care if you are taking the drug levothyroxine for thyroid problems. This product may cause this drug to not work well.
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Take extra care if you are taking insulin or metformin for low blood sugar. This product may cause these drugs to not work well.
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If you have blood sugar problems, keep hard candies, glucose tablets, liquid glucose, or juice on hand for low blood sugar.
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Take extra care and check with your doctor if you have:
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Kidney problems
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Liver problems
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Stomach ulcers
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Heartburn or gastric reflux
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Diabetes
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Thyroid problems
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What should I watch for?
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Upset stomach
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Rash
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Dizziness
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When do I need to call the doctor?
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Signs of a very bad reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; fever; rash; hives; itching, discolored, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat. Go to the ER right away.
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Signs of low blood sugar. These include hunger, dizziness, shaking, a fast heartbeat, confusion, or sweating.
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Signs of kidney problems. These include not able to pass urine, change in how much urine is passed, blood in the urine, swelling of the feet or legs, or big weight gain.
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Very bad throwing up
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Very bad loose stools
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Very bad headache
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Signs of bleeding problems. These include bruising or bleeding that is not normal; blood in your stools or dark, tarry colored stools; changes in menstrual periods like lots of bleeding, spotting, or bleeding between cycles.
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Ulcers or wounds on the skin
Last Reviewed Date
2024-05-01Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This generalized information is a limited summary of diagnosis, treatment, and/or medication information. It is not meant to be comprehensive and should be used as a tool to help the user understand and/or assess potential diagnostic and treatment options. It does NOT include all information about conditions, treatments, medications, side effects, or risks that may apply to a specific patient. It is not intended to be medical advice or a substitute for the medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment of a health care provider based on the health care provider's examination and assessment of a patient’s specific and unique circumstances. Patients must speak with a health care provider for complete information about their health, medical questions, and treatment options, including any risks or benefits regarding use of medications. This information does not endorse any treatments or medications as safe, effective, or approved for treating a specific patient. UpToDate, Inc. and its affiliates disclaim any warranty or liability relating to this information or the use thereof. The use of this information is governed by the Terms of Use, available at https://www.wolterskluwer.com/en/know/clinical-effectiveness-terms
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