Chromic Chloride

MineralChromiumBest with a meal

What is it

Chromic chloride (chromium(III) chloride) is an inorganic chromium salt used in some chromium supplements and in pharmaceutical chromium preparations.

Evidence for 1 use

AI-assisted evidence assessment — talk to your doctor before relying on any single supplement.

Glycemic control

Limited Evidence

Meta-analyses of chromium supplementation (mostly picolinate) show small reductions in HbA1c and fasting glucose, more apparent in people with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes. Chromic chloride specifically has less data.

How it works

Trivalent chromium (Cr(III)) has long been considered to support insulin function and glucose metabolism, possibly through a low-molecular-weight chromium-binding substance (chromodulin) that enhances insulin receptor activity. However, recent reviews have downgraded chromium from an essential nutrient to a 'beneficial-but-not-essential' status, as no clear deficiency syndrome has been established outside of long-term parenteral nutrition. Chromic chloride is one of several Cr(III) forms; others include chromium picolinate, chromium polynicotinate, and chromium yeast.

Dosage

The Adequate Intake for chromium is 25-35 mcg/day for adults. Supplement doses range from 50-1000 mcg/day. Chromic chloride is less commonly used than picolinate for oral supplements due to poorer absorption.

When and how to take it

Take with meals to support absorption and reduce GI upset. Separate from calcium-containing antacids by 2 hours.

2 commercial forms

Compare the main delivery options and what they’re best suited for.

Chromic chloride (CrCl3)

Common in pharmaceutical and older supplement formulations.

Lower absorption than chelated forms.

Chromium picolinate

More widely used in modern supplements.

Better-studied and absorbed.

Safety

Cr(III) is much safer than Cr(VI) (hexavalent chromium, which is carcinogenic). Chromic chloride at supplement doses is generally tolerated. Rare case reports of kidney issues exist with high-dose chromium picolinate; chromic chloride is less commonly implicated.

Who should be cautious

People with kidney or liver disease should consult a clinician. People with diabetes should monitor blood glucose if using high-dose chromium. Pregnancy at the AI level is fine; high supplemental doses lack data.

Interactions

May enhance the glucose-lowering effects of antidiabetic medications. Antacids and calcium carbonate may reduce absorption.

Food sources

Broccoli

Amount
1/2 cup cooked
%DV
—

Whole grains

Amount
1 serving
%DV
—

Brewer's yeast

Amount
1 tbsp
%DV
—

Frequently asked questions

Is chromic chloride the toxic form of chromium?⌄

No. Trivalent chromium (Cr(III), including chromic chloride) is the form considered safe in supplements. Hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) is the carcinogenic form.

Is chromium essential?⌄

Recent reviews suggest chromium is not strictly essential, though it may have modest metabolic benefits. There is no defined deficiency syndrome.

References

Chromic Chloride on Wikidata — Wikidata link

Chromic Chloride (ChEBI:53351) — ChEBI link

Chromic Chloride (PubChem CID 24808) — PubChem link

Chromic Chloride on NIH DSLD (US supplement label database) — NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database link

Research on Chromic Chloride (PubMed search) — PubMed link

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Evidence-based·How we grade evidence

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.