Chromium carnosinate

MineralChromium

What is it

Chromium carnosinate is a chelated form of chromium paired with the dipeptide carnosine. It is one of several chromium delivery forms used in supplements for blood sugar and metabolic support.

Evidence for 1 use

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

Blood glucose control (modest)

Limited Evidence

Meta-analyses of chromium supplementation (mostly picolinate) show small improvements in fasting glucose and HbA1c in people with type 2 diabetes. Direct evidence for the carnosinate form is limited.

How it works

Chromium is a trace mineral that may support insulin signaling, particularly at the level of insulin receptor activity. The carnosinate chelate provides chromium in a form that can be absorbed in the small intestine, similar to other chelated forms like picolinate or polynicotinate. Human clinical evidence for any specific chromium form is mixed. Chromium picolinate has the most studies, with small effects on glucose control in some populations. Direct head-to-head comparisons of chromium carnosinate with other chromium forms in humans are limited.

Dosage

The Adequate Intake for chromium is 20 to 35 micrograms per day in adults. Supplement doses typically range from 200 to 1,000 micrograms of elemental chromium per day. Doses above 1 mg per day are not well studied for long-term safety.

When and how to take it

Chromium can be taken with or without food. Many products suggest taking it with a meal to support absorption and reduce stomach upset.

1 commercial form

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

Chromium carnosinate

Less commonly studied than picolinate or polynicotinate forms.

Chelated for absorption; head-to-head data limited.

Safety

Generally well tolerated at typical supplement doses. Reported side effects are uncommon and include mild gastrointestinal upset and headache. Very high doses have been associated with rare cases of kidney or liver injury.

Who should be cautious

People with kidney or liver disease should avoid high-dose chromium without medical supervision. Pregnancy and breastfeeding should follow AI levels rather than high-dose supplementation.

Interactions

Chromium may affect blood glucose, so people on insulin or oral diabetes medications should monitor and consult a clinician. Antacids and some H2 blockers may reduce chromium absorption.

Food sources

Broccoli

Amount
1/2 cup
%DV
31%

Grape juice

Amount
1 cup
%DV
22%

Frequently asked questions

Is chromium carnosinate better than chromium picolinate?⌄

Direct human comparison data is limited. Both forms provide bioavailable chromium. Picolinate has the largest clinical evidence base.

Will it help me lose weight?⌄

Trials of chromium supplementation for weight loss show small or no effects. It is not an effective stand-alone weight-loss intervention.

References

Chromium carnosinate on NIH DSLD (US supplement label database) — NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database link

Research on Chromium carnosinate (PubMed search) — PubMed link

Track Chromium carnosinate with Pilora

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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.