Chromium dinicotinate glycinate

MineralChromiumBest with a meal

What is it

Chromium dinicotinate glycinate (often sold as Chromium Chelavite) is a chromium amino acid chelate combining chromium with niacinamide and glycine ligands, marketed for blood sugar and weight management.

Evidence for 1 use

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

Glycemic support in insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes

Limited Evidence

Meta-analyses show modest reductions in fasting glucose and HbA1c with chromium supplementation, but effects are small and inconsistent across studies.

How it works

Chromium is a trace mineral that supports insulin signaling. The chelated form is designed for absorption via peptide transporters, potentially with better bioavailability than chromium chloride. Once absorbed, chromium binds to transferrin and may enhance insulin receptor activity, supporting glucose uptake into cells.

Dosage

Supplement doses typically provide 100-400 mcg elemental chromium per day. Adequate Intake for adults is 20-35 mcg/day. The UL is not formally set, but doses above 1000 mcg are not recommended.

When and how to take it

Often taken with meals to support glycemic effects.

2 commercial forms

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

Chromium dinicotinate glycinate (Chelavite)

Used in some glucose-support products.

Chelated form designed for absorption via peptide transporters.

Chromium picolinate

Different product.

Older common form; some rare safety concerns at very high doses.

Safety

Generally well tolerated. GI symptoms occasional. Very high doses of chromium picolinate (a different form) have been associated with rare cases of kidney or liver toxicity.

Who should be cautious

Caution with insulin and oral diabetes medications. People with diabetes should monitor blood glucose. Pregnancy and breastfeeding: stay within AI levels.

Interactions

May add to glucose-lowering effects of antidiabetic drugs. Possible reduced absorption of levothyroxine if taken simultaneously.

Food sources

Broccoli, whole grains, brewer's yeast, meats

Amount
small amounts of chromium
%DV
—

Frequently asked questions

Is chromium dinicotinate glycinate better than chromium picolinate?⌄

Both deliver chromium. The chelated dinicotinate glycinate has some absorption advantages in industry studies, but clinical superiority is not robustly proven.

How much chromium is safe?⌄

Doses up to a few hundred micrograms are generally considered safe. Avoid mega-doses above 1000 mcg/day, especially of chromium picolinate.

References

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

Research on Chromium dinicotinate glycinate (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.