Chromium nitrate

MineralChromium saltBest with a meal

What is it

Chromium nitrate is an inorganic salt of trivalent chromium (Cr(III)). It is sometimes used in industrial processes and rarely as a chromium source in supplements. Chromium picolinate, chromium chloride, and chromium polynicotinate are the more typical supplement forms.

Evidence for 2 uses

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

Glucose control in type 2 diabetes (various chromium forms)

Limited Evidence

Meta-analyses of chromium supplementation show modest, inconsistent effects on glycemic control. Specific evidence for chromium nitrate is essentially absent.

Weight loss or body composition

Mixed Evidence

Trials of chromium picolinate for weight loss show small or no effects; results for other chromium forms including nitrate are even more limited.

How it works

Trivalent chromium (Cr3+) has been hypothesized to enhance insulin signaling and improve glucose tolerance, though this role has been contested in recent years. The original 'glucose tolerance factor' hypothesis has not held up to scrutiny, and chromium is no longer considered essential by some authorities, though the Institute of Medicine still lists an Adequate Intake. Chromium nitrate dissociates in solution to provide trivalent chromium ions. Bioavailability is generally low (1-2%) for inorganic chromium salts, somewhat higher for organic forms like picolinate (2-3%) and yeast-bound chromium.

Dosage

Adequate Intake for chromium is 25-35 mcg/day for adults. Typical supplement doses are 100-500 mcg/day of elemental chromium from various forms. There is no defined Upper Limit by IOM/NIH, though excessive intake should be avoided.

When and how to take it

Often taken with meals for better absorption. Splitting doses through the day is reasonable for higher intakes.

2 commercial forms

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

Chromium nitrate

Rare in consumer supplements; more common forms include picolinate, polynicotinate, and yeast-bound chromium.

Inorganic salt; bioavailability is low (1-2%).

Chromium picolinate (more typical supplement form)

Most studied in human trials.

Bioavailability slightly better than inorganic salts (2-3%).

Safety

Trivalent chromium is generally low toxicity at supplement doses. (Hexavalent chromium, Cr6+, is highly toxic and carcinogenic but is not in supplements.) Side effects can include GI upset, headache, and rare cases of kidney or liver effects at high chronic intakes. Chromium picolinate has been the subject of some safety questions in the past but has not been shown to cause harm at supplement doses.

Who should be cautious

People with diabetes should monitor blood glucose if starting chromium. People with kidney or liver disease should consult a clinician before high-dose use. Pregnancy and breastfeeding are compatible with the AI from food and prenatal vitamins; high-dose supplementation is not generally recommended.

Interactions

Levothyroxine absorption may be reduced; separate by 4 hours. Possible additive effects with diabetes medications (monitor glucose). Antacids and proton pump inhibitors may reduce chromium absorption.

Food sources

Broccoli

Amount
11 mcg per 1/2 cup
%DV
31%

Grape juice

Amount
8 mcg per cup
%DV
23%

Whole wheat English muffin

Amount
4 mcg each
%DV
11%

Frequently asked questions

Will chromium help me lose weight?⌄

Evidence is weak. Some chromium picolinate trials suggest very modest effects; results for other forms including nitrate are not better.

Is chromium nitrate safer than other forms?⌄

All trivalent chromium forms have similar safety profiles. Hexavalent chromium is the toxic form and is not in supplements.

References

Chromium nitrate on Wikidata — Wikidata link

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

Research on Chromium nitrate (PubMed search) — PubMed link

Track Chromium nitrate with Pilora

Set up dose reminders, check interactions, and join the community in the Pilora iPhone app.

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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.