Evidence supporting the use of: Chromium
For the health condition: Metabolic Syndrome
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2
Chromium, particularly in the form of chromium picolinate, is often marketed as a supplement to help manage Metabolic Syndrome, primarily because of its proposed effects on insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism. The rationale stems from the role of chromium as an essential trace element involved in carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, and its purported enhancement of insulin action. Some small clinical trials and animal studies have suggested that chromium supplementation can modestly improve glycemic control, reduce fasting blood glucose, and perhaps improve lipid profiles in individuals with insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes, which are core components of Metabolic Syndrome.
However, systematic reviews and meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials have generally found that the effect size is small and often not clinically significant, particularly in populations without frank diabetes. While a few studies report improvements in markers such as HbA1c, fasting glucose, or triglycerides, others find no meaningful benefit over placebo. Moreover, the studies are often heterogeneous in design, chromium dose, duration, and populations studied, making it difficult to draw firm conclusions. Leading medical organizations do not currently recommend chromium supplementation for Metabolic Syndrome due to insufficient and inconsistent evidence.
In summary, while there is a scientific rationale and limited clinical evidence suggesting potential benefit, the overall quality and consistency of evidence is low, justifying a rating of 2 out of 5.
Other ingredients used for Metabolic Syndrome
7-hydroxymatairesinol (HMR)7-Keto-DHEA
acai berry
akkermansia muciniphila
algal oil
alpha-glycosyl isoquercitrin
alpha-linolenic acid (ALA)
anchovies
anthocyanins
asparagus
bacillus subtilis
banaba
barley
berberine
Beta-Glucan
beta-sitosterol
bifidobacterium longum
bitter melon
black garlic
blueberry
brussel sprouts
butyrate triglyceride
campesterol
camu camu
canola oil
caterpillar mushroom
chia seed
chokeberry
chromium
cinnamon
conjugated linoleic acid (CLA)
turmeric
curcumin
DHA (docosahexaeonic acid)
DPA (docosapentaenoic acid)
epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)
fisetin
flaxseed
fructooligosaccharides (FOS)
ginger
glucomannan
guar gum
hydroxycitric acid
inulin
krill oil
l-carnitine
lactobacillus helveticus
licorice root
mackerel
maitake mushroom
maqui berry
matcha
medium chain triglycerides (MCT)
moringa
naringin
nicotinamide riboside
oleanolic acid
oleic acid
olive
omega-3 fatty acids
omega-7 fatty acids
omega-9 fatty acids
oyster mushroom
palmitoleic acid
quinoa
red yeast rice
reishi mushroom
resveratrol
rye
sardines
spirulina
tocotrienols
trans-pterostilbene
Urolithin A
vanadium
vanadyl sulfate
vitamin C
vitamin D
wheat grass
whey protein
xylooligosaccharides
zinc
β-nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN)
algae
kidney beans
AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)
1-deoxynojirimycin
15,16-Dihydrotanshinone I
12-methylcarnosic acid
3-desoxy-7-KETO-DHEA
4-hydroxyisoleucine
5,7-Dimethoxyflavone
6-Paradol
Alpha Glucans
Ankaflavin
Apigenin
Aronia melanocarpa
Antrodia camphorata
Auricularia
Antirrhinin
Avocado
Ascophyllum nodosum
Acacetin
Alpha-Lipoic Acid
Astragaloside
anthocyanidins
Ampelopsin
Alpha phytosterol
Algal protein
Arabinoxylan
alpha Methyl Tetradecylthioacetic Acid
Arjunolic acid
Bifidobacterium adolescentis
Beta-hydroxybutyrate
Blakeslea trispora
Bean
Betanin
Brazil nut
Charantin
California chia
Cardarine
Cyanobacteria
Capsinoids
Cyanidin
chlorogenic acid
Capsiate
Chitin-Glucan Complex
Calanus finmarchicus
Crocetin
Cynaropicrin
Cystoseira canariensis
corosolic acid
Crypthecodinium
Carnosic acid
Docosahexaenoic Acid
Dunaliella
Dihydrocapsiate
Dragon Fruit
Dihydrolipoic Acid
D-Pinitol
Diosgenin
Ergothioneine
Evodiamine
Ecklonia
Flavanols
peanut
Pistachio
Other health conditions supported by chromium
Addictions (sugar or refined carbohydrates)Diabetes
Metabolic Syndrome
PMS Type C
Sugar Cravings
Products containing chromium
Designs For Health
Acnutrol™ capsules
Vitabase
Active Man's Formula
Vitabase
Active Woman's Multi
Thorne
Advanced Nutrients Multivitamin
Metagenics
Akkermansia Co.™ Healthy Weight with Glucose Control
Metagenics
Axis Endo™ Mango
Douglas Laboratories
Basic Minerals ™
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Basic Nutrients 2/Day Multivitamin
Thorne
Basic Prenatal Multivitamin
Vitabase
Blood Sugar Formula
Metagenics
Bone Builder Active
Pure Encapsulations
CarbCrave Complex
Thorne
Catalyte
Vitabase
Cholesterol Support
Thorne
Chromium Picolinate
Metagenics
Chromium Picolinate
Pure Encapsulations
Chromium Picolinate 200 mcg
Douglas Laboratories
Chromium Picolinate
Pure Encapsulations
Chromium Picolinate 500 mcg
Pure Encapsulations
Chromium Picolinate 500 mcg
Designs For Health
Chromium Synergy™
Metagenics
Clear Change 10-Day Detox Program with UltraClear Plus Berry
Metagenics
Clear Change 10-Day Detox Program with UltraClear Plus pH
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Clear Change 10-Day Detox Program with UltraClear Plus pH Pineapple Banana
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Clear Change 10-Day Detox Program with UltraClear Plus Pineapple Banana
Metagenics
Clear Change 10-Day Detox Program with UltraClear Plus Vanilla
Metagenics
Clear Change 10-Day Detox Program with UltraClear RENEW Berry
Metagenics
Clear Change 10-Day Detox Program with UltraClear RENEW Chai
Metagenics
Clear Change 10-Day Detox Program with UltraClear RENEW Vanilla
Metagenics
Clear Change 28-Day Detox Program with UltraClear Plus Berry
Metagenics
Clear Change 28-Day Detox Program with UltraClear Plus pH Pineapple Banana
Metagenics
Clear Change 28-Day Detox Program with UltraClear Plus pH Vanilla
Metagenics
Clear Change 28-Day Detox Program with UltraClear Plus Pineapple Banana
Metagenics
Clear Change 28-Day Detox Program with UltraClear Plus Vanilla
Metagenics
Clear Change 28-Day Detox Program with UltraClear RENEW Berry
Metagenics
Clear Change 28-Day Detox Program with UltraClear RENEW Chai
Metagenics
Clear Change 28-Day Detox Program with UltraClear RENEW Vanilla
Designs For Health
Complete Mineral Complex
Designs For Health
DFH Complete Multi™
Designs For Health
DFH Complete Multi™ with Copper
Designs For Health
DFH Complete Multi™ with Copper & Iron
Thorne
Diabenil
Designs For Health
EndoTrim™
Metagenics
Endura® Lemonade
Pure Encapsulations
Energize Plus™ Pure Pack
Metagenics
Fem Prenatal®
Metagenics
GI Sustain™ Powder
Pure Encapsulations
GlucoFunction
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GlucoFunction
Pure Encapsulations
Glucose Support Formula
Pure Encapsulations
Glucose Support Formula
Metagenics
Ketogenic Shake Chocolate
Metagenics
Ketogenic Shake Vanilla
Klean Athlete
Klean Multivitamin ™
Vitabase
Life's Essentials Plus
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Pure Encapsulations
LiquiNutrients
Thorne
MediClear Plus
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Metabolic Lean
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Metabolic Synergy™
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Metabolic Synergy™
Pure Encapsulations
Metabolic Xtra
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MetaGlycemX™
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MetaGlycemX
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MetaKids Nutrition Powder Chocolate
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MetaKids Nutrition Powder Vanilla
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Mineral 650
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Mineral 650 without Cu &Fe
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MitoVive
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Multi t/d
Pure Encapsulations
Multi t/d
Thorne
Multi-Vitamin Elite NSF
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Multi-Vitamin Elite NSF
Metagenics
Multigenics®
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Multigenics Intensive Care
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Multigenics Intensive Care without Iron
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Multigenics without Iron
Pure Encapsulations
NeuroMood Pure Pack
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Nutrient 950®
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Nutrient 950®
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Nutrient 950®
Pure Encapsulations
Nutrient 950® A without Copper & Iron
Pure Encapsulations
Nutrient 950® with NAC
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Nutrient 950® with Vitamin K
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Nutrient 950® without Copper, Iron & Iodine
Pure Encapsulations
Nutrient 950® without Iron
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Nutrient 950® without Iron
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O.N.E.™ Multivitamin
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O.N.E.™ Multivitamin
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O.N.E.™ Multivitamin
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PaleoCleanse Plus™
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PaleoCleanse Plus™Chocolate Detox Kit
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PaleoMeal®
Designs For Health
PaleoMeal®
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PhytoMulti™ Multivitamin
Metagenics
PhytoMulti With Iron
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PhytoMulti Without Iron
Metagenics
PhytoMultivitamin
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Plant Protein Cleanse
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Plant Protein Cleanse Plus™ 570g
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Plant Protein Meal
Designs For Health
Plant Protein Meal Plus
Designs For Health
Plant Protein Meal
Metagenics
PlusOne® Daily Prenatal Packs
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Polyphenol Nutrients
Pure Encapsulations
Polyphenol Nutrients
Douglas Laboratories
Prenatal
Pure Encapsulations
PreNatal Nutrients
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PreNatal Nutrients
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Prenatal Pro™
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Primal Multi™
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PureGenomics® Multivitamin
Pure Encapsulations
PureGenomics® UltraMultivitamin
Pure Encapsulations
PureLean® Protein
Pure Encapsulations
PureLean® Satiety
Pure Encapsulations
PurePals
Pure Encapsulations
PurePals with Iron
Pure Encapsulations
PureResponse™ Multivitamin
Vitabase
Super Fat Burner
Designs For Health
Thyroid Synergy™
Thorne
Trace Minerals
Pure Encapsulations
Trace Minerals
Designs For Health
Twice Daily Essential Packets
Designs For Health
Twice Daily Multi™
Designs For Health
Twice Daily Multi™
Designs For Health
Twice Daily Multi™
Metagenics
Ultra Glucose Control® Chocolate
Metagenics
Ultra Glucose Control Chocolate
Metagenics
Ultra Glucose Control Vanilla
Metagenics
Ultra Glucose Control Vanilla
Douglas Laboratories
Ultra Preventive
Douglas Laboratories
Ultra Preventive
Douglas Laboratories
Ultra Preventive ® 2 Daily
Douglas Laboratories
Ultra Preventive 50+ -EZ Swallow
Douglas Laboratories
Ultra Preventive ®-EZ Swallow
Douglas Laboratories
ULTRA PREVENTIVE® III W/COPPER
Douglas Laboratories
Ultra Preventive ® Kids Grape Flavor
Douglas Laboratories
Ultra Preventive ® Kids Orange Flavor
Douglas Laboratories
Ultra Preventive One Daily
Douglas Laboratories
Ultra Preventive® X
Douglas Laboratories
Ultra Protein Green
Metagenics
UltraClear Detox Powder
Metagenics
UltraClear Plus® Detox Powder
Metagenics
UltraClear Plus Detox Powder Berry
Metagenics
UltraClear Plus Detox Powder Pineapple/Banana
Metagenics
UltraClear Plus pH Detox Powder Pineapple/Banana
Metagenics
UltraClear Plus pH Detox Powder Vanilla
Metagenics
UltraClear RENEW Detox Powder Berry
Metagenics
UltraClear RENEW Detox Powder Chai
Metagenics
UltraClear RENEW Detox Powder Vanilla
Pure Encapsulations
UltraDetox 10-Day Pure Pack
Metagenics
UltraGI Replenish® Chocolate
Metagenics
UltraGI Replenish Chocolate
Metagenics
UltraGI Replenish Vanilla
Metagenics
UltraGI Replenish Vanilla
Metagenics
UltraInflamX Plus 360°® Chocolate/Orange
Metagenics
UltraInflamX Plus 360° Mango
Metagenics
UltraInflamX Plus 360° Mango
Metagenics
UltraInflamX Plus 360° Orange
Metagenics
UltraInflamX Plus 360° Original Spice
Metagenics
UltraInflamX Plus 360° Pineapple/Banana
Metagenics
UltraInflamX Plus 360° Pineapple/Banana
Metagenics
UltraMeal Advanced Protein® Dutch Chocolate
Metagenics
UltraMeal Advanced Protein French Vanilla
Metagenics
UltraMeal Advanced Protein Plain
Metagenics
UltraMeal Cardio 360°® Pea/Rice Chocolate
Metagenics
UltraMeal Cardio 360° Pea/Rice Vanilla
Metagenics
UltraMeal® Daily Support Dutch Chocolate
Metagenics
UltraMeal Daily Support Mixed Berry
Metagenics
UltraMeal Rice Vanilla
Pure Encapsulations
UltraNutrient®
Pure Encapsulations
UltraNutrient®
Pure Encapsulations
UltraNutrient®
Pure Encapsulations
VisionPro Nutrients
Designs For Health
Weight Loss Support Packets
Metagenics
Wellness Essentials Active Daily Packs
Metagenics
Wellness Essentials Brain Health Daily Packs
Metagenics
Wellness Essentials® Daily Packs
Metagenics
Wellness Essentials Healthy Balance Daily Packs
Metagenics
Wellness Essentials Men's Vitality Daily Packs
Metagenics
Wellness Essentials Women's Daily Packs
Metagenics
Wellness Essentials Women's Prime Daily Packs
Thorne
Women's Multi 50+
Pure Encapsulations
Women's Nutrients
Pure Encapsulations
Women's Nutrients
Designs For Health
Women's Twice Daily Essential Packets