• Chromium is an essential trace mineral linked to improved insulin regulation and metabolic function.
• Supplements with chromium appeal to health-conscious consumers seeking science-backed, natural solutions.
• Chromium supplements may support prediabetes, metabolic syndrome, and PCOS through enhanced insulin activity.
• Clinical studies have used chromium safely in doses of 200–1000 mcg per day for up to two years.
• Brands expanding into lifestyle nutrition can leverage chromium to meet rising demand for targeted functional supplements.

Chromium as a supplement

Chromium is a trace mineral that has long been recognized for its health benefits. In 2001, the Food and Nutrition Board deemed chromium an essential nutrient because of its relationship with insulin.

In this article, we explore key considerations for nutraceutical brands considering expanding their lifestyle nutrition range to include supplements with chromium.

Chromium is available in two forms:

1. Hexavalent chromium: toxic byproducts from manufacturing stainless steel products that are not safe for human consumption.
2. Trivalent chromium: an essential trace element available from natural food sources.

Please note that all mentions of chromium in this article refer specifically to trivalent chromium, not hexavalent chromium.

Natural food sources of chromium

Chromium is naturally present in many foods, including meats, grains, vegetables, and food and drinks that contain yeast. The amount of chromium contained in food sources may depend upon soil conditions during farming.  

Foods with notable amounts of chromium include meats, grains, fruits, vegetables, and foods and drinks that contain yeast. The exact amounts of chromium in various foods may depend on the soil conditions in the places where those foods are produced.

As cited by Healthline, notable food sources that contain large amounts of chromium include:

• Grape juice (7.5 mcg per serving)
• Ham (3.6 mcg per serving)
• Whole wheat English muffins (3.6 mcg per serving)
• Brewer’s yeast (3.3 mcg per serving)
• Orange juice (2.2 mcg per serving)
• Beef (2 mcg per serving)
• Lettuce (1.8 mcg per serving)

Supplements with chromium

Whilst many multivitamin supplements may already contain chromium, chromium supplements offer an alternative to natural food sources for those with a specific chromium deficiency.

Supplements with chromium contain many forms of chromium, including:

• Chromium picolinate
• Chromium nicotinate
• Chromium polynicotinate
• Chromium chloride
• and chromium histidinate

Recent studies indicate that the global market for nutritional supplements is expected to expand at an annual rate of 8.6% through to 2030, fuelled by increasing health awareness among consumers and a shift towards natural products backed by clinical evidence.

Supplements with Chromium could be the missing piece in your nutraceutical product line and the key to meeting growing market demands.

The role of chromium in the human body

Well-established research has long suggested hat alongside antioxidant effects, chromium may play a key role in:

• Carbohydrate metabolism
• Fat metabolism
• Protein metabolism

Chromium supplement benefits

Evidence suggests supplements with chromium may help support those with illnesses related to chromium deficiency. These illnesses include:

• Prediabetes: Evidence suggests that supplementing with chromium may help control blood sugar levels through the regulation of insulin. Further research suggests a dose-response effect, with higher dosages of chromium offering a higher effect on insulin levels. However, it is not clear if these same effects are seen in those who do not have prediabetes.
• Metabolic Syndrome: Further analysis suggests that chromium supplements may also improve metabolic syndrome because of their effect on insulin’s action.
• PCOS: Limited research suggests potential improvements in blood sugar regulation and blood lipid profiles from supplements with chromium may support PCOS too.

Chromium supplement dosage

When formulating supplements with chromium nutraceutical brands should consider clinical trial data which has safely used chromium in doses of 200-1000 mcg daily for up to 2 years. Dosage recommendations may change for:

• Pregnancy: Whilst chromium is likely safe when taken orally in amounts below adequate intake levels, consumers should always consult their doctor before taking chromium supplements during pregnancy.
• Breastfeeding: There is not sufficient evidence to confirm the safety of consuming chromium supplements whilst breastfeeding. Consumers are best advised to consult their doctor before considering chromium supplementation whilst pregnant.

Supplements with chromium may play a useful role in regulating insulin activity, supporting prediabetes, metabolic syndrome and PCOS.  

As consumer awareness and demand for science-backed lifestyle nutrition supplements grow, nutraceutical brands have an opportunity to expand their product offerings in this space.

Is your nutraceutical brand set up to support the growing demand for supplements with chromium? Contact Rain Nutrience today to learn how we can help you incorporate high-quality ingredients, backed by science, into your supplement line.

Alternatively, explore our other nutraceutical services, including power blending, co-packing, or E-commerce, and contact us today.