Chromium Picolinate Side Effects

Chromium picolinate is a compound of chromium and picolinic acid. It is said to be helpful in preventing and/or treating chromium deficiency in humans, which is very rare. Today, chromium picolinate has been attributed with a wide range of health benefits, which include weight loss, muscle gain, stimulation of insulin activity in the body, reducing blood pressure and checking depression, but its efficiency is not yet proved. It is available in the form of herbal supplements and is not a prescribed medication. Presently, chromium picolinate is used as an ingredient in many weight loss formulas.

As an antidepressant, chromium picolinate was found useful to some extent. Some researchers are of the opinion that the compound can reduce carbohydrate craving and thereby, control appetite. But there is no backing to the contention that it aids weight loss and building muscles. Many researches were conducted to find out the effect of chromium picolinate on diabetics. The results were contradictory, but the inference was that it may help in improving glucose metabolism in diabetics. However, there is no authentic support for this analogy.

Even though, this supplement is considered safe, there are instances of mild to moderate and severe side effects. Chromium picolinate side effects include headaches, insomnia, irregular heartbeats, vomiting and diarrhea. If any of the following symptoms appear, you should immediately contact your doctor.

• Vomiting blood or presence of blood in stools.
• Symptoms of kidney malfunctioning like increase or decrease in the production of urine.
• Abdominal pain, dark urine and yellowing of skin and white of eyes.
• Skin allergy causing rashes, itching and swelling.
• Trouble in breathing and wheezing.
• Failure to concentrate.
• Puffiness of the face, lips, mouth or throat.
• Behavioral disorders.

Apart from these symptoms, many people have reported other severe symptoms like kidney failure, liver damage, and anemia after taking supplements containing chromium picolinate for a stipulated period. Researches are underway to determine the other possible side effects of chromium picolinate. One such area of concern is that, it may cause damage to the neurotransmitters, which carry nerve impulses. It may also result in the sharp decline in the blood glucose levels, if taken along with other medication. Chromium picolinate caused skeletal disorders in the fetus of pregnant mice, but safety of this compound in pregnant women is still not proved. According to some studies, this compound enters the cells of the body and reacts with vitamin C to form a reduced form of chromium, which can cause genetic mutations and may lead to cancer too.

As of now, there is no authentic backing to prove the health benefits or the side effects of chromium picolinate. The safest way is to consult your doctor or abstain from using it.