CHROMIUM

Kidney damage but also to lung and other cancers as well as skin conditions such as eczema and other inflammations of the skin is associated to being exposed to high levels of chromium on the job (such as in metallurgy and electroplating).

It may cause blood sugar to lower too much if taken along with diabetes medications. If you have diabetes, use chromium products cautiously and monitor blood glucose levels closely. Dose adjustments to diabetes medications might be necessary.

Precautions

Before taking chromium, you should take note of the following:

• Chromium is likely safe to use during pregnancy when taken by mouth. However, pregnant women should not take chromium supplements during pregnancy unless advised to do so by their healthcare provider
• Adequate amount of chromium is likely safe for mothers who are breastfeeding. However, there is not enough reliable information about the safety of taking higher amounts of chromium if you are breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
• Avoid use of chromium if you have behavioral or psychiatric conditions such as depression, anxiety, or schizophrenia. It might affect brain chemistry and might make behavioral or psychiatric conditions worse.
• Chromium can trigger allergic reaction. Symptoms include redness, swelling, and scaling of the skin.
• If you have diabetes, use chromium products cautiously and monitor blood glucose levels closely. Chromium might lower blood sugar levels too much if taken along with diabetes medications.
• Don’t take chromium supplements, if you already have kidney disease.
• Don’t take chromium supplements, if you already have liver disease.

Interactions

Insulin interacts with Chromium

Chromium might decrease blood sugar. Insulin is also used to decrease blood sugar. Taking both medications might cause your blood sugar to be too low. Monitor your blood sugar closely. The dose of your insulin might need to be changed.

Levothyroxine (Synthroid) interacts with Chromium

Chromium makes levothyroxine (Synthroid) less effective. Chromium might decrease how much levothyroxine (Synthroid) that the body absorbs. To help avoid this interaction, levothyroxine (Synthroid) should be taken 30 minutes before or 3-4 hours after taking chromium.

The chromium found in foods will not hurt you. But taking excessive chromium supplements can lead to stomach problems and low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Too much chromium from supplements can also damage the liver, kidneys, and nerves, and it may cause irregular heart rhythm. But side effects from taking chromium supplements are rare.

Available brands:

• Chromium picolinate
• GNC Chromium picolinate 200