Carolyn asked
Hello. I was wondering if there any dangerous interactions or side effects of a chromium picolinate 200mcg supplement? I take these supplements as well: vitamin d3 4,000 vitamin c 500mg calcium. I also take Klonopin. Can this supplement be taken with any of these?
Answer
Chromium Picolinate is generally considered safe to use in appropriate doses. Multiple studies show that doses up to 1,000 mcg (micrograms) per day can be used safely for up to 6 month. The FDA (Food & Drug Administration) has a lower limit but still suggests that doses up to 200 mcg for up to 6 months is safe as well.
As mentioned, side effects are uncommon but the following have been reported in studies of chromium:
- Headaches
- Insomnia
- Sleep disturbances
- Irritability, mood changes
In addition, doses far exceeding recommendations (>1,000 mcg) have been associated with reduced kidney function and kidney failure.
In terms of the possible benefits of chromium supplementation, it is most commonly used for reducing high blood sugar and improving insulin resistance. Evidence is mixed on whether or not chromium does in fact exert positive changes and many conclude that benefits are only seen when there is a clear nutritional deficiency of chromium.
Chromium does not have many documented interactions with drugs. The main concern with chromium is that if it does in fact lower your blood glucose levels, a dose reduction of diabetes medications may be necessary to avoid hypoglycemia.
In conclusion, per FDA recommendations, 200 mcg of chromium appears to be safe and well tolerated. Side effects are uncommon. In addition, there are no reported interactions with the drugs that you are taking.
