Chromium is considered as an essential trace element, important in carbohydrates, lipids and in protein metabolism because, when it is deficient, it could lead to glucose intolerance and insulin resistance (1).

Over one-half the adult US population consumes nutritional supplements, and over one-quarter consumes supplemental chromium. The odds of having type 2 diabetes were lower in those who, in the previous 30 d, had consumed supplements containing chromium. Given the magnitude of exposure, studies on safety and efficacy are warranted (2).

Hexavalent chromium residues from industrial production are considered toxic (2).

Chromium supplement studies

References________________________________________________________________________

(1)  William T. Cefalu  Audrey D. Bell‐Farrow  Jane Stegner  Zhong Q. Wang  Telle King  Tim Morgan  James G.   Effect of chromium tripicolinate on insulin sensitivity in vivo.  https://doi.org/10.1002/(SICI)1520-670X(1999)12:2<71::AID-JTRA4>3.0.CO;2-8

(2) McIver DJ, Grizales AM, Brownstein JS, Goldfine AB. Risk of Type 2 Diabetes Is Lower in US Adults Taking Chromium-Containing Supplements. J Nutr. 2015 Dec;145(12):2675-82. doi: 10.3945/jn.115.214569.