What is Chromium Picolinate?
Chromium picolinate is the most commonly used organic (chelated) form of the trace element chromium for nutritional purposes, with relatively high bioavailability. Trivalent chromium is considered a trace mineral that supports the effect of insulin in carbohydrate and fat metabolism. EFSA has evaluated chromium picolinate as a source of dietary supplements.
- Molecular formula: Molecular Weight: 505.39 g/mol
- CAS number: 14639-25-9
- Form: Powder / Organic Chromium Complex
- Quality: Food / Pharmaceutical Grade
- Chromium picolinate is the picolinic acid chelate of trivalent chromium (Cr³⁺); it is ~12.2% elemental chromium (200 µg chromium ~1.6 mg chromium picolinate). Only the safe trivalent form is used in supplements; toxic hexavalent chromium (Cr⁶⁺) is NOT USED in food supplements.
What is Chromium Picolinate Used For? Why is it Used?
Chromium picolinate is a practical source for multivitamin-mineral formulations seeking to provide nutritional chromium at low doses with good bioavailability. It can be positioned with EFSA-approved functions of normal macronutrient metabolism and normal blood glucose levels; it contains only safe trivalent chromium.
Main areas of use: Dietary Supplements, Sugar Metabolism, Lipid Metabolism, Diet Products, Functional Foods, Tabletting.
Usage in Dietary Supplements
- Trace amounts in multivitamin-mineral premixes: In multivitamin-mineral tablets and premixes, it is typically found at low doses at the NRV level (40 µg) or multiples thereof; it is preferred due to its good mixability and stability.
- Blood sugar and metabolism support products: It is used as a chromium source in supplements marketed with positioning for carbohydrate/fat metabolism and normal blood glucose levels (in the range of 40–200 µg elemental chromium).
- Bioavailability advantage: The picolinate chelate is positioned as a better-absorbed form compared to inorganic chromium chloride; it is a practical source in formulations providing chromium at low doses.
- Claim limits: Although marketed with claims of weight control/muscle development, there is no convincing evidence for these effects, and EFSA has not approved these claims; only approved metabolism/blood sugar functions can be declared.
Usage in the Food Industry
- Foods for special dietary purposes and supplements: It is an additive evaluated by EFSA for addition to foods for special dietary purposes and foods intended for the general population as a source of nutritional chromium (fortification source) in the EU.
- No food additive status: Chromium picolinate does not have an E-numbered food additive function (color, preservation, etc.); it is used only as a nutrient (mineral) source.
Effects on Health
Chromium is a mineral that plays a role in many fundamental functions in the body. Main functions authorized/evaluated by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA):
- Normal macronutrient metabolism: EFSA has approved the claim that chromium contributes to normal macronutrient (carbohydrate, fat, protein) metabolism.
- Normal blood glucose levels: EFSA has approved the claim that chromium contributes to the maintenance of normal blood glucose levels.
- Unapproved claims (honest note): Claims such as weight loss, reduction of fatigue, and maintenance of body weight have been REJECTED by EFSA; these effects cannot be declared.
Usage Limits in Dietary Supplements
- Nutrient Reference Value (NRV): Chromium NRV is 40 µg (1169/2011).
- Upper Intake Level (EFSA): EFSA has not established a numerical UL for trivalent chromium (it could not be derived from existing data); this does not mean unlimited intake.
- Turkish legislation (TETGK): Chromium is among the permitted minerals under the Turkish Dietary Supplements Regulation; the NRV % must be declared on the label. For the exact permitted maximum supplement amount, current supplement legislation/guidelines should be followed (not fabricated).
Only trivalent chromium is used in supplements; hexavalent chromium is toxic and carcinogenic and is prohibited in food/supplements.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Chromium Content | 12.0 -12.5 % |
| Appearance | Reddish Purple Powder |
| Moisture | ≤5.0 % |
| Solubility | Insoluble in Water |
Scientific Studies
The following independent researches relate to the bioavailability, usage, and effects of this mineral (evidence levels are specified):
- PubMed 17519436 — Systematic review of randomized controlled studies investigating the effect of chromium supplementation on glucose metabolism and lipids.
- PubMed 12656641 — Review examining the potential value and toxicity of chromium picolinate as a dietary supplement, weight loss, and muscle development agent.
- PubMed 26302914 — Randomized clinical study showing the positive effect of oral chromium picolinate on glycemic control in type 2 diabetes.
Technical Documents and Supply — Asuka Kimya
You can contact Asuka Kimya for SDS, TDS, CoA and supply conditions for Chromium Picolinate.
References
- efsa.europa.eu
- ods.od.nih.gov
- eur-lex.europa.eu
- ec.europa.eu
- pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
The usage and health information on this page has been compiled from official legislation/institution sources (EFSA, NIH ODS, Turkish Food Codex, EUR-Lex) and independent scientific publications (PubMed). The product is a food supplement/food raw material; it does not aim to diagnose or treat diseases.