Chromium Guide

Chromium is an essential trace mineral that supports healthy glucose metabolism and helps the body metabolize nutrients. Learn about its role, daily needs, and what to consider when choosing a supplement.¹,²

✅ Reviewed by Jamieson's Science Team

Quick Answers

What does chromium do?

Chromium supports healthy glucose metabolism and helps the body metabolize nutrients.¹

How much chromium do adults need?

The Adequate Intake is 35 mcg per day for adult men aged 19–50 and 25 mcg for adult women aged 19–50.²

Where does chromium come from?

Chromium occurs naturally in a variety of foods, including meat, grains, fruits, vegetables, and some seafood.³

Is more chromium better?

No. Health Canada hasn’t established a tolerable upper intake level for chromium because available evidence is insufficient, not because high intakes are known to be risk-free.²

What is chromium?

Chromium is an essential trace mineral, meaning the body needs it in small amounts. It occurs naturally in foods and is also available in supplements.²,³ 

Health Canada recognizes chromium as a mineral used in natural health products to support glucose and nutrient metabolism.¹ 

How does the body use chromium?

Chromium supports the body’s ability to metabolize nutrients and helps maintain normal blood glucose levels.¹ 

Health Canada recognizes chromium for supporting healthy glucose metabolism, helping prevent chromium deficiency, and maintaining the body’s ability to metabolize nutrients.¹

Which health goals can chromium support?

Healthy Glucose Metabolism

Chromium supports healthy glucose metabolism and helps maintain normal blood glucose levels.¹

Nutrient Metabolism

Chromium helps maintain the body’s ability to metabolize nutrients, including carbohydrates and fats.¹

Everyday Wellness

Chromium is an essential trace mineral that helps prevent chromium deficiency and supports normal metabolic processes.¹

How can chromium fit into your routine?

Chromium is needed in small amounts and is found naturally across a varied diet. 

  • Eat a mix of foods: Meat, grains, fruits, vegetables, and seafood can contribute chromium.³ 
  • Support everyday metabolism: Chromium helps the body metabolize nutrients.¹ 
  • Think beyond one nutrient: Balanced meals and regular activity remain the foundation of healthy glucose metabolism. 
  • Watch for overlap: Chromium may already be present in multivitamins or combination supplements. 

*It is important to consult your trusted healthcare practitioner before adding any new natural health supplement to your routine. 

What should you look for in a chromium supplement?

Start with what you need, then choose a product that fits your life.

  • Check the amount: Compare the chromium provided per serving. 
  • Review the form: Chromium can be supplied in different forms, including amino acid chelates.⁴ 
  • Consider the formula: Choose chromium alone or in a combination product. 
  • Check other supplements: Avoid unnecessary overlap with multivitamins or other chromium-containing products. 
  • Follow health guidance: People with diabetes should consult a healthcare practitioner before using some chromium-containing formulas. 
  • Look for an NPN: Choose a licensed natural health product with an eight-digit NPN. 
  • Look for quality: Jamieson products are backed by the Jamieson 360 Quality Promise. 

For more than 100 years, Jamieson has combined scientific expertise with rigorous quality testing. Every product is backed by the Jamieson 360 Quality Promise. 

*It is important to consult your trusted healthcare practitioner before adding any new natural health supplement to your routine.  

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FAQs
How much chromium do adults need each day?

For adults aged 19–50, Health Canada lists an Adequate Intake of 35 mcg per day for men and 25 mcg for women. Needs change with age and during pregnancy and breastfeeding.²

What’s the difference between an Adequate Intake and a recommended daily allowance?

An Adequate Intake is used when there isn’t enough evidence to establish a Recommended Dietary Allowance. It represents an intake expected to meet the needs of most healthy people.²

Does chromium help maintain normal blood glucose levels?

Yes. Health Canada recognizes chromium for supporting healthy glucose metabolism and helping maintain normal blood glucose levels.¹

Sources

1. Health Canada. Multi-Vitamin/Mineral Supplements Monograph. Natural and Non-prescription Health Products Directorate.[Text Wrapping Break]https://webprod.hc-sc.gc.ca/nhpid-bdipsn/atReq?atid=multi_vitmin_suppl&lang=eng 

2. Health Canada. Dietary Reference Intakes Tables: Reference Values for Elements.[Text Wrapping Break]https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/food-nutrition/healthy-eating/dietary-reference-intakes/tables/reference-values-elements.html 

3. Health Canada. Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality: Guideline Technical Document — Chromium.[Text Wrapping Break]https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/publications/healthy-living/guidelines-canadian-drinking-water-quality-guideline-technical-document-chromium.html 

4. Health Canada. Natural Health Products Ingredients Database — Chromium.[Text Wrapping Break]https://webprod.hc-sc.gc.ca/nhpid-bdipsn/singredReq?id=980