Can you overdose chromium

The recommended dietary allowance of chromium picolinate increases with age. Follow your healthcare provider's instructions. Chromium picolinate may be only part of a treatment program that may also include diet, exercise, and weight control.

Follow your diet, medication, and exercise routines very carefully. Take the missed dose as soon as you remember.

Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose. Overdose symptoms may include vomiting, diarrhea, blood in your urine or stools, or coughing up blood. Stop taking chromium picolinate and let your healthcare provider know if you experience any unusual side effects. If you have diabetes, you may have to monitor your blood sugar levels more carefully when taking this mineral.

Your dosage will depend on your age, gender, your medical condition, and other factors. Follow the instructions on your product label carefully. Most people will get all the chromium they need from the foods they eat. The best way to get your daily requirement of chromium is to eat a well-balanced diet. Though evidence to support its use is lacking, some people take chromium picolinate to improve athletic performance, help certain mental health disorders, or treat other conditions.

Health Topics. Health Tools. Chromium might also help depression by inducing and enhancing the release of norepinephrine, another mood-regulating neurotransmitter.

Lastly, research in both animals and humans has shown that chromium seems to decrease the activity of a particular type of serotonin receptor called a 5-HT 2A receptor.

Scientists haven't figured how this happens, but the effect is similar to that seen in people who've used antidepressants for a long time. So far, chromium has shown the most promise for treating subtypes of depression that affect carbohydrate cravings and appetite regulation, such as atypical depression.

For example, one study showed that chromium may affect symptoms such as increased appetite and eating, carbohydrate cravings, and diurnal mood variation , a type of depression in which symptoms are worse in the morning but improve as the day goes on. The research looking at chromium for treating depression is very preliminary, though, and findings have been mixed, so it's a long way from clear that chromium truly could be a viable treatment for depression.

The good news is that most people are able to take chromium without any problem. The most common side effects are trouble sleeping at the beginning of taking chromium supplements; lots of vivid dreams; and mild tremors. It's also generally safe, so if chromium does pan out as a potential treatment for depression, it's likely to be easy for most people to use. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding may be the one exception since chromium hasn't been tested for safety during pregnancy and lactation.

Certain medications can interact with chromium. In some cases, medications may impair or increase the absorption in chromium. In other instances, chromium may interfere with or enhance the effects of medications. Talk to your doctor before taking chromium if you are currently taking any of the following:. Since chromium can interfere with sleep, it's a good idea to take it in the morning.

Do not take chromium supplements if you are pregnant or breastfeeding and do not give supplements to children as the effects and safety for these populations have not been established. If you have kidney disease, liver disease, or diabetes, avoid taking chromium supplements or talk to your doctor first. Because chromium may affect your insulin levels, you should consult your doctor and monitor your blood sugar closely if you have diabetes.

According to research, the best tolerated and most easily absorbed form of chromium is chromium picolinate. Chromium is widely available over the counter and is one of the most commonly used supplements.

These supplements are available in capsule and tablet form, but it can also be taken as a powder that can be mixed with a liquid for ingestion. It's often sold as an individual supplement, but it is also often included in products that are marketed for performance enhancement and weight loss. Because it is unknown how much chromium people need, there are no recommended dietary allowances RDA for this supplement. Supplements often contain between 50 and mcg per dosage.

Chromium is also available by prescription as an injection. The suggested dosage for this injection is 10 to 15 mcg per day for adults. The National Institutes of Health reports that adult women average between 23mcg and 29mcg of chromium from food, which meets their adequate intake needs.

Men, on the other hand, take in an average of 39mcg to 54mcg per day from food, which means they exceed the recommended adequate intake amounts.

There are no current dosage recommendations for people who have depression. One study found that taking to mcg of chromium per day was linked to reductions in symptoms of depression, but further research is needed. While studies have examined the effects of chromium supplements in varying dosages, it is not yet known how much is too much and what the potential effects of excessive chromium intake may be.

The National Institutes of Health states that more research on the safety and efficacy of chromium supplementation is needed and that people should always talk to their doctor before taking any supplements. Most people meet or exceed their adequate intake levels of chromium through diet alone. If you do decide to take a chromium supplement, choose one from a reputable brand and retailer.

Always follow the dosage recommendations and talk to your doctor about any potential interactions or concerns beforehand. To get more chromium from food, look to these good sources:. In this Honest Nutrition feature, we explore the practice of "clean eating," and why this concept has been a controversial one for researchers. A recent study found several phthalates and other plasticizers in food items from leading fast-food chains, highlighting the need for more regulation.

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Medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph. Requirements Food sources Benefits and risks Cautions Chromium is an essential trace mineral that can improve insulin sensitivity and enhance protein, carbohydrate, and lipid metabolism. Requirements and sources. Share on Pinterest Chromium can enhance insulin sensitivity, helping the body to correctly process blood glucose.

Foods high in chromium. Share on Pinterest Broccoli is an excellent source of chromium. Benefits and risks of chromium supplements. Share on Pinterest Chromium supplements are often sold to support exercise, weight loss, and bodybuilding. Cautions about supplements. Exposure to air pollutants may amplify risk for depression in healthy individuals. Costs associated with obesity may account for 3. Related Coverage.