Does Chromium Work?

Chromium, a trace mineral, is essential for overall human health. Rarely, a lack of chromium in the diet can lead to fatal deficiency. Most people don't need to take chromium supplements, but several people have asked themselves, or their health care providers, "Does chromium work?"

The answer to this question depends largely on how the person defines "work." While chromium obviously "works" to prevent chromium deficiency, it does not "work" as a panacea or a cure for cancer. Here's an overview of chromium's most popular uses and the evidence supporting them.

What Chromium Probably Works For

Chromium is a reliable prevention for chromium deficiency. There is also fairly solid scientific evidence supporting its use as a complementary treatment for diabetes, especially type 2 (adult-onset) diabetes. However, more studies are still needed to determine chromium's efficacy in comparison to other treatments, and to measure the benefits of chromium supplements compared to dietary chromium intake.

What Chromium Might Work For

Evidence is conflicting or scant regarding many of the popular uses of chromium. There is not enough evidence to confirm or refute claims that chromium boosts metabolism, accelerates weight loss, treats depression, prevents heart attack, or stabilizes hormone levels. If you have any of these conditions, your health care provider may recommend chromium as a complementary treatment, but there isn't enough evidence to conclusively prove that it works better than a placebo.

What Chromium Doesn't Work For

Chromium is ineffective in some capacities. Several studies have found that it does not work better than a placebo as a treatment for reactive hypoglycemia, or prediabetes. It also fails to increase body mass in body-builders or enhance the size and strength of muscles. Despite evidence of its ineffectiveness, chromium remains a popular alternative supplement for body-building athletes and people with prediabetes.