Chromium is a nutrient that helps the body process blood sugar, and is often touted as a weight loss supplement and possibly even a therapy for diabetes. However, there is often concern about its safety and possible side effects. One of the more recent studies concluded that it may have mutagenic properties. But others seem to point to its safety. In this article I'll take a look at the evidence to see if chromium is indeed dangerous or not to take as a supplement.

In Alternative Medicine Research, in 2002, a study was published saying that there is no evidence that chromium picolinate (the most common for of chromium supplement) is dangerous, and that the evidence for mutagenic properties is anecdotal. It went on to say that chromium is built up in the kidneys and then expelled from the body, remaining completely harmless. However, some other studies are not so cheery.

A very recent article published in Mutation Research does conclude serious DNA errors in cells that are exposed to high levels of chromium (Mutat Res. 2006 Nov 7;610(1-2):114-23). In addition to this, the FDA recently downgraded the recommended daily allowance (RDA) of chromium due to a study proving cell damage effects from chromium on hamster ovaries.

But hold on a minute!

In yet another study in Mutation Research, the previous study on hamsters was shown to be flawed as the chromium picolinate was exposed to cells longer than they normally would be (Mutat Res. 2005 Aug 1;585(1-2):86-95). This study then went on to conclude the supplement does not pose any danger to cells or cause any form of cell damage in its normally used form. Ugh!

Exasperating, isn't it?

So what does all this mean? Is chromium safe, or not? Unfortunately, we just don't know at this point. The above research appears contradictory partially because of the unknown factors that haven't been accounted for, as well as imperfect research. Remember saccharin? A study was published showing its carcinogenic effects, and led to warning labels on all saccharin-containing products. But then the study was shown to be flawed, as it fed rats thousands times more saccharin than any human could conceivably consume in a day. The warning labels were removed. Is the same thing happening with chromium? We just don't know, and we just don't have answers yet. At the present time, chromium's value as a weight-loss supplement is not strongly supported, but it's short-term safety and lack of side effects is probably good and therefore we do recommend personal experimentation with your dieting program in the short term. However, in answer to chromium's dangers, we just don't know yet.