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Other drug names: | A-Am An-Az B C-Ch Ci-Cz D-Dh Di-Dz E F G H I-J K-L M-Mh Mi-Mz N-Nh Ni-Nz O P-Pl Pm-Pz Q-R S-Sn So-Sz T-To Tp-Tz U-V W-Z 0-9 |
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Note: | For quick reference, the following chromium supplements are numbered to match the corresponding brand name. |
This information applies to the following: | |||
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‡ Generic name product may be available in the U.S. | |||
§ Generic name product may be available in Canada | |||
* Not commercially available in the U.S. | |||
† Not commercially available in Canada |
Chromium supplements are used to prevent or treat chromium deficiency.
The body needs chromium for normal growth and health. For patients who are unable to get enough chromium in their regular diet or who have a need for more chromium, chromium supplements may be necessary. They are generally taken by mouth but some patients may have to receive them by injection. Chromium helps your body use sugar properly. It is also needed for the breakdown of proteins and fats.
Lack of chromium may lead to nerve problems and may decrease the body's ability to use sugar properly.
There is not enough evidence to show that taking chromium supplements improves the way your body uses sugar (glucose tolerance).
Injectable chromium is given by or under the supervision of a health care professional. Other forms are available without a prescription.
Chromium supplements are available in the following dosage forms:
The daily amount of chromium needed is defined in several different ways.
Because a lack of chromium is rare, there is no RDA or RNI for it. Normal daily recommended intakes for chromium are generally defined as follows:
If you are taking this dietary supplement without a prescription, carefully read and follow any precautions on the label. For chromium, the following should be considered:
Allergies—Tell your health care professional if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to chromium. Also tell your health care professional if you are allergic to any other substances, such as foods, preservatives, or dyes.
Pregnancy—It is especially important that you are receiving enough vitamins and minerals when you become pregnant and that you continue to receive the right amount of vitamins and minerals throughout your pregnancy. The healthy growth and development of the fetus depend on a steady supply of nutrients from the mother. However, taking large amounts of a dietary supplement during pregnancy may be harmful to the mother and/or fetus and should be avoided.
Breast-feeding—It is important that you receive the right amounts of vitamins and minerals so that your baby will also get the vitamins and minerals needed to grow properly. However, taking large amounts of a dietary supplement while breast-feeding may be harmful to the mother and/or baby and should be avoided.
Children—Problems in children have not been reported with intake of normal daily recommended amounts.
Older adults—Problems in older adults have not been reported with intake of normal daily recommended amounts.
Other medicines—Medicines or other dietary supplements
Although certain medicines or dietary supplements should not be used together at all, in other cases they may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your health care professional may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your health care professional if you are using any other dietary supplement or any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medication.
Dosing—
The amount of chromium needed to meet normal daily recommended intakes will be different for different individuals. The following information includes only the average amounts of chromium.
Missed dose—
If you miss taking chromium supplements for one or more days there is no cause for concern, since it takes some time for your body to become seriously low in chromium. However, if your health care professional has recommended that you take chromium, try to remember to take it as directed every day.
Storage—
To store this dietary supplement:
No side effects or overdoses have been reported for chromium. However, check with your health care professional if you notice any unusual effects while you are taking it.
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Page last updated: 22 October 2004 |