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Chromium is a mineral that plays a key role in nutrient metabolism. Its found naturally in a variety of foods, including broccoli, garlic, and potatoes (1, 2).

Many people take chromium as a supplement to help improve their blood sugar levels. Some research also suggests that it aids conditions like type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome, a group of symptoms that increases your risk of heart disease and diabetes (3).

Still, a quality supplement can be hard to find. Healthline evaluated chromium supplements based on the following criteria:

Here are 10 of the best chromium supplements of 2020.

General price ranges with dollar signs ($ to $$$) are indicated below. One dollar sign means the product is rather affordable, whereas three dollar signs indicate a higher price range.

Generally, prices range from $0.06$0.27 per serving, or $7.07$37.20 per container, though this may vary depending on where you shop.

All products below have a recommended serving size of 1 capsule daily.

Pricing guide

Thorne Research is known for producing high quality supplements that are free of fillers and contaminants.

In addition to undergoing four rounds of testing, this chromium picolinate supplement is derived from sustainably sourced ingredients and manufactured in facilities that are certified by NSF International.

This form of the mineral pairs chromium with picolinic acid, which is thought to increase chromium absorption in your digestive tract (4).

Whats more, this product is completely free of gluten, dairy, soy, and artificial flavors.

Shop for Thornes Chromium Picolinate online.

This Life Extensions chromium product also contains a proprietary blend of ingredients like Indian gooseberry extract and shilajit.

Indian gooseberry is a fruit thats been well studied for its effects on blood sugar control, while shilajit is a substance commonly used in natural medicine that may enhance muscle strength (5, 6, 7).

Life Extensions products are manufactured in facilities certified by NSF International, and each products Certificate of Analysis (COA) provides details on its purity and strength.

Shop for Life Extensions Optimized Chromium with Crominex 3+ online.

This supplement is a good choice for anyone looking for a high dose product.

Its free of artificial sweeteners, colors, and preservatives, as well as gluten, lactose, and eggs.

Furthermore, its manufactured in a facility that is Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) certified, which helps ensure supplement quality.

Shop for Amazing Nutritions Chromium Picolinate online.

Chromium is also sometimes referred to as Glucose Tolerance Factor (GTF), which is the biologically active form of chromium originally identified in brewers yeast (2).

Unlike most other supplements on the market, this NOW Foods product contains chromium chelavite, a form thats been shown to improve insulin sensitivity (8).

This means that it may help enhance your bodys ability to use insulin, the hormone responsible for carrying sugar from your blood to your cells (9).

NOW Foods GTF Chromium is also produced in a GMP-certified facility and verified by Underwriters Laboratories (UL), a third-party organization that sets standards for supplement manufacturing. Whats more, its non-GMO, nut-free, and suitable for vegans and vegetarians.

Shop for Now Foods GTF Chromium online.

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Completely free of synthetic additives and fillers, this supplement is a great choice for those seeking a pure and potent product.

In addition to being free of genetically modified organisms (GMOs), its manufactured in facilities certified by NSF International.

Shop for Superior Labs Chromium Picolinate online.

PurePremiums Chromium Picolinate is perfect for those seeking a lower dose product.

Its also high quality and manufactured in GMP-certified facilities that are inspected by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Additionally, PurePremium offers a simple no-questions-asked refund policy if you decide that a product isnt right for you.

Shop for PurePremiums Chromium Picolinate online.

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This supplement is unique in that its derived from whole food sources and made with chromium from a blend of sprouted legumes and plants.

Its not only certified organic but also vegan, kosher, and gluten-free.

Nutrigolds Chromium Gold boasts 450 mg of an organic sprouted blend of ingredients like navy beans, lentils, and moringa, a plant with medicinal properties thats native to India.

Shop for Nutrigolds Chromium Gold online.

This supplement pairs chromium with cinnamon to help promote better blood sugar control.

Although studies on cinnamons effects on blood sugar are mixed, some research notes that pairing cinnamon with other lifestyle therapies and blood sugar medications may be beneficial (10).

Each tablet provides 1,000 mg of cinnamon.

Additionally, its produced in a GMP-certified facility.

Shop for Best Naturals Cinnamon with Chromium online.

This supplement is made from chromium polynicotinate, a form thats bound to niacin.

While more human research is needed, animal studies suggest that combining chromium with niacin protects against cell damage and enhances this minerals potential health benefits (11, 12, 13).

Pure Encapsulations is certified by NSF International and GMP registered. The company exceeds the standards of United States Pharmacopeia (USP), an organization that evaluates the quality of dietary supplements.

ChromeMate GTF 600 is also certified gluten-free, vegan, and non-GMO.

Shop for Pure Encapsulations ChromeMate GTF 600 online.

This potent supplement is made from two forms of chromium chromium amino acid chelate and chromium nicotinate.

Chromium amino acid chelate is a type of chromium bound to an amino acid. Meanwhile, chromium nicotinate is bound to niacin.

While some animal studies indicate that pairing niacin with chromium is beneficial, additional research is needed on these forms benefits and absorption rates (11, 12, 13, 14).

Natures Sunshine is GMP-certified by NSF International. The company conducts hundreds of product tests to ensure quality.

Notably, each capsule boasts a proprietary blend of medicinal herbs, including red clover flowers, yarrow, and horsetail.

Shop for Natures Sunshines Chromium GTF online.

When selecting a chromium supplement, you should consider several factors.

First, be sure to check the ingredient list. Look for products without artificial ingredients, additives, and fillers.

Youll also want to pay attention to the form. Chromium supplements are available in several forms, including:

Although some studies indicate that your body absorbs chromium picolinate best, theres concern that this form may cause oxidative damage to your cells (15, 16, 17).

Certain supplements may also contain additional ingredients to enhance their potential health benefits, such as cinnamon or other medicinal herbs.

Furthermore, you should look for products that have undergone third-party testing, are certified by organizations like USP or NSF International, and are manufactured in GMP-certified facilities.

Finally, its important to check the product dosage carefully.

Although daily needs vary based on age and sex, the recommended Daily Value (DV) for chromium is 35 mcg. Yet, many supplements pack significantly higher amounts and are available in doses ranging from 2001,000 mcg (2).

Currently, chromium has no established tolerable upper intake (UL), which is the highest amount of a nutrient you can take without risk of adverse health effects (2).

Nonetheless, chromium may interact with certain medications, including antacids, beta-blockers, proton pump inhibitors, insulin, and corticosteroids (2).

If youre on these medications or have any underlying health conditions, consult a healthcare professional before taking chromium.

Check out these two articles to help make supplement shopping a breeze:

The numerous chromium supplements on the market vary in dosage and form.

Some contain added ingredients, such as cinnamon or other herbs and spices, some of which may amplify their potential benefits.

Keep in mind that all of the supplements listed above contain far more than the recommended DV of 35 mcg. If youre concerned about proper dosage or if youre taking any other medications be sure to consult your healthcare provider before taking chromium.

Its also important to pair these supplements with a nutritious and balanced diet.

Continue reading here:

The 10 Best Chromium Supplements of 2020 - Healthline