Chromium Picolinate Side Effects
- Chromium picolinate helps to process carbohydrates and fats by breaking them down into glucose to provide energy for the body. According to Healthline.com, chromium picolinate may help regulate blood sugar, increase athletic strength and decrease body fat. It also may help with depression and preventing heart disease. These claims about chromium picolinate supplements have not been approved or endorsed by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
- As with any medication, there are some side effects associated with chromium picolinate. Less serious side effects include vomiting, diarrhea and irritability. In addition, a patient may experience headaches and sleeping problems.
- Serious side effects include anemia, stomach pain and vomiting blood or passing blood in the stool. Other symptoms may include signs of kidney damage demonstrated by an increase or decrease in urinary output that is not influenced by the amount of fluids taken. There also may be problems thinking or concentrating or signs of jaundice indicated by a yellowish discoloration of the skin and whites of the eyes or dark-colored urine. Stomach pain and seizures also may may occur.
- An allergic reaction, such as a rash or hives with itching is a serious medical emergency. There also may be swelling of the face, mouth and tongue or throat and wheezing, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing.
- Discuss your medical history with your doctor including any medications you are taking, allergies you have, in particular any allergy to chromate or leather. Discuss medical conditions like diabetes, liver or kidney diseases or any kind of mental conditions. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or planning to get pregnant before taking chromium picolinate.