Chromium Polynicotinate
Also known as: niacin-bound chromium, chromium nicotinate, ChromeMate, Cr-polynicotinate
Effective Dosage
200-400 mcg daily (based on limited study data)
What the Science Says
Chromium polynicotinate is a form of the essential trace mineral chromium bound to niacin (vitamin B3), marketed to support blood sugar regulation and cholesterol levels. The available clinical evidence suggests it may help lower total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol, but primarily when combined with other ingredients like glucomannan fiber or grape seed extract — not when taken alone. Studies are small, short-term, and mostly conducted in children or as pilot trials, so the evidence base is limited.
What It Doesn't Do
Not proven to lower cholesterol on its own in the provided studies — the effects seen required combination with other supplements. No solid evidence it aids weight loss. No evidence it meaningfully improves blood sugar in healthy adults based on these studies. Don't assume it's safe just because it's 'natural' — one case report links it to toxic hepatitis.
Evidence-Based Benefits
Chromium polynicotinate is a form of the essential trace mineral chromium bound to niacin (vitamin B3), marketed to support blood sugar regulation and cholesterol levels. The available clinical evidence suggests it may help lower total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol, but primarily when combined with other ingredients like glucomannan fiber or grape seed extract — not when taken alone. Studies are small, short-term, and mostly conducted in children or as pilot trials, so the evidence base is limited.
Weak EvidenceEffective at: 200-400 mcg daily (based on limited study data)
Source: auto-research
Absorption & Bioavailability
Unknown — no bioavailability studies were provided. The niacin-bound form is marketed as better absorbed than other chromium forms, but this claim is not supported by the provided papers.
Red Flags to Watch For
- A documented case of toxic hepatitis (liver damage) was reported after 5 months of use combined with vegetable extracts — liver toxicity is a real risk
- Most positive findings come from combination products; it is unclear how much chromium polynicotinate alone contributes
- Studies are very small (as few as 10 subjects per group) and short-term — not enough to establish long-term safety or efficacy
- Do not confuse with hexavalent chromium (Cr VI), an industrial carcinogen — though Cr III supplements are different, the distinction matters and some papers conflate them
- Widely used in over 1,000 registered supplement products despite a thin evidence base
Products Containing Chromium Polynicotinate
See how Chromium Polynicotinate is used in these analyzed products:
Research Sources
- PubMed
- NIH DSLD
This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen. Last updated: 2026-04-10