What Is Chromium?
How much chromium you need, and why, plus where to find it
Benefits of Chromium
Chromium is an essential mineral that helps control blood sugar levels. Whether chromium helps reduce the risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease linked to blood sugar levels remains unclear.
Recommended Amount: How Much You Need
There's not enough scientific evidence to support an optimal amount of chromium for good health, but the Institute of Medicine has set the adequate intake level for chromium at 20–25 micrograms (mcg) per day for women and 30–35 mcg per day for men.
Good Sources of Chromium
It's best to get chromium from food rather than chromium supplements, but specific amounts in foods are tough to pin down: Chromium is difficult to measure accurately, and values can vary greatly, depending on how a product is grown and processed. Eating a diverse diet with plenty of fruit, vegetables, and whole grains should provide you with all the chromium your body needs. Use these tips to diversify your diet.
