What are the side effects of chromium intake?

December 30, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the National Institutes of Health, while trivalent chromium is an essential trace mineral, excessive intake, particularly of hexavalent chromium or high-dose supplements, can cause a range of adverse health effects. The potential side effects of chromium intake include headaches, mood swings, and more serious complications like kidney or liver damage.

Quick Summary

This guide covers the potential side effects associated with consuming excessive chromium, outlining risks to the kidneys, liver, and mental health. It also details the distinct dangers of toxic hexavalent chromium compared to the typically safe trivalent form found in supplements.

Key Points

Toxicity Varies by Form: While trivalent chromium in food is safe, industrial hexavalent chromium is highly toxic and carcinogenic, primarily when inhaled.
Supplements Pose Risks: High doses of trivalent chromium from supplements, especially chromium picolinate, can cause adverse effects like headaches, mood changes, and gastrointestinal issues.
Organ Damage Concern: Excessive chromium intake has been linked to severe kidney and liver damage, particularly in those with pre-existing conditions.
Mental Health Effects: Some reports indicate that high chromium levels may exacerbate psychiatric conditions, including anxiety and depression.
Drug Interactions: Chromium can interact negatively with several medications, including insulin, thyroid drugs, and NSAIDs, affecting their efficacy or increasing toxicity.
Allergic Reactions: Individuals with chromate sensitivity may develop skin rashes and irritation from chromium supplements.
Industrial Exposure is Dangerous: Occupational exposure to hexavalent chromium can lead to severe health issues, including skin ulcers and lung cancer.

Chromium is a trace mineral important for metabolism, aiding insulin in regulating carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It exists in two main forms: trivalent chromium (Cr(III)), found in food and supplements, and the highly toxic hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)), an industrial pollutant. While Cr(III) is generally safe at moderate levels, high supplement doses or exposure to Cr(VI) can lead to health problems.

Potential Health Risks from Excessive Chromium

Kidney and Liver Damage

High chromium doses, especially from supplements like chromium picolinate, have been linked to potential kidney and liver damage. Reports suggest excessive intake can lead to liver dysfunction and acute renal failure. Individuals with existing kidney or liver conditions should avoid chromium supplements without medical advice.

Neurological and Mental Health Changes

Excessive chromium intake might affect brain chemistry, potentially worsening conditions like depression and anxiety. Reported side effects include headaches, insomnia, irritability, mood swings, impaired thinking, poor coordination, and cognitive dysfunction.

Gastrointestinal and Metabolic Issues

High chromium levels can cause stomach upset, irritation, and diarrhea. Severe overdose is rarely associated with gastrointestinal bleeding. Excessive intake may also interfere with insulin, potentially worsening sensitivity and causing low blood sugar when combined with diabetes medications.

Allergic and Skin Reactions

Those sensitive to chromium or with a history of chromate allergies may experience allergic skin reactions from supplements. Symptoms include redness, itching, swelling, or scaling dermatitis. Industrial hexavalent chromium exposure is known to cause severe skin issues, including 'chrome ulcers'.

Interaction with Medications

Chromium can interact with various medications, altering their effects. Consult a healthcare provider before taking chromium supplements with any prescription drugs.

Diabetes Medications: May cause dangerously low blood sugar when combined with insulin or other antidiabetes drugs.
Thyroid Medications: Can reduce the absorption of levothyroxine.
NSAIDs: Like aspirin, can increase chromium absorption, potentially raising side effect risk.
Antacids: Certain types may hinder chromium absorption.

Comparison of Chromium Forms and Intake Levels


Feature	Trivalent Chromium (Cr(III))	Hexavalent Chromium (Cr(VI))
Source	Foods (meat, fish, fruits); supplements.	Industrial pollutant (air, water); manufacturing.
Toxicity Level	Low at recommended doses; risks with high supplemental doses.	Highly toxic, carcinogenic via inhalation/ingestion.
Health Effects (Excess)	Mood changes, headaches, potential organ damage at high doses.	Severe damage to organs (kidneys, liver, stomach, lungs); confirmed carcinogen via inhalation.
Primary Concern	Toxicity from supplement overdose/long-term high use.	Carcinogenicity and acute toxicity from industrial/environmental exposure.

Signs of High Chromium Intake

Symptoms of excessive chromium intake vary. Some are minor, while others indicate serious health issues.

Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
Elevated cholesterol, potential cardiovascular issues
Headaches, dizziness, insomnia
Mood swings, irritability
Gastrointestinal upset (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea)
Unexplained weight loss, appetite changes
Anemia
Allergic reactions (skin rashes, redness, swelling)

Conclusion: Navigating Chromium Intake Safely

While trivalent chromium from food is generally safe and supports metabolic functions, supplemental intake requires caution. High doses are linked to serious side effects affecting the kidneys, liver, and mental health. The highly toxic hexavalent form, mainly from industrial sources, poses significant health risks. Organizations like the American Diabetes Association do not recommend supplemental chromium for glucose control due to inconsistent evidence and potential risks. To stay safe, consult a healthcare professional before taking chromium supplements, especially with existing health conditions or other medications. A balanced diet usually provides sufficient chromium for most individuals.

For more on chromium types, see the CDC's overview.

Frequently Asked Questions

Taking too much chromium, especially through high-dose supplements, can lead to side effects such as headaches, insomnia, mood swings, stomach upset, and, in severe cases, liver or kidney damage. It can also interfere with blood sugar regulation.

Yes, high doses of chromium supplements have been linked to potential kidney damage, especially for individuals with pre-existing kidney disease. Reports of kidney failure have been documented following excessive chromium picolinate intake.

Yes, chromium may affect brain chemistry and can potentially worsen behavioral or psychiatric conditions like anxiety and depression. Side effects such as irritability, mood changes, and sleep disturbances have also been reported.

Trivalent chromium (Cr(III)) is the essential nutrient form found in food and supplements, generally considered safe at appropriate doses. Hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) is a toxic industrial byproduct and environmental contaminant, which is carcinogenic and much more harmful.

Individuals with kidney disease, liver disease, pre-existing psychiatric conditions, diabetes, or those taking medications like insulin, thyroid hormones, or NSAIDs should avoid chromium supplements unless advised by a healthcare professional.

Yes, chromium can interact with several medications. It can lower blood sugar too much with insulin or antidiabetes drugs and decrease the absorption of thyroid medication like levothyroxine. NSAIDs and aspirin can also increase chromium absorption.

Skin-related side effects from chromium include allergic contact dermatitis (red, itchy, swollen skin) and rashes, especially in individuals with chromium sensitivity. Severe industrial exposure to hexavalent chromium can cause painful ulcers.