Chromium
Chromium comes in two very different forms. Trivalent chromium is the form in food and supplements and is low risk. Hexavalent chromium, from chrome plating, welding stainless steel and some industries, is toxic and causes cancer.
Hexavalent chromium at work
- Chrome plating, welding and cutting stainless steel, cement work, leather tanning, some paints and pigments
- Skin: allergic dermatitis and painful ulcers (“chrome holes”)
- Nose: ulcers and a hole in the nasal septum
- Lungs: asthma, and a higher risk of lung and sinus cancer with long exposure
Work with chrome? Use extraction, gloves and respiratory protection, and ask about health monitoring. Tell your GP about your job if you have a persistent rash, nose bleeds or crusting, or breathing symptoms.
Hip implants
- Worn metal-on-metal hips release chromium along with cobalt
- Blood chromium and cobalt are monitored together
Chromium supplements
- Marketed for blood sugar, weight loss and muscle
- Trials show small and inconsistent effects on blood sugar, and little or no effect on weight
- Not a substitute for diabetes medicines, diet and exercise
- Rare reports of kidney and liver problems with high doses
Chromium picolinate: big promises, small numbers, shiny label.
Food sources
- Wholegrains, broccoli, meat, nuts and brewer’s yeast
- True deficiency is rare and mostly seen with long-term IV feeding
Weird history
- Chromium is named from the Greek chroma, colour, because its compounds are so vividly coloured
- Rubies are red and emeralds green partly thanks to traces of chromium
Common questions
Is chromium toxic?
Hexavalent chromium, found in some workplaces, is toxic and can cause skin ulcers, nasal damage, asthma and cancer. Trivalent chromium in food is low risk.
Do chromium supplements help diabetes?
Trials show small, inconsistent effects on blood sugar. They don’t replace proven diabetes treatment.
What is a chrome hole?
A painful, slow-healing skin ulcer caused by contact with hexavalent chromium at work.
Helpful resources
- Safe Work AustraliaWorkplace exposure guidance. Free.
- Poisons Information Centre: 13 11 26Free advice, 24 hours a day, Australia-wide.
Evidence and more information
- NIH Office of Dietary Supplements: Chromium
- Zhong Q et al. Prosthetic metals: release, metabolism and toxicity (Int J Nanomedicine 2024)
maladywise.com/chromium/