Yes it is, but only in a low dose that is equivalent to the RDA or RDI of 25mcg.
There are plenty of supplements on the market containing more than this, with some having up to 500 micrograms per tablet! New findings raise concern about the risks of taking high dose chromium supplements long term. Research from the University of NSW’s School of Medical Sciences were published in the chemistry journal Angewandte Chemie and found that higher doses long term are potentially hazardous. They could not say for certain whether it increases the risk of cancer in humans but the fact that the researchers could generate the carcinogenic form (hexavalent chromium) in living cells is concerning.
Cabot Health does not recommend high dose chromium supplements, as we do not think that they are physiological (natural) to the body.
It is, however, important that humans get adequate chromium in their diet, as it is needed for the hormone insulin to function as a blood sugar regulator.
Diets high in processed foods, sugar and refined carbohydrates are often deficient in chromium and also they result in increased urinary chromium excretion. If the diet does not provide adequate chromium, this can lead to a deficiency of chromium.
Chromium deficiency can worsen insulin resistance (same as Syndrome X or Metabolic Resistance) and this can result in impaired control of blood sugar levels.
Three capsules of Glucemic Balance supplies the RDA of chromium, namely 25mcg.
Supplementing with the RDI of chromium (25mcg), provides a safe dose that helps to support healthy metabolism, blood sugar and insulin levels.
References
Linus Pauling Institute
Food & Nutrition Board, Institute of Medicine, National Academy press; 2001:197-223
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